Occult Rickets and Osteomalacia amongst the Asian Immigrant Population

Abstract

One hundred and eighty-eight Asian immigrants and 78 Caucasian control subjects were examined clinically and biochemically for evidence of vitamin D deficiency. An incidence of 30 per cent of oven rickets and osteomalacia was found in children and adult women. When abnormal biochemical findings were included, the incidence of apparent vitamin D deficiency rose to 74 per cent amongst the children and 53 per cent amongst the adults. The condition is shown to be responsive to treatment with vitamin D. The aetiology of the disease is discussed. No certain cause can be identified but there is no evidence to suggest that the condition is directly due to the im of these people into Britain. It is recommended that the Asian section of our community should increase the vitamin D content of their diet.