Rickets: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention

Rickets is a bone disease caused by deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, impairing bone mineralization. Most common in children 6 months to 2 years, but can affect adults.

Symptoms

• Bone pain and tenderness
• Muscle weakness
• Delayed growth and development
• Skeletal deformities: bow legs, knock knees, thickened wrists/ankles
• Soft, weak bones prone to fractures

Diagnosis

Blood tests (vitamin D, calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase) and X-rays showing characteristic bone changes.

Treatment

Supplementation with vitamin D, calcium, and phosphate; dietary adjustments; addressing underlying causes.

Prevention

Ensure adequate intake of:

• Vitamin D: Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), fortified milk/yogurt, eggs, liver, cheese; sunlight exposure.
• Calcium: Dairy, leafy greens (broccoli, kale, spinach), almonds, chia seeds.
• Phosphate: Meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, peas, nuts, seeds.