Several Indian infants are at risk of bone deformities, seizures and poor growth because of no exposure to sunshine. So doctors have recommended daily 15 minute exposure to the sun from 10 am to 3 pm.
This study was conducted by pediatricians from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) who studied the significance of vitamin D prevalence among newborns and their mother. The study has revealed the prevalence of acute vitamin D deficiencies in exclusively breast fed babies. This shortage was even greater among their mothers. Therefore under the National Health programs the Government should implement vitamin D supplementation for all pregnant and lactating women as is recommended by the American and European Academies of Pediatrics.
Assistant professor of pediatrics, AIIMS and lead author of the study Dr. Vandana Jain said, "Vitamin D deficiency among infants and mothers in both summers and winters can be attributed to decreased cutaneous synthesis of Vitamin D due to higher skin pigmentation in India. But the primary reason appears to be less exposure to the sun, lack of participation in outdoor activities and excessive use of sunscreens by women, who block UV rays essential for the skin to synthesize Vitamin D."