Calcium Deficiency & Rickets In Kids: Causes, Symptoms, & Complications
Quick Answer
Calcium deficiency (calcium ki kami) and rickets are preventable conditions, and most Indian children who eat a balanced diet and get some sunlight are NOT at risk. However, certain children - especially those with limited sun exposure, picky eaters, or on restricted diets - may need extra attention. The good news is that with proper nutrition and vitamin D, these conditions are easily preventable and treatable when caught early.
What Causes Calcium Deficiency and Rickets?
Watch: Iron is most important fuel for 🧠 growth. You need to include iron rich food in your babies diet.
Rickets is a bone-softening condition caused by:
1. Vitamin D Deficiency (Most Common in India)
Limited sun exposure (staying indoors, covered clothing)
Dark skin (needs more sun for vitamin D)
Exclusive breastfeeding without vitamin D supplements
Living in polluted cities with less sunlight
2. Inadequate Calcium Intake
Not drinking enough milk or eating dairy
Picky eaters avoiding calcium-rich foods
Lactose intolerance without alternatives
Very restrictive diets
3. Phosphorus Deficiency (Less common)
Usually genetic conditions
Kidney problems
Age Groups Most at Risk:
Age
Risk Factors
0-6 months
Exclusively breastfed without vitamin D drops
6-24 months
Not getting enough dairy/calcium foods after weaning
2-5 years
Picky eaters, limited outdoor play
Any age
Dark skin, limited sun, vegetarian without planning
Symptoms to Watch For
Early Signs (Haddiyon ki Kamzori):
Delayed milestones - late sitting, crawling, walking
Slow growth compared to peers
Delayed teething or weak teeth
Irritability, especially in babies
Excessive sweating, particularly on head during sleep
Include ragi, til, and green leafy vegetables in diet
Avoid excess phytates (found in unsoaked grains) that block calcium
Smart Food Combinations:
Ragi porridge with milk = double calcium boost
Til/sesame ladoo for snacks
Palak paneer = calcium + iron
Curd rice = easy calcium
Nachni dosa = calcium-rich alternative
What to Avoid:
Excessive salt (causes calcium loss)
Too many soft drinks (phosphoric acid affects calcium)
Overuse of antacids
Complete dairy avoidance without alternatives
Expert Insight: Dr. Sumitra advises: 'Growth charts are just one tool. Look at the overall trend, not individual measurements.'
FAQs
Q: Mera baccha doodh nahi peeta - will he get rickets?
A: Not necessarily! While milk is the easiest calcium source, many non-dairy foods are calcium-rich too. Focus on ragi (nachni) which has more calcium than milk, along with paneer, curd, til, and green leafy vegetables. You can also try flavored milk, curd-based drinks, or cheese if plain milk is rejected. Discuss vitamin D supplementation with your pediatrician.
Q: My baby is 4 months old and exclusively breastfed - should I worry about rickets?
A: Breast milk is perfect nutrition, but it's low in vitamin D. All breastfed babies in India should receive 400 IU of vitamin D drops daily from birth until they're drinking fortified milk. This simple step prevents rickets completely. Ask your pediatrician about vitamin D supplements.
Q: Baby ki tangdi mudi hui hai (bowed legs) - is this rickets?
A: Mild bowing of legs is NORMAL in babies and toddlers up to age 2-3 years - this is called physiological bowing and corrects on its own. However, if bowing is severe, gets worse instead of better after age 2, or affects only one leg, consult your pediatrician. They can check vitamin D and calcium levels with a simple blood test.
Q: How much sun exposure does my child need?
A: In India, 15-20 minutes of morning sun (before 10 AM) on the face, arms, and legs, 3-4 times per week is usually sufficient. Darker-skinned children may need slightly more. Avoid harsh afternoon sun which can cause sunburn. Even playing outdoors in the shade provides some vitamin D exposure.
Q: Can vegetarian children get enough calcium without milk?
A: Yes! Ragi (finger millet) actually has MORE calcium than milk. Other excellent vegetarian sources include sesame seeds (til), paneer, curd, tofu, almonds, and dark green leafy vegetables like amaranth and methi. A well-planned vegetarian diet with these foods can easily meet calcium needs.
Q: My child has rickets - will the bone damage be permanent?
A: When caught early and treated properly, most children recover completely with no permanent damage. Bones can heal and straighten with adequate vitamin D and calcium. Even mild to moderate bowing usually corrects fully. Only very severe, untreated cases may have lasting effects - which is why early treatment is important.
---
This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
---
Need personalized guidance?Book a consultation with our pediatricians or explore our Care Plans for 24/7 expert support!
Track Your Baby's Growth with Experts
Get 24/7 access to pediatricians for all your baby's health and development concerns.
