Abstract

Vitamin-D deficiency is not as rare in Jamaica as previously believed. 9 children with vitamin-D deficiency rickets have been seen at the University Hospital of the West Indies during the past 5 years. All were over 3 years of age at time of presentation. Both dietary deficiency of vitamin D and lack of exposure to sunlight seem to be important causes. Children living in rural Jamaica seem to be more susceptible to the disease than those living in a city, due perhaps to more prolonged breast feeding and lack of fortified milk feeds on weaning.