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What causes rickets?
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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The main etiological factor of rickets is vitamin D deficiency and disruption of its conversion into active forms (this process occurs in the liver and kidneys).
Factors predisposing to rickets
From the mother's side |
From the child's side |
Mother's age <17 and >35 years Toxicosis of pregnancy Extragenital pathology (metabolic diseases, gastrointestinal pathology, kidneys) Nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy and lactation (deficiency of protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins D, B 1, B 2, B 12 ) Failure to adhere to the daily routine (lack of physical activity, insufficient insolation) Unfavorable social and living conditions |
Time of birth of the child (children born from July to December are more likely to get sick) Prematurity, morphofunctional immaturity High birth weight (>4 kg) "Stormy" weight gain in the first 3 months of life Early artificial and mixed feeding with non-adapted milk formulas Not enough time outdoors Low physical activity (tight swaddling, lack of exercise therapy, massage) Diseases of the skin, liver, kidneys Malabsorption syndrome Taking anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, etc.) |
The biological role of vitamin D is associated with its participation in the processes of calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Metabolites of vitamin D accelerate the absorption of calcium in the intestine, increasing its concentration in the blood, which stimulates adequate mineralization of bone tissue. Parathyroid hormone produced by the parathyroid glands and calcitonin, a hormone of the C-cells of the thyroid gland, also participate in this process.
The main physiological functions of vitamin D:
- maintaining calcium concentration in the body at a constant level;
- regulation of the absorption of calcium and phosphorus ions in the intestines, their deposition in bones;
- increased reabsorption of calcium and phosphorus in the renal tubules;
- promoting timely achievement of peak bone mass;
- modulation of physiological processes;
- stimulation of immunity;
- maintaining muscle tone;
- hormone-like action of vitamin D3 metabolite.
In human and cow's milk, vitamin D is contained in very small concentrations, which do not cover the needs of a growing organism. That is why young children need additional vitamin D. Sources of vitamin D;
- animal products: egg yolks, butter, margarine, milk, some types of fish (cod, tuna, halibut, salmon), liver, fish oil. In these products it is presented in the form of vitamin D3 ( cholecalciferol);
- plant-based products: vegetable oils, wheat germ. In these products it is presented in the form of vitamin D 2 (ergocalciferol).