Posted Jan 5, 2010
It was 48 degrees in Quincy’s Merrymount Park, where nanny Paula Montenegro played tag last week with Sean, 5, and Ella, 2. The kids ran and jumped to stay warm, savoring a few hours of sun before the weekend snowstorm.
They were getting plenty of exercise but not much vitamin D.
We get vitamin D from milk, orange juice, wild salmon and other foods, but the sun is our main source. Here in New England, where winter comes with less daylight and a sun position that reduces vitamin D-producing UV rays, even kids who play outdoors don’t get enough.
It’s a problem for everyone, but vitamin D deficiency is a particular concern for children’s growing bodies, said Dr. Michael Holick, a professor at the Boston University School of Medicine.
A vitamin D deficiency can cause stunted growth, reduced bone density, aches and pains.
Studies have shown that millions of children in the United States are deficient in vitamin D. The problem has grown since 20 years ago, when children drank more milk, played outside more often and used less sunscreen.
Sunscreen blocks most vitamin D-producing rays, so Holick recommends protecting only the face during short stints in the sun.
Obesity has also fueled vitamin D deficiency, since obese people have trouble releasing stored vitamin D from fat cells.
“The kids are not out at recess anymore, and they’re not outdoors playing a lot,” said Holick. “They’re indoors, playing on their computers.”
Outdoor play in the summer can help children store up vitamin D for the winter, he said.
Quincy mother Cathy Lyons remembers playing outside year-round when she was a kid. Now, Lyons spends time outside with her 4-year- old twins, Megan and Kate.
“I enjoy … getting them all snuggled in their snowsuits and going outside,” Lyons said. “I just think it’s important for them to be out in the fresh air like the rest of us were.”
Besides allowing kids to blow off steam, sunlight can prevent depression by suppressing melatonin, the hormone that makes us sleepy, Holick said.
But when it comes to vitamin D, New Englanders can either move south or take supplements.
Holick recommends daily supplements of 1,000 units for children, and at least that much for adults.
Dreaming up outdoor plans for warmer days might also help drive away the winter blues.
Amy Littlefield may be reached at alittlef@ledger.com.
Date: Jan 2, 2010