Rickets & Vitamin D Deficiency: Prevention & Treatment

Rickets, caused primarily by vitamin D deficiency, leads to impaired bone mineralization in children, resulting in bone deformities, delayed growth, and skeletal pain. Prevention involves adequate sunlight exposure, a diet rich in vitamin D and calcium, and supplementation in at-risk populations such as exclusively breastfed infants or those with limited sun exposure. Treatment includes vitamin D and calcium supplementation, correction of underlying causes, and monitoring of biochemical markers and bone health. In severe cases, high-dose vitamin D therapy may be required. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent long-term complications and support healthy growth and development in children.