E ven in the autumn months children should spend time each day in the open air to keep up their reserves of vitamin D.

“Regular, measured exposure to sunlight is an important source of vitamin D for the body,” explains Ulrich Fegeler of Germany's Association of Paediatricians and Youth Medicine.

Just 15 to 20 minutes a day is sufficient and only the face, hands and lower arms — without sun cream — need be exposed to the sun's rays. “Children and youth who rarely venture outside are at risk of suffering from a vitamin D deficiency, especially in winter,” warns Fegeler. Severe vitamin D deficiency can lead to decalcification of the bones and growth defects caused by rickets.

According to the Robert Koch Institute longterm vitamin D deficiency causes muscular problems, heart and circulation issues and weaknesses in the body's immune system.....................Click for more

Source Web Page: The Hindu