Skip navigation
   Other Topics: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W XYZ All Topics

Rickets

Also called: Rachitis 
 
 

Rickets causes soft, weak bones in children. It usually occurs when they do not get enough vitamin D, which helps growing bones absorb important nutrients. Vitamin D comes from sunlight and food. Your skin produces vitamin D in response to the sun's rays. Some foods also contain vitamin D, including fortified dairy products and cereals, and some kinds of fish. Your child might not get enough vitamin D if he or she

  • Has dark skin
  • Spends too little time outside
  • Has on sunscreen all the time when out of doors
  • Doesn't eat foods containing vitamin D because of lactose intolerance or a strict vegetarian diet
  • Is breastfed without receiving vitamin D supplements
  • Can't make or use vitamin D because of a medical disorder such as celiac disease

In addition to dietary rickets, children can get an inherited form of the disease.

 
  • Start Here

    • Rickets(American Academy of Family Physicians)
    • Also available in Spanish

 

 
 
Basics Learn More Multimedia & Cool Tools
  • No links available

 

 
Research Reference Shelf For You

 

 

 

Photograph of a glass of milk

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA  

National Institutes of Health