Rickets due to dietary calcium deficiency.
Three children, aged 15-18 months were referred because of clinical, radiological and biochemical manifestations of rickets. Serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) values were within the normal range but 1,25-dihydroxychole-calciferol (1,25-diOH-D3) levels were markedly elevated. All signs and symptoms could be explained by dietary calcium deficiency. They all received the commercial Soya-drink - not adapted for infants - as their main source of nutrition for at least 6 months. Soya-drink has an extremely low calcium content. It should be remembered that defective calcium intake causes severe bone lesions and rickets in children in spite of adequate vitamin D supply.
Legius
E
E
Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.
Proesmans
W
W
Eggermont
E
E
Vandamme-Lobaerts
R
R
Bouillon
R
R
Smet
M
M
D002117:Calcitriol / Q000097:blood*; D002118:Calcium / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012279:Rickets / Q000209:etiology*
D002117:Calcitriol; D002118:Calcium