Abstract
Background: Calcium-deficiency rickets is common in south-east Bangladesh and responds to calcium supplementation. Aim: To evaluate the healing effect on active rickets of a five-component nutritional advice programme aimed at doubling dietary calcium intakes. Methods: Forty-nine children aged < 10 years with mild lower limb deformities and active rickets were followed over a period of 12 months. All were provided with a five-component nutritional advice programme advocating (i) the routine addition of 1 g limestone/kg rice, (ii) consuming small fish (including bones) instead of large ones, and (iii) daily consumption of 5 g ground sesame seeds, (iv) 100 g leafy vegetables and, if possible, (v) 100 ml of milk. Results: Radiographic scores improved in 90% of children. The response was positively associated with age (r=0.34, n=48, p=0.01) and severity of radiographic score at baseline (r=0.85, n=49, p<0.0001). Conclusions: Despite the lack of a statistically significant association between radiographic improvement and compliance with nutritional advice, in mild calcium-deficiency active rickets, nutritional advice may be a cost-effective treatment and possibly a valuable long-term solution to the problem.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 185-191 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Annals of Tropical Paediatrics |
Volume | 27 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2007 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health