Rickets is a disorder that affects skeletal development<\/strong> and occurs predominantly during the first years of life<\/strong>, a period characterised by rapid bone growth<\/strong>. Although it is now relatively rare in Western countries, owing to improved nutritional status and careful paediatric monitoring, it remains an important clinical and preventive health concern. Rickets is a condition characterised by impaired mineralisation of growing bones<\/strong>, mainly due to a deficiency of vitamin D<\/strong>, calcium<\/strong>, and\/or phosphorus<\/strong>. These nutrients play an essential role in skeletal formation and strengthening; inadequate levels may make bones more fragile and increase the risk of skeletal deformities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The age group most commonly affected is generally between 6 and 24 months, when bone growth is particularly rapid<\/strong>. In some cases, vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy<\/strong> may lead to the appearance of early signs during the infant\u2019s first months of life. Limited exposure to sunlight<\/strong>, which is essential for endogenous vitamin D synthesis, is another relevant factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to nutritional forms, hypophosphataemic rickets<\/strong> is a rare genetic condition<\/strong> that is unrelated to dietary vitamin D intake. In this form, the primary abnormality affects phosphorus metabolism<\/strong>, resulting in reduced blood phosphate levels. The symptoms of rickets<\/strong> may initially be subtle and non-specific. The most common signs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In more advanced cases, the following may occur:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because bone deformities are a late sign, early diagnosis is essential<\/strong>. If suspicious symptoms occur, a paediatrician should always be consulted so that the necessary investigations can be initiated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prevention of rickets in children is based on two main pillars:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The term vitamin D encompasses two main forms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scientific evidence indicates that vitamin D3 is more effective than D2 at maintaining adequate serum vitamin D levels<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some foods can contribute to dietary vitamin D intake when introduced gradually and in amounts appropriate for the child\u2019s age:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When diet and sunlight exposure are insufficient, the paediatrician may consider vitamin D supplementation<\/strong>, generally in oral formulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Monitoring growth and skeletal development is part of routine paediatric care. When risk factors, suspicious symptoms, or conditions that may predispose a child to nutritional deficiencies are present, assessment by a healthcare professional is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ________________________________________<\/p>\n\n\n\n This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor or paediatrician. For personalised guidance concerning a child\u2019s health, consultation with a healthcare professional is always recommended<\/em>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The role of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus in skeletal development Rickets is a disorder that affects skeletal development and occurs predominantly during the first years of life, a period characterised by rapid bone growth. Although it is now relatively rare in Western countries, owing to improved nutritional status and careful paediatric monitoring, it remains […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":18017,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[100,102],"tags":[134],"anno_documento":[180],"class_list":["post-18019","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-minerals-and-vitamins","category-muscles-and-joints","tag-pediatrics","anno_documento-180"],"yoast_head":"\n
Understanding the mechanisms<\/strong> underlying rickets, its early signs<\/strong>, and preventive strategies<\/strong> enables timely intervention and helps protect children\u2019s bone health during a crucial stage of development.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is rickets in children?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hypophosphataemic rickets: a distinct form<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This condition may cause bone weakness and joint pain<\/strong> and is diagnosed through specific blood tests and radiological investigations. Its management requires specialist assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSigns and symptoms of rickets in children<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
Preventing rickets: nutrition and sunlight exposure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
During pregnancy and throughout the child\u2019s first years of life, it is essential to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients involved in bone metabolism, particularly vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus<\/strong>.
<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Cutaneous vitamin D synthesis occurs through exposure to sunlight. During the winter months, or under environmental conditions that limit time spent outdoors, this production may be insufficient.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\nVitamin D: differences between D2 and D3<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Dietary sources of Vitamin D<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
When to consult a paediatrician<\/h2>\n\n\n\n