Rickets | Mate kōiwi takarepa

Rickets usually occurs due to a lack of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your body to absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are needed to build strong bones. Babies, children, teenagers, pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, as the need for vitamin D is higher in these groups.   

Babies and children are also at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency if they:

• have dark skin or a condition that prevents sun exposure
• are exclusively breastfed (having breastmilk only) for an extended period and the introduction of solid food is delayed
• are born to a mother who has low vitamin D levels or has a sibling with low vitamin D levels
• wear clothing that covers their skin most of the time for cultural or religious reasons
• live in southern regions of Aotearoa New Zealand where there is less sun in winter and spring than in other parts of the country
• have a condition that prevents or impairs absorption of vitamin D through the gut, such as Crohn’s disease or coeliac disease
• have a diet that is low in vitamin D (eg, vegetarian).

Rare forms of rickets can also occur in some inherited (genetic) disorders or kidney problems.

Rickets softens the growing tissue at the end of your bones (growth plates). This can cause:

• bowed legs or ‘knock-knees’ where the knees tilt inwards while the ankles are apart – but it is normal to have some bowing under the age of 2 years and some children have knock knees until the age of 4
• swelling of wrists, ankles and knee
• pain in your spine, pelvis and legs
• teeth to emerge from your gums later and problems with tooth enamel
• softening of your skull bones, slow closure of soft spots (fontanelles) on the skull and a prominent forehead
• the chest wall (breastbone) to stick out
• bending (curvature) of your spine, although this is uncommon.

Rickets can also cause poor growth, delayed motor skills and muscle weakness. Children with rickets are more likely to fracture their bones.

A diagnosis of rickets is usually confirmed through:

• a physical exam by your healthcare professional where they will gently press on your child’s bones checking for pain or tenderness
• blood tests to check vitamin D, calcium and phosphate levels
• x-rays of the affected bones.

Most cases of rickets can be treated with vitamin D supplements. Your child may also need extra calcium and phosphorous as well. This can be done by increasing the amount of calcium-rich food your child eats or by taking supplements. Improvements can be seen on an x-ray within days of starting supplements.

If your child’s rickets are treated when they are young, there is a good chance any bone (skeletal) problems will disappear as your child matures. In some instances, your healthcare professional may suggest treatment to correct any bone problems.

Your healthcare professional will refer you to a renal (kidney) or endocrinology (hormone) specialist if your child’s rickets is caused by an inherited (genetic) disease or kidney problem.

• Does my child need a vitamin D or calcium supplement?
• Will my child have bone problems later in life?
• What can I do to make sure my child gets enough vitamin D safely?

About 90% of vitamin D comes from skin exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light from the sun and 10% from diet. Babies and young children need extra protection from the sun, particularly from UV rays. However sensible sun exposure can help prevent vitamin D deficiency.   

Vitamin D is also found in small quantities in foods such as eggs, liver, fatty fish (North Sea salmon, herring and mackerel) and portobello and shiitake mushrooms (which make their vitamin D from sunlight).

 Some foods may also have vitamin D added. These include:

• margarine and fat spreads
• some reduced-fat dairy products (eg, milk, dried milk and yoghurt)
• plant-based dairy substitute (eg, soy drinks).