A medical expert has warned of a rise in vitamin D deficiencies in children in Sri Lanka, it was reported.
According to the Daily Morning, Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera pointed out that the lack of exposure to sunlight was a key cause for vitamin D deficiencies in children.
“Addiction to the internet and social media as well as an increased competition to get the best grades has decreased children getting exposure to the outdoors and sunlight,” he said.
Stating that this has resulted in children feeling unwell more often and malnourishment, he further said that vitamin D deficiency was a contributory cause for malnourishment in children.
The Consultant Paediatrician advised that children be allowed to engage in activities in the sun and consume foods such as fish, egg yolk and healthy fats.
Meanwhile, the Epidemiology Unit has recommended daily exposure to sunshine for 15 to 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to produce vitamin D.
The National Health Service (NHS) has also warned that a lack of vitamin D can cause rickets, a condition that affects bone development and causes bone pain, in children.
As per the NHS, children aged 1-4 are more prone to suffer from Vitamin D deficiency than any other age group. (Newswire)
