Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is a vital part of a balanced lifestyle which controls the levels of calcium and phosphate in the body, affecting the health of bones and teeth, improving the immune system and having a positive impact on mood.

 A severe vitamin D deficiency could lead to osteoperosis and related diseases.

We gain most of our vitamin D requirements from exposure to sunlight which stimulates production of vitamin D in the skin.  We need at least two doses of 15 minutes of sunshine every week.  Any more time spent in the sun doesn't matter because the body reaches an equilibrium which starts to break the vitamin D down again once we have produced enough.

However, if we don't get enough sunlight, as may be true this summer with all of it's grey, cloudy days, it is possible that we are not getting enough vitamin D.

In these circumstances it may be necessary to ensure that we are gaining vitamin D from other sources.  Egg, cheese and oily fish can all provide vitamin D and these are all made available on school lunch menus.

In addition, you may consider offering your children extra vitamin supplements.  However, exercise caution when doing this.  Although natural production of vitamin D is regulated by your own body, taking too many supplements can lead to a vitamin D overdose causing weakening in the bones.  Read the directions carefully and seek professional medical advice before giving your children vitamin supplements.