Rachitis is the disorder of the bones in children leading to their weakening and softening due to deficiency of vitamin D and then calcium.
It is caused primarily due to deficiency of vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) and also calcium and phosphate.
Although the deficiency of vitamin D may occur in adults it is called osteomalacia. Mostly, the incidence of this disease is found in malnourished children with deficiency in sun exposure.
Calcium is an essential mineral for the formation of bones and its absorption in intestine is dependent upon the availability of vitamin D in the system.
With sufficient sun exposure all the required vitamin D can be synthesized by the skin.In youngsters with poor exposure to sunlight, the synthesis of this nutrient is affected causing rachitis.
This in turn affects the absorption of calcium in the intestines and rachitis disease is caused.Moreover Cholecalciferol controls the levels of essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus in the blood.
Deformities in the skeleton like pigeon chest, bowed legs and spinal and pelvic deformities are some of the signs of rachitis.
Breast-fed infants who are not exposed to sufficient sun light may develop the condition.
Infants of mothers who are not exposed to sunlight can also develop the disease.
Children who are lactose intolerant and are with darker skin are also predisposed to develop rachitis.
Children in the age group of six months to two years are among the high risk groups for this disease as their bone growth is at a faster rate.
Vitamin D supplements are advised for breastfed infants above 2 months.
Any deficiency at this age and negligence can cause bowed legs and bent backs leading to permanent disability and affliction of rachitis.
Some of the symptoms are pain and tenderness in the bones, muscular pains and predisposition for bone fractures; dental deformities like delay in the formation of teeth and defects in their structure is also seen in rachitis affected.
Distorted skull formation and retarded growth are the other effects of the disease.
Blood tests of the affected children show low levels of serum calcium and serum phosphorus rachitis affected.
This deficiency of vitamin D caused rachitis can be corrected completely, if diagnosed early and treated.
Exposure to sun light, intake of food rich in all essential nutrients and minerals and intake of supplements when required can cure rachitis.
Sufficient intake of milk, milk products, vegetables, fish,egg and fish liver oils in addition to sunlight can prevent the disease in children.Renal disorders and hereditary factors can also become the causative factors of rachitis disease in children.