what causes rickets

Rickets is a condition that affects bone development in children, causing bone pain, poor growth, and soft, weak bones that can lead to bone deformities. The most common cause of rickets is a lack of vitamin D or calcium in a childs diet. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from food, and not getting enough vitamin D makes it difficult to maintain proper calcium and phosphorus levels in bones, which can cause rickets. Rickets can also occur if a childs body has problems using vitamin D properly or if the child doesnt get enough calcium. In rare cases, children can be born with a genetic form of rickets, or it can develop if another condition affects how vitamins and minerals are absorbed by the body. Factors that can increase a childs risk of rickets include dark skin, mothers vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy, and certain medications that interfere with vitamin D. Rickets can easily be prevented by eating a diet that includes vitamin D and calcium, spending some time in sunlight, and if necessary, taking dietary supplements.