Vitamin D, the key for strong bones, bright mind
According to Dr. Carol Wagner, a pediatric professor at South Carolina Medical University (USA): "In the first 5 years of life, if the child is not exposed to the sun - the source of natural vitamin D - the risk of rickets, developmental retardation and immunodeficiency is very large.
Vitamin D is an essential substance to absorb calcium - bone minerals. But the child's body cannot produce vitamin D itself but need sunlight to activate this process through the skin. Children deficient in vitamin D are prone to hunchback, bow legs, muscle weakness and more susceptible to infections.
Immune system and biological clock
Dr. Richard Weller, a dermatologist at the University of Edinburgh (UK), said: "The sunlight not only produces vitamin D but also helps release nitric oxide - a molecule that helps regulate blood pressure and enhance blood circulation, benefits both the heart and immature immune system of children."
In addition, the morning sunlight also sets a biological clock (Circadian Rhythm), helping children eat and sleep on time and stabilize hormones. This is extremely important in the formation of children's habit of life and nervous development.
How much contact is enough?
According to the recommendations from the American Dermatology Association (AAD), children should be exposed to sunlight about 15-30 minutes a day, early in the morning before 9am and after the afternoon after 16h to avoid strong UV rays.
Dr. Susan Y. Chon, a dermatologist at Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, emphasized: "Parents should not be afraid of the sun that their children lack completely contact. Applying sunscreen thoroughly when going out in the long sky is necessary, but in a short time in the early morning, direct contact is extremely beneficial."
Taking care of children is not shielding all the impacts from the environment, but to choose the best for their children. Sunlight, if exposed to control - is a free gift from nature, helping to build a foundation for a healthy body and a comprehensive brain development.
