The roles of vitamin D and dietary calcium in nutritional rickets

The etiology and pathogenesis of nutritional rickets are becoming progressively clearer. Vitamin D deficiency has generally been considered the major or only player in the pathogenesis of nutritional rickets. However, recent research into calcium deficiency has now provided clinicians with reasons to investigate and manage patients with nutritional rickets more appropriately. The important question when assessing cases of nutritional rickets is: “Is it calcium or vitamin D deficiency or both that play a major role in the pathogenesis of the disease?” The case presentation in this review highlights the risk factors, clinical presentation and pathophysiology of nutritional rickets in a young South African black child from a semi-urban area in Johannesburg, a city with abundant sunshine throughout the year.