RICKETS

Rickets is a nutritional deficiency characterized by softening of the bones caused by lack of vitamin D and calcium. At particular risk are breast fed babies whose mothers don't get enough sunlight, a major source of vitamin D.

The reason that lack of vitamin D has such a profound effect on the bones, is the vitamin D is necessary in order for the body to absorb calcium from food in the stomach and intestines. Without vitamin D, the calcium is not absorbed but, rather, passes through the body and is excreted.

Children suffering from Rickets can sometimes present to doctors as abuse victims as many of the symptoms resemble damages caused by child abuse.

Those suffering from rickets are treated with Ultraviolet Light Therapy and dietary changes to increase the intake of vitamin D, calcium and phosphates.

Because this disease disables and disfigured children, but is not typically lethal, I rate it a

1 on my "lethality scale" (1-10)

and a 6 on my "disturbing scale" (1-10)