What is Rickets?

The term "rickets" is derived from an old English word, meaning to bend or twist, which is essentially what happens to bones with this disease. To bring it into modern terms though, the Mayo Clinic defines rickets as "the softening and weakening of bones in children, usually because of an extreme and prolonged vitamin D deficiency." A form of this disease is also present in adults, called osteomalacia. Unlike osteoporosis which results when bones weaken with age, is a result from weak bones early in childhood. We have all been taught from a young age that calcium plays a large role in the development of strong and healthy bones. What we may not have known however, is that Vitamin D is also a crucial nutrient for bone development. In order for the body to be able to use and absorb calcium, as well as phosphorus (another important mineral), the body needs Vitamin D. As the food we eat travels through our intestines, the nutrients that our body need to function are pulled out. Vitamin D aids in that process.  If the body doesn’t have enough Vitamin D, it'a likely that the body won't be able to maintain the necessary levels of calcium and phosphorus, and as a result will be unable to support normal bone development. Since our bodies can not create calcium on it's own, Vitamin D becomes even more important. Without Vitamin D, bones are more prone to deformities or fractures, often resulting in bowed legs. 

Look! The bones with normal anatomy are straight, whereas the bones affected by rickets are slanted or bowed. The lack of Vitamin D, Calcium, and Phosphorus cause the bones to be more fragile and prone to fractures.

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While rickets have nearly been eradicated from developed countries such as the United States of America, it's still a prevalent in less developed countries. It's completely and entirely preventable and with proper education and knowledge, can be eradicated fully.