Rickets- The reason why many civilizations worship The Sun as God!

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the absorption of calcium and phosphorous that an individual gets from food. If body does not get Vitamin D in adequate quantities, is difficult to maintain proper balance of calcium and phosphorus. Rickets occurs when there is Vitamin D induced deficiency of Calcium and phosphorus.

This disease is not much severe and prompt treatment in form of dietary supplements and increased exposure to sunlight can help to avoid the possible complications. In some cases, corrective surgery may be required to reduce the deformities.

Symptoms of rickets:-

1. Delayed growth 2. Bowed or curved legs 3. Curved spine 4. Muscle weakness 5. Skeletal deformities 6. Breastbone projection 7. Pelvic pain 8. Pain in legs

Sources of Vitamin D: - There are two main sources of Vitamin D.

• Sunlight: - When the skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces Vitamin D. However, if children mostly play indoors or don’t have access to sunlight, they may develop this condition. • Food: - Dairy and Fishery products such as cheese, fatty fish, egg yolk and fish oils like cod-liver oil are rich in Vitamin D. Being malnourished or not having access to these foods may cause rickets in children.

Inherited conditions: - Some inherited conditions may affect the absorption of Vitamin D. These conditions may be developed over years.

1. Celiac disease 2. Kidney problems 3. Inflammatory bowel disease 4. Cystic fibrosis

Risk Factors:-

1. Age: - Children who belong to age group 3 to 36 months are more risk prone to rickets because their skeletons are underdeveloped and they need more vitamin D for proper development. 2. Dark skin: - If the skin has dark complexion, it is less responsive to sunlight as compared to light colored skin. As a result, it produces less amount of Vitamin D causing the deficiency. 3. Northern latitudes: - Northern latitudes or the places where children do not have much access to sunlight are more prone to this disease. 4. Premature birth: - Risk of developing rickets is higher if babies are born prematurely. 5. Anti-seizure medications: - Some types of anti-seizure medications interfere with body’s ability to create and absorb Vitamin D. 6. Excessive breast-feeding:- breast milk does not contain sufficient amount of Vitamin D. if children are reared on breast milk and not given any vitamin D drops, they are more prone to developing rickets. Breastfeeding children should receive at least 400IU of Vitamin D daily.

Complications: If rickets is kept untreated, it may lead to following complications.

1. Delayed growth 2. Skeletal deformities 3. Dental defects 4. Seizures 5. Abnormal curvatures of spine

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