Professor Dame Sally Davies' advice on the Department of Health's website says, 'Children from the age of six months to five years old should be given a daily dose of vitamin D, as sunlight can be in short supply during the winter.' Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding are also advised to consider taking the supplement.
The Scottish government meanwhile is to advise women who are planning a pregnancy to take Vitamin D because a lack of sunlight can affect the growth of a foetus.
According to statistics from the National Health Service, the number of children suffering from rickets has increased ten-fold, with 61 children admitted to hospital with the condition in 2009-2010, compared with only six children under 14 years old in 2007-2008.
A Department of Health spokesperson said, 'Vitamin D supplements are not recommended for the general population, as most people get enough vitamin D from their diet and from sunlight.
'Supplements are recommended for pregnant women and young children. GPs and nurses offer advice as part of routine consultations and disadvantaged families get them free.'
A fortnight ago the Daily Mail reported that a 12-year-old girl was suffering from rickets caused by over-use of factor 50 sunscreen lotion, which deprived her of essential vitamin D.
SOURCES OF VITAMIN D
- Sunlight: the NHS recommends 15 minutes' exposure on the hands and face a few times a week in the UK during the spring and summer.
- Oily fish
- Eggs
- Margarine
- Fortified breakfast cereals
It is also advisable for children under five and pregnant or breastfeeding women to eat more calcium-rich foods because vitamin D affects the bonebuilding process.
