What Causes Rickets?

Rickets is the result of a deficiency of vitamin D in the body. It is most common in infants and young children, and while it's no longer as prevalent in developed countries as it was one hundred years ago, it's still important to look out for signs of it occurring in your child or anyone else in your family. Left untreated, rickets can cause bones to soften and weaken, leading to fractures and bowed legs. It can also have a significant adverse effect on heart health. However, there are several different causes of rickets, all of which can be managed or even prevented if detected early enough. Here are some of the most common causes of rickets.

Diet Lacking In Vitamin D

A diet lacking in vitamin D is one of the main causes of rickets, especially in infants, toddlers, and young children, though some adults may also be susceptible. This is because the body uses vitamin D, alongside other vitamins and minerals, to form healthy bones. If an infant shows signs of rickets due to a lack of vitamin D in the diet, and the mother is breastfeeding, their doctor may recommend the mother add vitamin D-rich foods, such as cheese, fatty fish like tuna, eggs, spinach, and fortified cereal to ensure they pass on enough vitamin D to their baby. For young children, including these foods in their diet can help reduce the risk of developing rickets.

Insufficient Sunlight Exposure

Rickets can also be caused by insufficient sunlight exposure. Because our bodies need exposure to sunlight to help absorb vitamin D, not getting enough sunlight can cause deficiencies. For example, individuals who live in northern countries with long winters may not get the vitamin D they need year-round as there is not enough sunlight during the winter months. Individuals who wear long clothes, or who work night shifts and sleep during the day, may also struggle to get the levels of vitamin D they need for healthy bones. Left untreated, this can cause rickets. Doctors may recommend supplementing your diet with vitamin-D rich foods or adding a daily supplement.

Cystic Fibrosis

Patients with cystic fibrosis often struggle with vitamin D deficiency, which in turn can cause rickets. This is because they are often unable to process fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin D, as efficiently as healthy individuals can. These patients may also be less likely to get exposure to sunlight, as they may stay indoors more often to avoid contracting infections or illnesses that can make their symptoms worse. To reduce the risk of developing rickets, doctors will ensure their patients with cystic fibrosis have their vitamin D levels checked regularly, and may recommend supplements if they find their levels are too low.

Celiac Disease

In some instances, rickets can be caused by celiac disease, which is an autoimmune condition that causes reactions to gluten and affects the health of the small intestine. Some individuals, especially those who have been experiencing symptoms for a long time, but who have not been diagnosed and are still eating foods containing gluten, may be at risk of developing rickets, as their small intestine is less able to absorb the vitamins and nutrients required for healthy bones. If a doctor suspects your child may have rickets caused by celiac disease, they will recommend following a strict gluten-free diet and may also suggest supplements to help promote better vitamin D levels in the body.

Medications

Some medications used to treat a variety of other medical conditions can cause rickets because they affect the body's ability to process and absorb vitamin D. For example, phenytoin, which is used to treat epilepsy, can cause vitamin D deficiencies, which in turn can cause rickets if left untreated. Some antibiotics, such as clotrimazole or rifampicin, can also cause rickets. Even herbal supplements like St. John's wort or kava kava can trigger vitamin D deficiencies. If you or your child is taking any of these medications or supplements, your doctor will screen you regularly to ensure you have the right vitamin D levels for healthy bones and may suggest adding foods rich in vitamin D to your diet, or a special supplement to be taken with food.