Discuss its role skeletal and nonskeletal health

We understand that rescheduling outside activities to earlier in the day or later in the afternoon, although preferable, is not always possible. It is important that physical activity opportunities for children are not missed—if the only time children can be outside is over the middle of the day. If this happens though, extra precautions with skin protection at this time are needed, and may mean minimising time outside, using shade or indoor areas.

Once foods were fortified with vitamin d and rickets appeared to have been conquered, many health care professionals thought the major health problems resulting from vitamin D deficiency had been resolved. However,

from lanolin. Both are used in over-the-counter vitamin D supplements, but the form available by prescription in the United States is vitamin D2.

What is vitamin D and why is itimportant?

What can be done?

Screening

Exposure to sunlight

People who are born with naturally dark skin (Type V or VI from the table below) require significant amounts of sun exposure to obtain Vitamin D in an amount equivalent to 1000 IU. This exposure needs to occur in peak ultraviolet periods between 10am and 3pm, 4 times per week between 20 and 30 mins April - September and up to 75 minutes in June and July in Perth. Times will vary in other parts of Australia. Sun protection should be used if exposure is likely tobe longer than the recommended times but for people who are truly dark skinned there should be no danger of sunburn. Sunscreen use does inhibit the production of Vitamin D and is probably not necessary for the periods of exposure outlined above.