Rise in Cases of Vitamin D Deficiency

Cases of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women, which can lead to rickets in children, are increasing, the Department of Health has warned.

Expectant and breastfeeding mothers are being urged to boost their intake of the vitamin, which comes from exposure to sunlight, particularly during the darker winter months.
However, it has been found that significant numbers of children, particularly among ethnic minorities, are finding it difficult to maintain levels of vitamin D and that one in 100 children in minority ethnic groups is suffering from rickets.

Dr Colin Michie, a paediatrician at Ealing hospital, claims it is important to stress how vital vitamin D is to both mothers and their dependents.

'We are seeing significant numbers of children with vitamin D deficiency. Mothers and babies are simply not getting enough of this important vitamin,' he said.

'Most pregnant and breastfeeding women should take a vitamin D supplement to ensure babies get the best start in life. Babies receive vitamin D from their mothers while in the womb, and then from breastmilk until they are weaned.

'If a pregnant or breastfeeding woman is lacking in vitamin D, the baby will also have low vitamin D and calcium levels which can lead babies to develop seizures in the first months of life.'

The Department of Health has advised that all mothers should take a vitamin D supplement, which can be obtained free of charge from a GP or health visitor as part of the Healthy Start scheme, to ensure they and their children are healthy.

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