Getting Enough Vitamin D Rickets, caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, leads to weak or deformed bones in children. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium, which is vital to bone growth. The vitamin s main natural source is exposure to sunlight. However, because many parents protect their children from sun exposure, children may not receive the sunlight exposure required to get enough vitamin D. Children with dark complexions require more sun exposure than fair-skinned children to meet their bodies requirements. Other sources include vitamin D-fortified milk, soymilk, breakfast cereal, and infant formula, as well as supplements.
Nutritional supplements containing vitamin D are readily available.
However, because the vitamin is stored in the liver and can build up to toxic levels, parents should seek expert advice from a physician or dietician to determine the proper dose for their child. Reading the Signs Nutritional rickets can be difficult to diagnose in infants and toddlers. Its early symptoms include seizures and high fevers that may appear to result from an infection, but are associated with low calcium levels. Toddlers with rickets may be unusually slow to grow and to walk. Their spines and the long bones of their arms and legs may be curved.