date:Dec 18, 2012
Health experts have urged food manufacturers to fortify more food with Vitamin D as the 19th century disease rickets returns to the UK.
Rickets is caused by deficiency or impaired metabolism of vitamin D, phosphorus or calcium. Vitamin D is required for absorption of calcium from the gut so a deficiency can lead to softened bones, bone fractures or deformity.
Cases of the disease have risen four-fold in the past 15 years.
Children, young people and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable.