Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026
10:46
A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
11.2K
Vitamin D-Deficient Rickets in Japan
Mitsuko Itoh1, Jun Tomio1, Satoshi Toyokawa1
1The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Global Pediatric Health
|June 14, 2017
Summary
Diagnosed cases of vitamin D deficiency and rickets in children have significantly increased in Japan over a 10-year period. Further research is needed to understand the causes and prevention strategies for this growing health concern.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Vitamin D deficiency and rickets pose significant health challenges globally.
- Understanding temporal trends in diagnosis is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the diagnostic trends of vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D-deficient rickets in children in Japan over a decade.
- To identify any significant changes in the incidence of these conditions.
Main Methods:
- An observational study utilizing Japanese health insurance claims data from 2005 to 2014.
- Inclusion criteria focused on children aged 0-15 years diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency or rickets, excluding congenital/secondary rickets and low-birth-weight infants.
- Analysis of patient numbers and temporal trends within the specified age group.
Main Results:
- The annual number of diagnosed cases remained below 5 from 2005 to 2008.
- By 2014, the incidence rose to 12.30 per 100,000 children.
- A notable increase in diagnosed cases was observed between 2009 and 2014.
Conclusions:
- There has been a clear increase in diagnosed vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D-deficient rickets in Japan.
- Further investigation into the trends, etiological factors, and preventive measures for vitamin D-deficient rickets is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
5.7K
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
5.7K
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
5.8K
The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
5.8K
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
8.4K
The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
8.4K
01:30Vitamins
2.6K
Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced...
2.6K
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
6.3K
Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
6.3K
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
6.8K
The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
6.8K