22 The Christian Reader October 2008
Charles Simmons , MD Rickets Jacksonville , Florida Christian Reader October 2008
RICKETS
By Dr . Charles E . Simmons Simmons Pediatrics , Jacksonville , FL Assisted By Dominique D . Barrs Medical Student
Dr . Charles E . Simmons
22 The Christian Reader October 2008
Vitamin D is vital in the process of the mineralization of the bone . Without an adequate supply , bones may become brittle , frail , and thin . You can find Vitamin D naturally in very few foods , such as fish liver oils , catfish , salmon , tuna , and an egg . However , it is added to milk , yogurt , breads , orange juice , margarine , and breakfast cereals to minimize a risk in Vitamin D deficiency . Along with improper diet , inadequate sunlight exposure can promote a deficiency . Your skin absorbs inactive Vitamin D from the sun ’ s ultraviolet rays . Then the liver and kidneys activate and synthesize the Vitamin D as needed . Vitamin D acts as a hormone . Our bodies need the Vitamin D to promote absorption of calcium and phosphorous in our bloodstream from our gastrointestinal tract . The calcium and phosphorous is needed to build strong and healthy bones . When one ’ s body detects an inadequate supply of calcium and phosphorous , it pulls the stored supply from the bone to raise the blood levels back to homeostasis . When this occurs in children , the condition is called Rickets . This softens or weakens the bone structure , resulting in bowlegs , and curvature of the spine , impeded growth , and deformity of the long bones .
A person is more susceptible of getting rickets because of Vitamin D deficiency if they are a vegetarian , are lactose intolerant , or do not consume milk products . Children in the range of 6 to 24 months are at most in jeopardy of rickets because they are growing without delay and calcium , phosphorous , and Vitamin D , is greatly needed during this time . An infant that is solely breast fed also may lack the adequate amount of Vitamin D . Therefore , supplements are advised to be given to the child in conjunction with the milk . Enough vitamin D may be consumed from sunlight , but sunburn and skin cancer are real dangers for young children , and sunscreens decrease Vitamin D production .
In the United States , having any surgery that removes all or part of the stomach , gastrectomy , and celiac disease , where the small intestine does not absorb certain nutrients from food , are conditions that may impair Vitamin D absorption . In other counties , just the lack of proper nutrition and adequate supply of food brings forth impairment .
Common symptoms of rickets are suffering from tender joints and bones , and high susceptibility to bone fractures . Bowlegs , forward projections of the breast bone , dental problems , and muscle weakness are physical traits . Other complications that may arise if untreated are the delay in your child ’ s motor skills development , possible short stature , and failure to grow and develop normally .
Treatments of any of the vitamins or minerals that the body is lacking can be given once diagnosed . Also , for deformities , there are braces or surgeries that may be done to help correct or relieve pain . This is why prevention is the best key . Along with a well balanced diet , physical examinations , blood tests , x-rays , and knowledge of medical histories are great to help detect rickets if there may be a sign that a child may be at risk .