What causes rickets?
Last reviewed: 20.11.2021
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The main etiological factor of rickets is a deficiency of vitamin D and a violation of its transformation into active forms (this process occurs in the liver and kidneys).
Factors predisposing to rickets
|
From mother's side |
From the side of the child |
|
Mother's age <17 and> 35 years Toxicosis of pregnancy Extragenital pathology (metabolic diseases, pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney) Defects of nutrition during pregnancy and lactation (deficiency of protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins D, B 1, B 2, B 12 ) Non-compliance with the day regimen (hypodynamia, insolation) Unfavorable social conditions |
The child's birth time (more often children born from July to December are sick) Prematurity, morphofunctional immaturity Large mass at birth (> 4 kg) "Rapid" increase in weight in the first 3 months of life Early artificial and mixed feeding with unadapted formula Insufficient stay in the open air Small motor activity (tight swaddling, lack of exercise therapy, massage) Diseases of the skin, liver, kidneys Malabsorption syndrome Reception of anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, etc.) |
The biological role of vitamin D is associated with its participation in the processes of calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Vitamin D metabolites accelerate calcium absorption in the intestine, increasing its concentration in the blood, which stimulates adequate mineralization of bone tissue. Parathyroid hormone and calcitonin, a thyroid hormone C-cell hormone, also participate in this process.
The main physiological functions of vitamin D:
- maintenance of calcium concentration in the body at a constant level;
- regulation of absorption of calcium and phosphorus ions in the intestine, deposition of them in the bones;
- increased reabsorption of calcium and phosphorus in the renal tubules;
- facilitating the timely achievement of peak bone mass;
- modulation of physiological processes;
- stimulation of immunity;
- maintenance of muscle tone;
- hormone-like action of a metabolite of vitamin D 3.
In women's and cow's milk, vitamin D is contained in very small concentrations that do not cover the needs of a growing body. That is why young children need additional intake of vitamin D. Sources of vitamin D;
- products of animal origin: egg yolks, butter, margarine, milk, some varieties of fish (cod, tuna, halibut, salmon), liver, fish oil. In these products, it is presented in the form of vitamin D 3 (cholecalciferol);
- products of vegetable origin: vegetable oils, wheat germ. In these products, it is presented in the form of vitamin D 2 (ergocalciferol).