What element is lacking in rickets?

Mar 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Ziqi

Introduction

In general, rickets may be caused by deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and other elements. In daily life, it is important to ensure adequate outdoor activities and, whenever possible, go outside to get sunlight exposure during periods of the day when the sun is strong, in order to promote endogenous vitamin D synthesis. Additionally, maintain a balanced diet by consuming more foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin K.

Generally, rickets may be caused by deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and other elements. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a key substance that promotes calcium absorption and utilization. It enhances the synthesis of calcium transport proteins in the intestines, facilitating the transfer of calcium from the intestines into the bloodstream. When vitamin D is deficient, the intestinal absorption of calcium significantly decreases. Even with sufficient calcium intake, it cannot be effectively utilized, thereby affecting bone mineralization.

2. Calcium

Calcium is the primary component of bones. Bone growth, development, and maintenance require adequate calcium. If dietary calcium intake is low—for example, insufficient consumption of dairy products, soy products, etc.—and the body's needs are not met, calcium deposition in the bones may decrease, weakening bone strength and making bones prone to deformation.

3. Phosphorus

Phosphorus interacts with calcium during the process of bone mineralization, and maintaining an appropriate calcium-phosphorus ratio is important for bone health. Vitamin D deficiency can affect phosphorus absorption and the renal tubules' reabsorption of phosphorus, leading to decreased blood phosphorus levels and a reduced calcium-phosphorus product. This prevents normal deposition of minerals in the bones and may trigger rickets.

4. Magnesium

Magnesium participates in the activation of multiple enzymes in the body and has an important influence on vitamin D metabolism and activity. Magnesium deficiency may impair the conversion of vitamin D into its active form, indirectly interfering with calcium absorption and utilization, thus affecting normal bone development.

5. Zinc

Zinc plays important roles in human growth, development, and immune regulation. It is involved in the synthesis of vitamin D receptors. Zinc deficiency can impair the binding of vitamin D to its receptors, reducing the biological effects of vitamin D and subsequently affecting calcium metabolism and bone mineralization.

In daily life, it is important to ensure adequate outdoor activities, preferably spending time outdoors in sunlight daily to promote endogenous vitamin D synthesis. Diet should be reasonably arranged to include more foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin K, ensuring balanced nutrition and meeting the body’s needs for various elements.

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What causes a child to cry at night?

A child's crying at night may be caused by physiological factors or pathological factors, such as indigestion, rickets, coughing, and other conditions. Appropriate management can be selected according to the specific cause. If the infant consumes too little breast milk and is in a state of hunger, or if the diaper is wet, the clothing or bedding is too cold or too hot, or the child is suddenly exposed to loud noises or startled during sleep, these factors may also lead to nighttime crying in infants.