LONDON - The Department of Health has asked pregnant and breastfeeding women to increase their intake of vitamin D so as to prevent rickets in their children. This initiative followed reports that cases of rickets in UK children are on the rise.
Doctors are also advising pregnant women to take more vitamin D especially during the winter months when it is dark and hardly any sunlight hits the Earth. It may be mentioned here that sunlight is an important source of vitamin D.
Rickets is a disease of the bones caused by a lack of vitamin D. The disease causes stunted growth as well as bony deformities. The Department of Health said that women from Asian and Middle-Eastern origin were estimated to be at greater risk for developing vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy.
"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." said Dr Colin Michie, who is a pediatrician at Ealing Hospital in London.
The DoH said that pregnant women would be helped by taking at least 10 mg of vitamin D supplements during winter months. Vitamin D is also found in salmon, tuna, sardines, eggs, fortified cereals and bread. The DoH said intake of these foods must be increased in pregnancy.
Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said women must check if they are eligible to receive free vitamin supplements under the Healthy Start scheme started by the government. Under the scheme pregnant women on benefits or those who are under 18 years old receive fortified milk and fresh fruits and vegetables.
"We particularly encourage women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to take vitamin D, to protect the health and wellbeing of their baby and help them get the best possible start in life," the Health Minister added.
