Indonesia is a tropical country, how come so many children do not have vitamin D?

Jakarta –

Indonesia is a tropical country with the sun shining all year round. This condition should ensure that the Indonesian people’s need for vitamin D is met.

However, the study actually found that Indonesian citizens, including children, tend to experience vitamin D deficiency. ‘ meet the average needs for calcium and vitamin D. , which has an impact on growth and development.

Professor at the Faculty of Pediatrics, University of Indonesia, Dr Rini Sekartini SpA(K) said that although you live in a tropical country, there are several factors behind vitamin D deficiency in children. Including many parents who fear that their child’s skin will darken when exposed to sunlight.

“When playing outside, parents tend to cover their children’s bodies completely, so there is very little exposure to incoming sunlight . This includes those in rural areas. They often play outside, but they still have vitamin D deficiency,” said Dr. Rini when met in Jakarta, Friday (8/ 11/2024).

Deliberately avoiding sunlight can make a child’s body deficient in vitamin D. There are many consequences, from fatigue to an autoimmune disease or a condition where a person’s immune system attacks the their own body.

Dr. Rini said that achieving nutrition, including providing breakfast with balanced nutrition, is very important for school children. A healthy breakfast not only works to increase energy, but is the main source for them to stay healthy in their activities.

“In general, children who eat milk at breakfast have a higher intake of essential micronutrients, especially calcium and vitamin D,” said Dr. Rini.

(his/her)