Have you ever come across the term Vitamin D deficiency? It turns out that pregnant women in Singapore are experiencing a shortfall in this essential micronutrient. Vitamin D is crucial for bone health, bolstering the immune system, and plays a pivotal role in the well-being of both mother and fetus.
This revelation stems from a comprehensive study conducted across multiple countries, encompassing 1,700 women aged between 18 and 38 from Singapore, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom (UK).
WHY SINGAPORE WOMEN ARE DEFICIENT IN VITAMIN D
Jennifer Shim, a senior dietitian at Parkway East Hospital, said people should get at least five to 30 minutes of sun exposure, at least twice a week. The Singhealth website advised letting the sun shine on your arms and legs, between 10am and 3pm.
The reason weโre not getting at least this amount of sun exposure is our sun-protection behaviour.
โUsing sunscreen, umbrellas, staying indoors or seeking shade, as well as wearing long sleeves, can block the source of Vitamin D production from sunlight,โ
she said.