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Living with Vitamin D-dependent rickets

A group of inherited conditions that make bones soft and weak, beginning within months after birth.

Understanding Vitamin D-dependent rickets

Vitamin D-dependent rickets is a bone development disorder that softens and weakens the bones (rickets).

There are several types, based on genetic cause: 1A, 1B, 2A, and a very rare 2B. Signs begin within months after birth. Weak bones can cause bone pain, slow growth, and fractures. Children may develop bowed legs once they walk. Some have tooth problems, low muscle tone, or seizures.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a common-symptom list, but its summary describes these:

  • Soft, weak bones (rickets)
  • Bone pain
  • Slow growth
  • Bowed legs
  • Easily broken bones
  • Thin tooth enamel and cavities

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which type of vitamin D-dependent rickets do we have?
How are calcium and bone health monitored?
Which specialists should be on my child's team?

Quick facts

GARD says the types are set apart mainly by their genetic cause. Early signs include low calcium and low phosphate with high parathyroid hormone in the blood.

Also known as: active rickets; vddr; vddr - vitamin d-dependent rickets

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Vitamin D-dependent ricketsGARD ID 25384 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Vitamin D-dependent rickets.

Explore the Vitamin D-dependent rickets blog

Explore research for Vitamin D-dependent rickets

Explore actively recruiting Vitamin D-dependent rickets studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Vitamin D-dependent rickets with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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