Is rickets hereditary?
Disease description:
My husband had rickets during childhood. We are now planning to have a child, and I wonder if rickets could be inherited by our child?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Most cases of rickets are nutritional disorders caused by vitamin D deficiency, and in such cases, rickets is not hereditary. It mainly results from insufficient intake of vitamin D or inadequate exposure to sunlight, and is unrelated to genetic factors.
However, it is important to note that genetic factors may influence an individual's absorption or utilization of vitamin D, thereby increasing the risk of rickets. For example, variations in the vitamin D receptor gene may affect the effectiveness of vitamin D, and certain rare inherited metabolic disorders can also lead to the development of rickets.
If there is a family history of rickets, it does not necessarily mean that future generations will inherit the disease, but it may indicate a genetic predisposition that makes offspring more susceptible to developing rickets under certain conditions (such as insufficient vitamin D intake).
Individuals with a family history are advised to maintain proper daily care, follow healthy lifestyle habits, regularly visit the hospital for check-ups to monitor their health status, and seek timely intervention when necessary. If any symptoms occur, prompt medical attention is recommended.
