With children spending more time indoors on screens and less time playing outside, doctors say even healthy-looking kids are showing signs of vitamin D deficiency, raising concerns about their bone health, immunity and overall growth.
A growing number of children are being diagnosed with low vitamin D levels despite living in a country that receives abundant sunshine throughout the year. Doctors say excessive screen time, indoor lifestyles and shrinking outdoor playtime are emerging as key contributors to this trend.
From online learning and coaching classes to video games and social media, children’s daily routines are becoming increasingly screen-centric. While technology has transformed education and entertainment, experts warn that it has also reduced the time children spend outdoors, limiting their exposure to natural sunlight.
Vitamin D, often called the “sunshine vitamin”, is essential for strong bones, healthy muscles, immunity and overall growth. However, doctors are now reporting a growing number of children with low vitamin D levels despite appearing otherwise healthy.
“There is a noticeable increase in vitamin D deficiency among children, including those who appear otherwise healthy,” said Dr Amit Gupta, Senior Consultant, Pediatrician and Neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Noida.
According to Dr Gupta, many children today spend less than 30 minutes outdoors each day. Between school, tuition classes and recreational screen use, opportunities for sunlight exposure have become limited.
“In a week, three to four children aged between 7 and 16 years come to us with low vitamin D levels. Even children who seem physically healthy are testing significantly low,” he said.
The concern goes beyond bone health. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system. Deficiency can lead to weakened bones, muscle pain, fatigue, delayed growth and an increased risk of fractures. It may also make children more vulnerable to frequent infections.
The worrying part, experts say, is that vitamin D deficiency often goes unnoticed until it starts affecting a child’s growth and daily life.
What makes the issue particularly concerning is that the deficiency often develops quietly. Many parents may dismiss symptoms such as tiredness, body aches or reduced physical activity as signs of a busy school schedule rather than a nutritional problem.
Dr Gupta recommends at least 45 to 60 minutes of outdoor activity daily. Even 10 minutes of morning sunlight can help stimulate the body’s natural vitamin D production.
A balanced diet can also help support healthy vitamin D and calcium levels. Parents should include:
– Milk, curd, paneer and cheese for calcium
– Ragi and almonds to support bone health
– Dark green leafy vegetables as a source of essential nutrients
– Egg yolks for vitamin D
– Fatty fish such as salmon and sardines for vitamin D and healthy fats
– Mushrooms as an additional vitamin D source.
Source: India Today
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