Vitamins can be defined as those organic compound and nutrients that are required by humans for normal cellular function. However, humans are not able to synthesize vitamins in the prerequisite amounts which is why vitamins need to be obtained from diet (food and other food products). The normal functioning of humans is associated with adequate amount of normal functioning. Vitamins have a host of biochemical functions. For example, Vitamin D plays a key role in cellular growth/differentiation, regulation of minerals, and differentiation of some forms of vitamin A. Vitamins are the backbone of human nutrition and required during all stages of life (Kamangar & Emadi 2012). There are 13 essential vitamins required for proper nutrition in the human body as per the National Institute of Health. The vitamin B complex group and vitamin C are water-soluble vitamins and cannot be stored in the body. Healthcare professionals recommend regular intake of vitamin B complex through diet or supplements. The fat-soluble vitamins, i.e. A, D, E and K can be stored in fat (adipose tissue). Thus, these vitamins are considered as fat-soluble vitamins. Each of the fat and water-soluble vitamins have distinct roles and functions in the human body. Antioxidants play a key role in protecting the cells from environmental damage (Kamangar & Emadi 2012).
Rickets is a common cause of vitamin D and calcium deficiency in children. The disorder is associated with weak and soft bones that are often curved or bowed. The underlying cause of weak and fragile bones is that in children with rickets, the outer shells do not become hard. There is a direct correlation to chronic vitamin D deficiency and rickets in children. However, rickets only occurs in children aged between 3 to 18 months. Children with rickets would have weak bones or even fracture bones due to malformation and low calcium levels. In children with rickets, pneumonia and gastroenteritis coupled with acute infections is common. Early morning sunlight exposure, vitamin D intake (supplements), and milk consumption are the most cost-effective, feasible, and highly recommended treatment options to prevent rickets in children (Nair & Maseeh 2012).
References
Kamangar, F., & Emadi, A. (2012). Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Do We Really Need
Them? International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 3(3), 221–226.
Nair, R., & Maseeh, A. (2012). Vitamin D: The “sunshine” vitamin. Journal of Pharmacology
& Pharmacotherapeutics, 3(2), 118–126.
