Rickety bones

March 16, 2010

Today, I read an article on the Beeb about the return of rickets in the UK. I was unfamiliar with what rickets was, yet I had always assumed that it was some ancient disease that had been eradicated years ago. So, today’s question is: what is rickets?

A:
Rickets is a softening and weakening of the bones usually due to a lack of vitamin D, which is essential in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms of rickets can include skeletal deformities including bowed legs, abnormal curvature of the spine, pelvic deformities and breastbone projection in the chest. Additionally, fragile bones, impaired growth, dental problems such as deformed tooth structure, increased chance of cavities, poor enamel and delayed formation of teeth, aching pain or tenderness in the bones, and muscle weakness as a result of rickets.

Children between the ages of 3 and 36 months are most prone to getting rickets because they grow rapidly and may not get the necessary dosage of vitamin D from breast milk. It is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to supplement their own diets with fortified food or to vitamin D tablets. Additionally, the body converts sunlight into vitamin D, therefore children are being encouraged to go outside to play – not just to combat childhood obesity, but also to receive a healthy dose of vitamin D.

Sources:
BBC News: Concern over increase in rickets among ethnic groups
Mayo Clinic: Rickets