Washout summer could lead to rickets epidemic in children not exposed to regular sunlight needed to produce vitamin D

The record rainfall throughout April, May and June - with more forecast until September - has robbed youngsters of vitamin D.

Regular sunlight is needed for the production of the vitamin, which keeps growing bones healthy and strong.


Speaking at the BMA’s annual conference in Brighton, Dr Balch said: 'Modern living, with an increasingly indoor lifestyle, extended cloud cover, air pollution, modern diets and the overuse of sunscreen have reduced access to natural vitamin D.'


Doctors now fear that there could be an explosion of illnesses among children, including rickets, fractured bones, MS and sudden infant death.


The BMA recently passed a motion calling for a national vitamin D supplement programme.



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