Vitamin D Deficiency Rickets and Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Vegetarian Children

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Abstract
During the years 1978-1983, 4 vegetarian children were admitted to the pediatric departments of Ullevaal and Aker Hospitals in Oslo and Haukeland Hospital, Bergen [Norway] with the diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency rickets. One had vitamin B12 deficiency as well. All were fed a vegetarian diet with some cow''s milk, but without vitamin supplementation. All had marked hypocalcemia, and 3 had tetany or convulsions. All responded well to conventional doses of vitamin D therapy. Two of the mothers had vitamin D deficiency, and 1 of them also had vitamin B12 deficiency. The case histories of these children, and predisposing factors of vegetarian diets for the development of nutritional rickets are discussed.