The importance of vitamin D is being stressed to new Mums and Mums-to-be.
Almost a half (49%) of those polled in a recent survey weren’t aware that it can help prevent deficiencies which could lead to bone deformities. Vitamin D deficiency could be a risk for all pregnant and breastfeeding women and children. Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium, an essential mineral for healthy bones and teeth.
In the survey of over five hundred mums, commissioned by Department of Health through the Healthy Start scheme, three quarters (74%) didn’t realise that pregnant women often don’t get sufficient vitamin D and almost half (48%) weren’t aware that vitamin D helps keep bones healthy.
Doctors and health professionals are seeing more and more patients with vitamin D deficiency. Such deficiency can lead to rickets in children (a condition where the bones become weak and soft) and osteomalacia in adults (which causes bone pain and muscle weakness). One in five of the mums surveyed didn’t know what rickets was.
Almost a third (29%) of the mums questioned didn’t know that vitamin D was produced by the skin when exposed to summer sunlight - getting enough exposure to this sunlight can be difficult in the UK. Those who cover up for cultural reasons, those with darker skin and pregnant and breastfeeding women are particularly at risk of a deficiency, especially through the winter.
Dr Minoo Irani, Consultant Paediatrician from NHS Berkshire East said:
“Even if you eat a healthy balanced diet before and during pregnancy, you might not be getting enough vitamin D for you and your baby as the main source is summer sunlight. The Department of Health recommends that all women take a daily vitamin D supplement during pregnancy and while breastfeeding to help prevent a deficiency and the development of conditions such as rickets in your baby. Children under five should also take children’s vitamin drops as they may not be getting enough vitamin A and C from their diet and vitamin D from their diet and the sun.
“People who qualify for the Healthy Start scheme are entitled to free vitamin supplements - just ask your midwife or health visitor where you can pick these up locally.”
Many women and children who are supported by the Healthy Start scheme are able to get free vitamin supplements which containin the recommended amounts of vitamin D. The womens’ vitamins contain folic acid and vitamins D and C and Healthy Start children’s vitamin drops contain vitamins A, C and D.
The Healthy Start scheme supports pregnant women, new mums and families with young children who are on benefits, and pregnant under 18 year olds by providing vouchers which can be used to buy fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and milk. It also provides coupons which can be exchanged for women’s and children’s vitamins.
