With sunny skies and rising temperatures in the forecast for Saskatchewan, it's the perfect opportunity to replenish our stores of vitamin D. And after a long, cold winter, the experts say that most of us – especially children – are likely lacking in the so-called "sunshine vitamin." But researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have launched a new study in hopes of preventing the deficiency in the future.
Time spent outside in the sun is important for everyone, especially kids. Nanny Keisha Feorchuk watches young twins Bree and Max Mewis, and notices how their attitudes lift when they're able to play outside.
"As soon as I see sun, we go in the stroller and we go for walks. We go to the park," says Feorchuk. "Definitely working with kids all day I see how it changes their moods."
That time spent in the sun can do more than just boost their moods. Exposure to sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is important in building strong bones and a healthy immunity.
The good news? It only takes between five and ten minutes in the sun to avoid a vitamin D deficiency. The problem is the amount of UV needed is only available to Saskatchewan residents in the summer months.
Dr. Alan Rosenberg is one of the researchers leading the new study on vitamin D deficiency. He says it's hard for prairie dwellers to get enough sunlight. "On a bright sunny August day, one can generate 10,000-20,000 of vitamin D, but on a bright sunny January day you can generate about zero."
Those findings lead Dr. Rosenberg and his peers to suspect Vitamin D deficiencies among northern populations are more common that most people think. Now, he and his colleagues have launched a study to measure vitamin D levels among healthy children aged 18 months to five years.
"What we don't know very well is how prevalent, how common, vitamin D deficiency is - particularly in Saskatchewan. Knowing that could have huge public health implications," says Rosenberg.
In addition to sun exposure, the study will also look at dietary sources of vitamin D and the role genetics play. The goal is to provide families better recommendations to avoid a deficiency.
Researchers are just starting the recruitment process for the study. They're looking for healthy children, with no underlying health conditions between the ages of 18 months and five years. To get involved in the study, visit www.saskvitamindstudy.ca
Results of the research are expected to be released within a couple of years.
