British parents are not sufficiently aware of the importance of vitamin D for children, both during pregnancy and after birth. This is shown in a study by Leeds Beckett University in England, in which nearly 200 parents participated.
Vitamin D deficiency is a serious public health problem in England. One in four toddlers does not get enough vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary for the normal growth and development of children’s bones. In addition, vitamin D contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system of children.
Parents insufficiently informed
According to the researchers, major improvements are needed to educate parents about the importance of vitamin D and their children’s needs. More than half indicate that they have not received information about vitamin D during pregnancy, breastfeeding information or at the consultation center. 23% of parents did not know why vitamin D is important for children and only 26% of parents give their children vitamin D daily. The vast majority indicate that they obtained information by actively searching for themselves on medical and parenting websites.
Vitamin D levels too low
The results of the study were published in August 2019. 194 parents with one or more children up to two years old participated in the study. The majority consisted of mothers with a White-British ethnic background, ages 25 to 44. In addition, 18 parents participated in focus groups for qualitative research. The results indicated that the recommended amount for vitamin D is not being followed by pregnant and breastfeeding women or parents because the levels of vitamin D supplementation were lower than they should be.
Unclear vitamin D guidelines
Furthermore, many parents reported that they were not aware or confused about current guidelines regarding vitamin D supplementation in babies, especially combined with breastfeeding. But even after that, there is confusion about dietary sources and the role of vitamin D-enriched products.
According to researchers at the University of Birmingham, 13.2 million cases of vitamin D deficiency in England and Wales can be prevented in the next 90 years if vitamin D supplementation is made mandatory.