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Caused by a lack of vitamin D or an underlying genetic disorder, rickets can make children highly prone to fractures (Pic: Instagram/iStock)
Popular Youtuber and reality television star Armaan Malik’s son has been diagnosed with Rickets—a childhood disease where the child’s bones become too soft, causing them to warp, bend, and break more easily. Caused by a lack of vitamin D or an underlying genetic disorder, rickets can make children highly prone to fractures.
According to news reports, the two-year-old has been struggling with a lot of health issues, causing constant worry for his parents. His mother, Kritika, has been open about the health conditions, frequently sharing updates through her vlogs.
What is rickets?
According to experts, Rickets is a preventable growth disorder that causes soft, brittle bones and possible deformities in children. “Vitamin D is required for the body to absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for bone mineralization. In the absence of sufficient amounts, bones lose their strength, leading to bowed legs, growth retardation, and bone pain,” Dr. Rahul Verma, Director, Neonatology and General Pediatrics, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, told Times Now.
What causes rickets?
According to experts, nutrition issues are mostly the cause of Rickets, along with:
Nutritional rickets
This is usually caused by not taking in enough vitamin D, which your body uses to absorb calcium. Some of the causes of this deficiency include:
- Insufficient exposure to sunlight, which usually helps your body make its vitamin D.
- Lack of vitamin D in your child’s diet, which happens with mostly vegetarian or vegan diets, or lactose intolerance.
- A diet very low in calcium.
Inherited rickets
According to doctors, many genetic diseases can also interfere with your child’s body and the way it may absorb vitamin D. A few other genetic conditions affect how your body handles phosphorus and also lead to rickets. These types of disorders are rare.
Who is at risk?
Experts say mostly newborns and infants are at the highest risk:
- Especially those who are breastfeeding or who were born prematurely.
- Children who do not get enough sunlight outdoors
- Children who are darker-skinned
How can you prevent Rickets?
“Parents and caretakers have a very important responsibility to ensure that the child achieves nutritional requirements and protects their bone development for proper growth,” said Dr. Verma. A few ways you can prevent rickets in your child include:
Exposure to sunlight
Brief, safe exposure to the sun (10–15 minutes a day) enables the skin to produce vitamin D. “Geography, complexion, and the use of sunscreen may influence synthesis and therefore need adjustments,” he said.
Healthy diet
Supplement the diet of your child with vitamin D sources like fatty fish, fortified dairy foods, cereals, egg yolks, and calcium sources, which include milk and green vegetables. Phosphorus in meat and beans is also important for bones.
Supplements
Dr. Verma says breastfed babies usually need vitamin D drops, as breast milk does not contain enough. “Paediatrician-recommended supplements might be necessary for children with restricted exposure to sunlight or diet,” he said.
Expert tips you must note
Fortified foods
Fortified cereals and plant milks contain vitamin D, particularly for vegan meals.
Close monitoring of high-risk groups
Darker-skinned children, children with malabsorption conditions like celiac disease, or children with restricted access to sunlight need closer monitoring.
Regular check-ups
Regular checks for vitamin D status can result in targeted interventions.
Preventive measures such as a balanced diet, judicious sun exposure, and supplementation can be effective in preventing Rickets.
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