Question
What causes rickets?
Answer
The cause of rickets is insufficient sunlight exposure, especially during winter and spring when ultraviolet light is scarce. Additionally, due to less outdoor activity in winter, rickets are more likely to occur. Another cause is improper feeding of children, with a lack of calcium and phosphorus in their diet or an improper ratio. Furthermore, feeding children solely with cereal foods can lead to the formation of indissolvable phytate calcium due to the high content of phytic acid, which affects the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. In addition, rapid growth, preterm birth, and twins are more prone to rickets; chronic diarrhea, liver and gallbladder diseases, and chronic kidney disease can affect the absorption and metabolism of vitamin D; and long-term use of drugs such as phenytoin sodium and phenobarbital can accelerate the decomposition and metabolism of vitamin D, all of which can cause rickets.