Over 50% of Canadian kids are deficient in Vitamin D..... so why is this?

We need 30 minutes daily of direct sunlight exposure to the skin in order for our bodies to produce enough cholecalciferol (or Vitamin D3 as it's more commonly known!). UVB rays are the rays that stimulate Vitamin D3 production. These rays are also unfortunately the ones that cause sunburn and skin cancer. They have shorter wavelengths and higher energy levels than UVA rays. So it is important that our skin is protected by sunscreen in order to avoid burning. Between the hours of 10am - 4pm UVB rays are at their strongest. This is the time where 1 - we are more at risk of sunburn but 2 - the most Vitamin D is produced.

So what does wearing sunscreen mean for Vitamin D synthesis? 

Does sunscreen block the production of Vitamin D? The answer... well sort of. But most people do not wear enough sunscreen to block all of the UVB and we are also guilty of not reapplying often enough. In the winter months where sunburn isn't an issue, we just don't get strong enough UVB rays to produce Vitamin D3.

What do the experts recommend?

Canadian paediatricians and family doctors highly recommend that babies and kids should take a Vitamin D supplement daily throughout the year. Babies need 10mcg (400IU) daily and children from 12 months upwards need 15mcg (600IU) daily. It is so important to wear sunscreen from April - October....Sunburn is a no no. So in summary the answer to preventing Vitamin D deficiency is a daily supplement and not avoiding sunscreen!