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Nutritional Rickets in Children

Defective bone mineralisation due to vitamin D and calcium deficiency; correctable with timely diagnosis.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Nutritional Rickets in Children?

Nutritional rickets is a metabolic bone disease in children resulting from defective mineralisation of growing bone due to vitamin D and/or calcium deficiency.

Inadequate sun exposure, breastfeeding without supplementation, dark skin and malabsorption are the main causes.

It causes growth retardation, skeletal deformities (rachitic rosary, bowed legs, frontal bossing), hypocalcaemic seizures and dental anomalies.

Symptoms

Bowed legs (genu varum) and knock knees (genu valgum)
Rachitic rosary at the costochondral junctions
Wide wrists and ankles, frontal bossing
Delayed walking and growth retardation
Hypocalcaemic seizures (in infancy)
Delayed tooth eruption and enamel defects

Risk Factors

Exclusive breastfeeding without vitamin D supplementation
Dark skin colour and inadequate sun exposure
Veiled clothing and life inside the home
Maternal vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy
Malabsorption (coeliac disease, cystic fibrosis)
Premature birth and inadequate calcium intake

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Bowed legs, growth retardation and skeletal deformity require examination
  • Hypocalcaemic seizures in infants are emergency findings
  • Vitamin D deficiency requires laboratory testing
  • Routine vitamin D prophylaxis from birth is essential

Treatment Methods

01
Vitamin D treatment dose (usually cholecalciferol 2000 to 5000 IU/day for two to three months)
02
Calcium supplementation (calcium content of normal diet plus 500 to 1000 mg/day)
03
Routine prophylactic vitamin D 400 IU/day from birth
04
Dietary regulation, fortified foods
05
Increased sun exposure
06
Treatment of underlying cause (coeliac, cystic fibrosis)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.