PREVENTION OF RICKETS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21130, 12 March 1932, Page 7 (Supplement)

PREVENTION OF RICKETS.

The important factor in the prevention ®f this disease is early infant feeding. Undoubtedly by far the best method is the natural feeding of the infant; and if the mother will an adequate and a diet containing a sufficiency of vitamins there is no possible fear of rickets. The mother should cat a varied diet containing ample fresh foods—and above all, milk; in addition she can with advantage take some cod-liver oil and malt. If natural feeding is not practicable cow's milk is the best food, and this can be diluted as ordered by the doctor, and e.xtra cream and sugar added to it. If natural feeding has been used it is necessary toward the end of the first year when other food is being taken to make certain that an ample supply of vitamins is kept up. For this purpose egg yolk may lie given, and later on butter, beef dripping, green vegetables and fish. If there is any doubt at all as to the efficiency of the infant's diet, particularly in the winter months, jod-liver oil should be given. The dose of this is 15 drops up to six months, 20 drops up to 12 months, half a teaspoonful up to two years, and a-teaspoonful to older children, three times a. day. Another important factor in preventing this disease is letting infants get frequently out of doors, especially on fine days, in order to derive benefit from the ultra-violet rays of the sun.