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Nutritional rickets
K W Feldman1, E K Marcuse, D A Springer
1Odessa Brown Children's Clinic, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Seattle, Washington.
American Family Physician
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Nutritional rickets is a concern for breastfed infants over six months, especially those with darker skin or in northern climates. Vitamin D supplementation is crucial for high-risk infants to prevent this bone disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Nutritional rickets, a bone disorder caused by vitamin D deficiency, affects infants.
- Breastfeeding is increasingly common, highlighting the need to assess infant nutritional adequacy.
- Infants, particularly those with darker skin or in low-sunlight regions, may be at increased risk.
Observation:
- A study diagnosed nutritional rickets in 18 infants aged 8-24 months.
- Clinical signs included leg bowing, poor growth, seizures, and abnormal calcium/phosphate levels.
- Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase and wrist radiographs were key diagnostic indicators.
Findings:
- Breast milk alone may not provide sufficient vitamin D for infants older than six months.
- Risk factors include darker skin pigmentation and residence in northern latitudes with limited sun exposure.
- Dietary vitamin D deficiency is the primary cause of nutritional rickets.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should consider vitamin D supplementation for breastfed infants at high risk.
- Public health initiatives may need to address vitamin D intake in vulnerable infant populations.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to prevent long-term skeletal complications.