Rickets Is Preventable

AUBURN, April 10---Rickets, a severely debilitating disease, appears to be making a comeback in the United States. That troubles health professionals as well as nutrition experts since it is almost 40 years after it was believed to be eradicated. Research suggests a combination of factors, such as inadequate exposure to sunlight and decreased milk consumption by toddlers, is contributing to the ailment's resurgence.

Dr. Barbara Struempler, a nutritionist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, says the tragedy of the reappearance of rickets is that the condition, which results in skeletal abnormalities, is preventable.

"Diets with very low calcium and vitamin D intake can contribute to rickets in babies and children," says Struempler. "Research shows infants drinking at least two 8-ounce bottles of infant formula or children consuming the same amount of vitamin D-fortified whole milk get the daily recommended intake of vitamin D.

"Additional research suggests that exclusively breastfed infants may benefit from supplemental vitamin D."

Exposure to sunlight stimulates the human body to produce vitamin D, but some children may not get enough exposure to produce the amount their body needs.

Struempler says another concern is the growing trend of parents giving their children milk substitutes to drink.

"Recent accounts in medical journals show some parents are feeding their children soy- or rice-based milk. Some of these do not contain Vitamin D and may not be fortified with calcium," says Struempler. "Infants less than a year old should be given breast milk or infant formula. After a year of age, children need at least three servings a day of milk, yogurt or cheese to ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake.

"If parents choose to feed their toddler or older children a milk substitute such as soy milk, it's vital they offer one that is fortified in calcium and contains vitamin D."

Struempler says beverage choices among American children of all ages is a concern.

"We're seeing growing consumption of soft drinks, juice and juice drinks among children and teens. They're just not choosing milk products," says Struempler.

Parents should remember that children learn by watching their parents.

"If parents consistently choose soft drinks or juice for themselves, it's not surprising their children want the same beverages," says Struempler. "Parents can encourage milk drinking by choosing milk as a beverage at mealtimes or snack times for themselves."

SOURCE: Dr. Barbara Struempler, Extension Nurtiionist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System (334) 844-2217