How to Prevent Rickets

Rickets is the common name for a condition where the bones have become soft and weakened, usually because of a lack of vitamin D. Because it is related to a vitamin deficiency, rickets is easily prevented by ensuring that adequate amounts of vitamin D are present in the body. Vitamin D is essential for absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are vital bone-strengthening nutrients. If vitamin D is not present to help the body absorb these minerals, the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the bloodstream drop. The body responds by leeching these nutrients from the bones, causing them to soften and become weak. While some forms of rickets are genetic and others are related to gastrointestinal disorders such as celiac disease and lactose intolerance, most risk factors for rickets can be easily minimized by ensuring that there appropriate amounts of vitamin D (as well as calcium and phosphorus) in the body.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• foods fortified with vitamin D
• sunlight
• vitamin supplement (for young children)

Steps You Can Take to Prevent Rickets

1. Use a vitamin D supplement, especially with children. Young children have the highest risk for developing rickets because of the rapid pace of bone growth during the first few years. Drinking 2 to 3 glasses of vitamin D fortified milk will provide enough of the nutrient for proper bone growth. Infants who are breastfed exclusively are also at risk because breast milk contains very little vitamin D. Mothers who breastfeed should talk to a doctor about adding a vitamin D supplement (usually in the form of drops) to the baby's diet.

2. Catch some rays. Our skin produces vitamin D in response to sunlight, so spending some time in the sun will help prevent a deficiency. However, infants and young children should avoid direct sunlight or wear sunscreen to avoid potential skin damage from sunburn. Sunscreen prevents the production of vitamin D through the skin, so check with a doctor to be sure your child is getting enough vitamin D through diet. Teenagers and adults usually get enough sun for adequate vitamin D production.

3. Enjoy some dairy. Milk products fortified with vitamin D are a good dietary source of the nutrient.

4. Get enough calcium and phosphorus in your diet. Dairy products are high in these nutrients as well, as are leafy green vegetables, fortified juices, and cereals.

5. People who do not consume dairy products (due to a strict vegetarian diet or lactose intolerance) should discuss the potential need for a supplement with their doctor. Other disorders which interfere with the absorption of vitamin D (such as celiac disease) may also create the need for a supplement or other additional treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• Darker-skinned people need longer exposure to sunlight to produce vitamin D.
• Hereditary rickets, which occurs because of decreased renal function, requires different treatment and cannot be prevented with these measures.
• If you feel you are at risk for rickets, discuss specific preventative measures with your doctor.

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