How can rickets be prevented

Condition analysis:
Rickets is a skeletal disorder that’s caused by a lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. These nutrients are important for the development of strong, healthy bones. People with rickets may have weak and soft bones, stunted growth, and, in severe cases, skeletal deformities.

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and phosphate from your intestines. You can get vitamin D from various food products, including milk, eggs, and fish. Your body also produces the vitamin when you’re exposed to sunlight.

A vitamin D deficiency makes it difficult for your body to maintain sufficient levels of calcium and phosphate. When this occurs, your body produces hormones that cause calcium and phosphate to be released from your bones. When your bones lack these minerals, they become weak and soft.

Rickets is most common in children who are between 6 and 36 months old. Children are at the highest risk of rickets because they’re still growing. Children might not get enough vitamin D if they live in a region with little sunlight, follow a vegetarian diet, or don’t drink milk products. In some cases, the condition is hereditary.

Instructions:
How can it be prevented? Babies need an average of 400 IU of vitamin D per day to prevent vitamin D deficient rickets. Because getting the right amount of sun exposure is unreliable and because of the potential risks of direct sunlight to young babies, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend sun exposure as a strategy for preventing rickets. Instead, they recommend that all babies who are exclusively breastfed receive vitamin D supplementation. Babies who are taking less than 32 ounces of vitamin D fortified formula or vitamin D fortified cow’s milk also need vitamin D supplements.