Vitamin D is very important as it helps to regulate calcium and phosphate in the body, which are used for bones, teeth and muscles. You can get vitamin D from oily fish, red meat, liver, egg yolks and fortified foods such as breakfast cereals. You can also take a vitamin D supplement, particularly in the winter months to ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D. You can get these from most health stores.
Not having enough vitamin D can cause rickets, which affects bone development in children. This isn’t a common condition anymore, but cases are rising. The only way to prevent rickets is by making sure you have enough vitamin D, and the only way to treat this condition is to have a diet rich in vitamin D. Some families are entitled to free vitamin supplements through the Healthy Start scheme, so it’s important to find out if this applies to you:
