Nursery World - Health & Nutrition

What is vitamin D deficiency, how can it be avoided and is the link to coronavirus credible? Meredith Jones Russell reports

People with darker skin are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, and children generally are vulnerable to it

The importance of vitamin D for children has usually been considered in relation to building healthy bones, but the coronavirus pandemic is now highlighting its potential significance for lung function and fighting infection as well.

We know that vitamin D is needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain and muscle weakness, caused by a condition called osteomalacia, in children and adults.

SOURCES AND SUPPLEMENTS

During the summer, most people should be able to get all the vitamin D they need from sunlight. However, during autumn and winter, the sun is not strong enough for the body to make vitamin D, so diet becomes more important.

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