Editing Rickets (section)

===Diet and sunlight===
[[Image:Cholecalciferol.svg|thumb|100px|[[Cholecalciferol]] (D<sub>3</sub>)]]
[[Image:Ergocalciferol.svg|thumb|100px|[[Ergocalciferol]] (D<sub>2</sub>)]]
Treatment involves increasing dietary intake of calcium, phosphates and vitamin D. Exposure to ultraviolet B light (most easily obtained when the sun is highest in the sky), [[cod liver oil]], halibut-liver oil, and [[Ergosterol|viosterol]] are all sources of vitamin D.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lamberg-Allardt C | title = Vitamin D in foods and as supplements | journal = Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology | volume = 92 | issue = 1 | pages = 33–38 | date = September 2006 | pmid = 16618499 | doi = 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2006.02.017 | series = UV exposure guidance: A balanced approach between health risks and health benefits of UV and Vitamin D. Proceedings of an International Workshop, International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection, Munich, Germany, 17–18 October 2005 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

A sufficient amount of ultraviolet B light in sunlight each day and adequate supplies of calcium and phosphorus in the diet can prevent rickets. Darker-skinned people need to be exposed longer to the [[ultraviolet|ultraviolet rays]]. The replacement of vitamin D has been proven to correct rickets using these methods of ultraviolet light therapy and medicine.<ref name="History"/>

Recommendations are for 400 [[international unit]]s (IU) of vitamin D a day for infants and children. Children who do not get adequate amounts of vitamin D are at increased risk of rickets. Vitamin D is essential for allowing the body to uptake calcium for use in proper bone calcification and maintenance.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rickets -- Symptoms and Causes |url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rickets/symptoms-causes/syc-20351943 |website=Mayo Clinic Patient Care and Health Information |publisher=Mayo Clinic |access-date=27 January 2022}}</ref>