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Conditions Encyclopedia Entry 1776558485

** **Rickets** is a disease caused by a lack of **vitamin D**, leading to softening of bones in children, which can result in bowed legs, stunted growth, and other skeletal deformities. **CONTENT:** ## Overview Rickets is a **metabolic bone disease** that affects children worldwide, particularly in regions with limited access to **vitamin D**-rich foods or sunlight. The condition is characterized by softening of bones, which can lead to a range of symptoms, including bowed legs, stunted growth, and skeletal deformities. Rickets is a preventable disease, and its occurrence has decreased significantly in developed countries due to improved nutrition and public health measures. However, it remains a significant public health concern in many parts of the world. Rickets is caused by a lack of **vitamin D**, which is essential for the absorption of **calcium** and **phosphorus** in the body. These minerals are crucial for the development and maintenance of strong bones. When **vitamin D** levels are low, the body is unable to absorb these minerals, leading to softening of bones. In addition to a lack of **vitamin D**, other factors can contribute to the development of rickets, including a diet that is deficient in **calcium** and **phosphorus**, kidney disease, and certain genetic disorders. ## History/Background Rickets has been described in medical literature for centuries. The first recorded description of the condition was by the English physician Thomas Sydenham in 1676. However, it was not until the late 19th century that the role of **vitamin D** in the development of strong bones was fully understood. In 1922, the American physician Edward Mellanby discovered that **vitamin D** was essential for the absorption of **calcium** and **phosphorus** in the body. This discovery led to the development of **vitamin D** supplements, which have been used to prevent and treat rickets ever since. ## Key Information Rickets is a preventable disease that can be caused by a range of factors, including: * **Vitamin D** deficiency * **Calcium** and **phosphorus** deficiency * Kidney disease * Certain genetic disorders * Malnutrition * Lack of sunlight exposure Symptoms of rickets can include: * Bowed legs * Stunted growth * Skeletal deformities * Softening of bones * Pain and swelling in the bones Rickets can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests, including blood tests to measure **vitamin D** levels. ## Significance Rickets is a significant public health concern, particularly in regions with limited access to **vitamin D**-rich foods or sunlight. The condition can have long-term consequences, including stunted growth, skeletal deformities, and increased risk of osteoporosis in adulthood. In addition, rickets can have a significant impact on a child's quality of life, leading to pain, discomfort, and social stigma. ## INFOBOX: - **Name:** Rickets - **Type:** Metabolic bone disease - **Date:** 1676 (first recorded description) - **Location:** Worldwide, particularly in regions with limited access to **vitamin D**-rich foods or sunlight - **Known For:** Softening of bones in children, leading to bowed legs, stunted growth, and skeletal deformities ## TAGS: **Vitamin D**, **Metabolic bone disease**, **Calcium**, **Phosphorus**, **Kidney disease**, **Genetic disorders**, **Malnutrition**, **Sunlight exposure**, **Public health concern**