Too much of sunblock ‘causing a rise in Vit D deficiency in children’
By ANIThursday, February 3, 2011
LONDON - A new study has found that using too much of sunblock lotion is causing an increase in Vitamin D deficiencies in children.
“People have a stronger belief in the sun causing cancer than the benefits of getting vitamin D but we need to get a balance,” the Daily Express quoted Dr Colin Michie, a consultant senior lecturer in paediatrics at Ealing Hospital in west London, as saying.
“Teenagers are coming into hospital with vitamin D deficiency. They are growing fast and come in with aches and pains,” he added.
“When we measure their levels, they are very low and it’s because they do not go out in the sun anymore, and spend time indoors playing video games.”
The deficiency cases have also seen a rise in the number of cases of rickets, the childhood bone disorder not seen since the 19th century.
Vitamin D can only be made by the body when the skin is exposed to the sun’s UV rays. Although turning bright red will increase cancer risk, it is safe to get small bursts of sun. (ANI)
