Vitamin D deficiency is growing in children more so post-pandemic as the little ones stayed cooped inside their houses and got fewer opportunities to play outside due to Covid-induced lockdowns. The deficiency is more common in the age group of 2-14. Other risk factors can lead to Vitamin D deficiency in children.
Children who don’t get enough sunlight, those who don’t get enough milk, and premature babies are at risk. 151.9 million kids were found have lack of it in India in 2019, according to a report Essentially, delivered in October 2022. Restricting youngsters’ screen time and taking care of them food varieties plentiful in Vitamin D like fish, liver oil, eggs, milk, margarine, cheddar, mushroom and vegetables high in vitamin D like spinach, kale, okra, and collard greens can help.
Vitamin D Plays a Crucial Role In Our Life
It plays a crucial role in the development of a child. It keeps our body healthy and strengthens bones and muscles. It also helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from foods and supplements, safeguarding against heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, infections, immune system problems, cancer (colon, breast, and prostate) and multiple sclerosis.
Causes of Vitamin D deficiency
Today there is a high reduction in children ‘s physical activities as they prefer to socialise online rather than outdoors. They also spend more time on screen, making them low on natural vitamin –sunshine vitamin. Babies who are born prematurely or those who are breastfed, children who do not drink enough milk, and children who spend most of their time indoors or live in a cloudy or cold climate most of the time, are prone to develop this deficiency
How to lower risk of Vitamin D deficiency
- To treat Vitamin deficiency in children, Vitamin D supplements are prescribed.
- Sunlight is the best source of Vitamin therefore daily exposure to sunlight at least 30 minutes is highly advisable.
- Avoid spicy and oily food items, replace them with highly nutritious food like fish, liver oil, eggs, milk butter, cheese, mushrooms and vegetables high in vitamin (spinach, kale, okra, and collard greens).
- Limit children’s screen time and allow them play outside daily for at least one or two hours that will help in their physical development.