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Volume 16 Issue 3

The Sunshine Vitamin: Vitamin D and Its Requirements in Pregnancy and Infancy

Sumitha Nayak

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for all human beings and has a major influence in maintaining and promoting health. It is called the sunshine vitamin, as a major part of it is formed due to the effect of sunlight on the skin. The requirement of this vitamin increases during pregnancy and lactation. During pregnancy, inadequate levels may interfere with the pregnancy outcome, and this has deleterious effects on the newborn. Many factors interfere with the adequate production of this vitamin in the body. Supplementation during pregnancy, lactation, and infancy is routinely recommended. Remaining outdoors for longer duration, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM, ensures sufficient production of vitamin D in the body.

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