Health encyclopaedia

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Causes of Rickets

Vitamin D (calciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin found in dairy products and fish oils. The vitamin enables calcium to be absorbed from the intestine.

Provitamin D substances in the diet are also converted to vitamin D by the action of sunlight on the skin. Poorly nourished children are more likely to be affected by rickets, especially if they are also deprived of sunlight. Rickets is now rare in developed countries.

X-Linked Hypophosphatemia may be inherited, with mothers passing the defective gene to either sons or daughters. Fathers who have the defective gene would pass it to their daughters, but not to their sons. Alternatively there may be no family history, with the condition appearing sporadically.

• RabiesRadiationRadiotherapyRaynaud's phenomenonRectal examinationRed blood countReiter's syndromeRelapsing feverRenin testRepetitive strain injuryRespiratory distress syndromeRespiratory tract infectionRespite careRestless leg syndromeRestricted growthRetinal detachmentReye's syndromeRhesus factor diseaseRheumatic feverRheumatoid arthritisRhinitisRicketsRingwormRisks and benefits of treatmentRoot canal treatmentRosaceaRoundwormRubella

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