During a clinical assessment, a child with bowed legs is observed. What should the technician review in their food frequency questionnaire?

When observing a child with bowed legs, one important aspect to consider is the potential for underlying nutritional deficiencies, particularly related to bone health. The condition of bowed legs can often be associated with rickets, which is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.

Fortified dairy products are a key source of both calcium and vitamin D, both of which are essential for proper bone development and maintenance. Reviewing the intake of fortified dairy products in the food frequency questionnaire would provide insights into whether the child is receiving adequate amounts of these crucial nutrients. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium and is vital for bone growth, so assessing the child’s consumption of dairy that is enriched with vitamin D is particularly relevant in this situation.

In contrast, while nuts and seeds provide healthy fats and some minerals, they are not predominant sources of the specific nutrients needed to address potential deficiencies related to bone health. Green vegetables, although important for overall nutrition, may not provide sufficient amounts of vitamin D or calcium. Fruits and fruit juices, while beneficial for vitamins and hydration, likewise do not contribute significantly to the intake of calcium or vitamin D. Therefore, focusing on fortified dairy products is critical in evaluating the child's nutrition in relation to their skeletal health.