Rickets

Rickets causes soft, weak bones in children. It usually occurs when they do not get enough vitamin D, which helps growing bones absorb important nutrients. Vitamin D comes from sunlight and food. Your skin produces vitamin D in response to the sun's rays. Some foods also contain vitamin D, including fortified dairy products and cereals, and some kinds of fish. Your child might not get enough vitamin D if he or she

* Has dark skin
* Spends too little time outside
* Has on sunscreen all the time when out of doors
* Doesn't eat foods containing vitamin D because of lactose intolerance or a strict vegetarian diet
* Is breastfed without receiving vitamin D supplements
* Can't make or use vitamin D because of a medical disorder such as celiac disease

In addition to dietary rickets, children can get an inherited form of the disease.