Some studies suggest as many as one in 100 children from ethnic minorities suffer from the deficiency. Dark-skinned people do not absorb as much sunlight through the skin and may also wear clothing for cultural reasons that prevents exposure to the sun.
Women should contact their GP for a blood test if they think they may be lacking the vitamin, says the health department.
Rosie Dodds of the National Childbirth Trust said women were not aware of how important vitamin D was to the health of their children. She said: "Our lifestyles today mean there are fewer opportunities to make vitamin D through the skin, especially during a British winter. Babies are less likely to be exposed to sun in their prams and children spend longer indoors than ever before. However, there is evidence that vitamin D helps the immune system and allergies, and influences cancer development in later life."
In the summer months, 15 minutes exposure to sunlight per day of the arms, head and shoulders is enough for the body to make enough vitamin D for good health. In the winter months, foods such as oily fish, eggs, fortified cereals and bread can provide enough of the vitamin alongside the body's own stores, says the health department.
December 2007
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