Medical professionals recently pointed out an increase in the amount of children who have vitamin D deficiencies in Sri Lanka which has led to concern from government hospitals, it is learnt.

“We get a large number of children who have severe vitamin D deficiency,” Consultant Paediatrician at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Deepal Perera told The Daily Morning. “This is mainly caused because despite being a tropical country, an increasing number of children do not get enough sunlight.”

Perera said that addiction to the internet and social media as well as an increased competition to get the best grades has decreased children getting exposure to the outdoors and sunlight.

“Children are increasingly being asked to not play but study for the whole day,” Perera said. “And then they are taken to hospital because they feel unwell and are suffering from some form of malnourishment.”

Perera cited vitamin D deficiency as a contributory cause for malnourishment of children and recommended that children be allowed to engage in activity in the sun and consume foods such as fish, egg yolk and healthy fats.

“Parents should limit their child’s screen time and allow them to play outdoors,” Perera said.

The Epidemiology Unit recommends a daily exposure to sunshine for 15 to 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to produce vitamin D.  

According to the National Health Service (NHS) a lack of vitamin D can cause rickets, a condition that affects bone development and causes bone pain, in children. Children aged 1-4 are more likely to suffer from Vitamin D deficiency than any other age group.

According to the Epidemiology Unit, 13.2% of children aged 10-18, suffered from Vitamin D deficiency with 58.8% of Sri Lankan adults suffering from the deficiency.