How Vitamin D Deficiency Affects Bone Health

Rickets is a childhood bone disorder that occurs due to a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. The most common cause worldwide is vitamin D deficiency. This condition leads to softening and weakening of the bones, resulting in skeletal deformities, delayed growth, and pain.

- Dr. Arun Kumar M.S. M.S., (Ortho) M.R.C.S (U.K.) Fellow in Shoulder & Sports Medicine Senior Orthopedic Consultant #387/347, B B Road, Old Town, Next To-Post Office, Yelahanka Old Town, Bengaluru, Mob : [phone]

What is Vitamin D and Why is It Important?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphate from the intestines.

These minerals are vital for building and maintaining strong bones. Without sufficient vitamin D, the body cannot absorb enough calcium, leading to low blood calcium levels. The body compensates by extracting calcium from bones, which weakens them over time.

How vitamin D Deficiency Leads to rickets

In children, bones are constantly growing and remodelling. When vitamin D is deficient, calcium and phosphate levels in the blood drop, disrupting the normal mineralization process of the growing bone. Instead of forming strong, hard bone tissue, the bones remain soft and prone to deformities.

The hallmark signs of rickets include:

• Bowed legs or knock knees

• Thickened wrists and ankles

• Delayed closure of fontanelles (soft spots on the skull)