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Rickets due to dietary calcium deficiency
E Legius1, W Proesmans, E Eggermont
1Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.
European Journal of Pediatrics
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Severe rickets in infants can result from calcium deficiency, even with normal vitamin D levels. Consuming soy drinks not fortified for infants can lead to this condition due to low calcium content.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Rickets is a significant skeletal disorder in children.
- Vitamin D deficiency is a common cause of rickets.
- Adequate calcium intake is crucial for bone health in infants.
Observation:
- Three infants (15-18 months) presented with clinical, radiological, and biochemical signs of rickets.
- Serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) levels were normal.
- Serum 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-diOH-D3) levels were markedly elevated.
Findings:
- The rickets presentation was attributed to severe dietary calcium deficiency.
- The infants consumed a commercial soy drink, not adapted for infants, as their primary nutrition.
- This soy drink was found to have extremely low calcium content.
Implications:
- Dietary calcium deficiency can cause severe bone lesions and rickets in children, irrespective of vitamin D status.
- Commercial soy-based beverages require careful evaluation for infant nutritional adequacy, particularly calcium content.
- This highlights the importance of appropriate infant nutrition to prevent metabolic bone diseases.