Are Your Kids Getting Enough Sunlight?

Photo from InsidersHealth.com

With kids spending more time inside watching television and playing video games, it’s no surprise to find that most American kids are lacking in vitamin D. What can be done about this?

You’d never think that sunscreen would be considered a bad thing, but doctors say that you could be blocking your children’s ability to absorb vitamin D from the sun by putting sunscreen on them.

It’s recommended that children spend 10 to 15 minutes outside every day with absolutely no sunscreen. For people who burn to a crisp easily like me, this is a scary prospect. Parents should use their own judgment to see if their children’s skin can handle it.

If you’re too paranoid to let your little ones play outside with no sunscreen, you could also look into giving them daily vitamin D supplements or fortified drinks and foods. You can find some delicious yogurts that contain a good amount of vitamin D.

Have you found any great ways to give your children the vitamin D they need? Read more about the issue here, and share with your friends!