This article dives into the top 7 reasons rickets is on the rise among children, and more importantly, what you can do to help prevent it. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand, practical, and helpful.
What Exactly Is Rickets, and Why Should Parents Worry?
Rickets is a condition that weakens children’s bones, often due to a lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. When kids don’t get enough of these bone-building nutrients, their growing bodies can’t support healthy bone development—leading to soft, weak bones that may bend or fracture more easily.
Symptoms of rickets can include:
Delayed growth and development
Bone pain or tenderness
Muscle weakness
Bowed legs or other bone deformities
While once considered rare, rickets is becoming more common in some parts of the world—including urban areas in India—thanks to a combination of lifestyle, diet, and health-related factors.
7 Reasons for Rickets
- Less Sunlight Exposure in Daily Life
One of the biggest culprits behind rising rickets cases is reduced sunlight exposure. Our bodies make vitamin D3 when skin is exposed to sunlight. But many children today:
Spend more time indoors with gadgets and screens.
Go to school early and return late, missing prime sunlight hours.
Wear sunscreen constantly or full-body clothing that blocks UV rays.
Without enough sun, kids miss out on the natural vitamin D3 their bones need to grow strong.
- Poor Dietary Habits and Nutrient Gaps
Another major reason rickets is on the rise among children is poor nutrition. Many Indian diets—especially vegetarian ones—lack vitamin D3-rich foods. Plus, processed and junk foods often replace traditional meals, which means fewer nutrients overall. Children may not be getting enough:
Calcium (from milk, cheese, yogurt)
Vitamin D (from fortified cereals, fatty fish, eggs)
Phosphorus (from lentils, nuts, and whole grains)
In some cases, doctors may recommend supplements like Alfacalcidol, a vitamin D analog, to help treat or prevent bone weakness caused by deficiencies.
3. Overuse of Screen Time and Lack of Outdoor Play
This might sound familiar: your child is glued to a tablet, TV, or phone instead of running outside. While digital devices have their benefits, too much screen time means:
Less time outdoors, leading to low vitamin D levels.
Reduced physical activity, which weakens muscles and bones.
Poor posture and sedentary habits that impact overall growth.
Doctors often point out that kids who stay active outdoors are not just healthier—they’re also less likely to develop rickets.
4. Increase in Exclusive Breastfeeding Without Supplementation
Breastfeeding is great for babies, but it’s not a perfect source of vitamin D. If mothers themselves have low vitamin D levels, their babies are at higher risk of deficiency, especially if:
The baby is exclusively breastfed beyond 6 months.
There is no vitamin D supplementation.
Sun exposure is limited in early months.
In such cases, pediatricians might advise safe sun exposure and supplements like alphadol tablet, especially when looking at alphadol tablet uses in managing vitamin D deficiency-related conditions like rickets.
Rising Cases of Childhood Obesity
Yes, even overweight kids can have weak bones. Here's how obesity plays a role:
Excess body fat can block vitamin D from being properly used in the body.
Obese kids may be less active and avoid outdoor play.
Vitamin D gets stored in fat tissue instead of reaching the bloodstream.
This creates a hidden deficiency—despite looking “well-fed,” the child’s bones may still suffer.
6. Cultural and Religious Clothing That Limits Sunlight
In some families, cultural or religious dress norms involve covering most of the body. While these practices are meaningful and important, they can unintentionally reduce the amount of skin exposed to sunlight, especially for girls. This is a bigger issue in places with already limited sun exposure, such as crowded cities with air pollution or during winter months.
7. Lack of Awareness Among Parents and Caregivers
One of the most overlooked reasons for the rise in rickets is simply not knowing the signs and risks. Many parents assume their kids are growing fine if they’re eating and not complaining of pain. But early rickets doesn’t always show obvious symptoms.
By the time bone deformities or growth delays appear, the deficiency has already caused damage.
Parents might not realize their child needs:
More time outdoors. A vitamin D supplement. A better-balanced diet.
A little knowledge can go a long way toward prevention.
Conclusion: Let’s Build Stronger Futures, One Bone at a Time
Understanding the top 7 reasons rickets is on the rise among children helps parents take back control of their child’s bone health. In today’s modern world, simple things like outdoor play and a well-rounded diet are often overlooked—but they can make a huge difference. If you’re concerned your child might be at risk for rickets, don’t wait. Talk to your pediatrician about checking vitamin D levels and making a prevention plan that works for your family. After all, strong bones start with smart habits—so let’s give our children the healthy start they deserve.