Rickets Re-emerging in United States
This bone weakening disease was practically eradicated in children many decades ago but its prevalence is once again increasing. This article suggests that the reason for this is due to the increase in breastfeeding, and suggests supplementing breast fed infants with Vit D. Even more important is for the nursing mothers to maintain a high level of Vit D rich foods, and allow themselves and their new infants some sunlight exposure during the day; an important factor for Vit D.
J Paediatric. 2000;137:143-145,153-157 Two articles in the August issue of the Journal of Paediatrics draw attention to an emerging epidemic of a crippling childhood disorder that was nearly eliminated in the early part of the 20th century. The condition, nutritional rickets, usually results from a dietary deficiency of vitamin D. This impairs the body’s ability to absorb calcium from the diet, resulting in poor bone development. If rickets occurs in infancy or early childhood, the weak bones can become severely deformed, occasionally resulting in the need for major surgery. Using data from physician surveys and the North Carolina Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, the researchers noticed that the new cases of rickets occurred as the incidence of breast-feeding in the area increased. They also noted that local paediatricians frequently neglected to recommend vitamin D supplements for breast-fed babies. It’s ironic, Dr. Welch says, that “in an era of expensive, high-tech medicine, a serious disease is reappearing because of neglect of a decades-old intervention that costs pennies a day, is completely safe, and 100% effective.”