Study shows highest risk of vitamin D deficiency in BAME babies
A third of all babies and half of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) babies are vitamin D deficient, a large study of 3000 newborn s in the West Midlands has shown, highlighting potential shortfalls in the current UK antenatal supplementation program.
Vitamin D, sometimes referred to as the sunshine vitamin helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate from our diet making it vital for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. As well as causing bone softness and weakness, vitamin D deficiency in newborn infants can lead to serious life-threatening complications such as seizures, serious heart conditions and, rarely, death in the first months of life. With very few dietary sources of vitamin D, supplementation programs are in place to ensure adequate vitamin D consumption in high risk groups which include pregnant women and children.
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A third of all babies and half of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) babies are vitamin D deficient, a large study of 3000 newborn s in the West Midlands has shown, highlighting potential shortfalls in the current UK antenatal supplementation programme.
Vitamin D, sometimes referred to as the sunshine vitamin helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate from our diet making it vital for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. As well as causing bone softness and weakness, vitamin D deficiency in newborn infants can lead to serious life-threatening complications such as seizures, serious heart conditions and, rarely, death in the first months of life. With very few dietary sources of vitamin D, supplementation programmes are in place to ensure adequate vitamin D consumption in high risk groups which include pregnant women and children.