24 suspected cases of rickets in Nunavut in 2012 - Action News
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24 suspected cases of rickets in Nunavut in 2012

Nunavut health officials say there were 24 suspected cases of rickets in the territory in 2012, and a total of more than 100 since 2003.

More than 100 suspected cases of disease caused by vitamin D deficiency since 2003

Nunavut health officials say there were 24 suspectedcases of rickets in the territory in 2012, and more than 100 since 2003.

Health officialscautionthe numbers are estimated from community health centre reports aboutreasons for visits andmay not represent a confirmed diagnosis.

Allison MacRury, Nunavut's territorial nutritionist, says vitamin D drops for children up to two years old are available at local health centres. (CBC)

Rickets is a disease usuallycaused by a lack of vitamin D. Its major symptom issoftening of thebones, which can lead todeformities including bowed legs.

"If you have a diet low in vitamin D, and you're not taking vitamin Dsupplements, you can't really absorb the calcium you need to be strong and healthy," saidAllisonMacRury,Nunavut'sterritorial nutritionist.

"We think of rickets in the bowing of the legs. That's because the bones areweak and kind ofbendybecause the calcium is not getting into there. That's why vitamin D is so important. It lets your body use the calcium."

MacRurysays vitamin D drops for children up to 2 years oldare available at local health centres. She says the drops can be placed on a finger, a soother or on anipple forbreastfeeding.

MacRurysays there are not many food sources of vitamin D but it is added to milk andmargarine. It is alsofound in traditional foods such asmaktaaqand fatty fish.

Year # of suspected cases
2003 10
2004 7
2005 13
2006 3
2007 7
2008 11
2009 10
2010 16
2011 11
2012 24
Total 112