Intended for healthcare professionals

Research Article

Prevention of rickets in Asian children: assessment of the Glasgow campaign.

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1985; 291 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.291.6490.239 (Published 27 July 1985) Cite this as: Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1985;291:239
  1. M G Dunnigan,
  2. B M Glekin,
  3. J B Henderson,
  4. W B McIntosh,
  5. D Sumner,
  6. G R Sutherland

    Abstract

    In March 1979 the Greater Glasgow Health Board launched a campaign to reduce the high prevalence of rickets in Asian children in the city. A precampaign survey had shown that voluntary low dose vitamin D supplementation would reduce the prevalence of rickets in Asian children. A survey carried out two and three years after the launch of the official campaign also showed a reduction in the prevalence of rickets in children taking low dose supplements equivalent to about 2.5 micrograms (100 IU) vitamin D daily. There was a considerable reduction in the total prevalence of rickets in this survey compared with the precampaign survey. Hospital discharges of Asian children with rickets declined rapidly after the start of the campaign.