Anuradha Varanasi
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Read this in HINDI
Not just adults, even infants are prone to vitamin D deficiency and if your infant is below 12 months old, he will need at least 5 micrograms of vitamin D every day. Here s why your body needs vitamin D. When your infant s vitamin D requirements are not met, he will be at the risk of poor bone development. Dr Mukesh Agarwal, head of the paediatrics department at civic-run King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital in Mumbai says, "Vitamin D deficiency in infants can be easily treated with a single dose of vitamin D through oral drugs. Three weeks after that, an X-ray test is repeated to see how the infant has absorbed the vitamin D supplement."
According to Dr Agarwal, vitamin D deficiency is known to cause rickets in infants due to a decrease in the absorption of calcium and phosphorous. Rickets is more common among infants who are 6 to 36 months old. Dr Agarwal says that by looking out for these signs and symptoms, you can know if your infant is suffering from vitamin D deficiency or not.
1. Bone deformities
Infants who have vitamin D deficiency usually have legs that are bowed. Her spine won t be straight but stooped or even crooked in appearance. This is because low vitamin D levels interfere in your infant s normal bone development and growth. Did you know massaging your baby might not be the best idea?
2. Depression or indentation in the scalp
The bones of your infant s skull solidify and develop in the first 19 months after delivery and if he is suffering from rickets due to vitamin D deficiency, it will slow down this process. When you touch your infant s head you will notice his skull is still very soft and you will also notice a depression or small dent in the scalp.
3. Pain and muscle weakness
If you have noticed that your infant is finding it difficult to crawl or sit for a certain duration, it could be due to pain or muscle weakness caused by rickets. Other than finding it difficult to support his own weight, she will also seem more annoyed and irritable. Here are common reasons why your baby is crying.
4. Recurrent infections
Dr Agarwal says that various studies have linked recurrent infections in infants to vitamin D deficiency. If he has been suffering from frequent bouts of cold and flu, ask your paediatrician for an X-ray test to determine whether your infant has vitamin D deficiency. Here s what you need to know about baby care during monsoon.
5. Rachitic rosary
As mentioned in the first point, bone deformities are the most common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in infants. Does your infant s breastbone appear to stick out from his chest? This is medically known as rachitic rosary which is caused due to calcium deficiency in infants.
6. Developmental delays
In more severe cases of vitamin D deficiency or rickets, your infant might experience difficulties in achieving his normal developmental milestones. Other than not being able to support his own weight, you ll notice his limbs look swollen as well. These are the normal development milestones to expect in the first year of your child s life.
Image Source: Shutterstock