Six cases of nutritional rickets, a disease virtually unknown in the United States for several decades, were recently identified in Georgia by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Another three children were found to have a form of malnutrition associated with eating insufficient protein. Inadequate nutrition in infancy and childhood can have lifelong consequences. These cases underscore how important it is for parents to discuss their child s diet and eating habits with the family pediatrician and ask for comments and suggestions. 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.