24 suspected cases of rickets in Nunavut in 2012

Nunavut health officials say there were 24 suspectedcases of rickets in the territory in 2012, and more than 100 since 2003.

Health officialscautionthe numbers are estimated from community health centre reports aboutreasons for visits andmay not represent a confirmed diagnosis.

Rickets is a disease usuallycaused by a lack of vitamin D. Its major symptom issoftening of thebones, which can lead todeformities including bowed legs.

"If you have a diet low in vitamin D, and you're not taking vitamin Dsupplements, you can't really absorb the calcium you need to be strong and healthy," saidAllisonMacRury,Nunavut'sterritorial nutritionist.

"We think of rickets in the bowing of the legs. That's because the bones areweak and kind ofbendybecause the calcium is not getting into there. That's why vitamin D is so important. It lets your body use the calcium."

MacRurysays vitamin D drops for children up to 2 years oldare available at local health centres. She says the drops can be placed on a finger, a soother or on anipple forbreastfeeding.

MacRurysays there are not many food sources of vitamin D but it is added to milk andmargarine. It is alsofound in traditional foods such asmaktaaqand fatty fish.