Will lack of sun stunt a child's growth or make them ill?

Question

I live in Alaska and we get very little sun this time of year. My concern is for my children who are so white they look like little ghosts. We center are meals around alot of fruits and veggies, take vitamins and exercise regularly. They seem to have alot of energy and do well in school but will a lack of sun have any long term effects for them?

Answer 1

Vitamin D will be the main problem. You may want to invest in a sun lamp. That and possibly seasonal depression, sometimes known as cabin fever. None of this will have long-term effects if it is treated with a sense of humor and a good bit of compassion.

In very cold climates, you need to forget all the PC stuff about low fat. You need a fairly fatty diet to protect you from the cold. Protein is also very necessary for good brain function, so don't try to raise vegetarians in an environment where the usual thing is a diet very high in meat and accompanying fat.

But then, I do not believe in raising children as vegetarians at all. It is simply too hard to get enough protein into them for good growth and development.

Answer 2

I am not a doctor, but a certain amount of sunlight activates some substances of the body called endorphines, which make you feel better. Also UltraViolet radiation (part of the invisible sunlight) is necessary for the transformation of some provitamins into vitamins (I think it's D vitamin, mainly, indispensable to build strong bones and teeth, I'm not sure if it's K also or others). But since you live in Alaska, even in winter times, reflection of the sunlight on ice and snow (if there is any of them) works just fine. Try to find more information on protection against uv (an exaggerated amount turns out harmful, especially on fair complexions). Oh, and don't forget dairy products (proteins, calcium etc). Proteins are used to build different kinds of tissue, e.g. muscles (following Aunt). A balanced diet contains all the types of food.

Answer 3

If your child doesnt' grow then that's the DNA you and your husband passed onto them. And lack of sun doesn't make them ill either. As long as they are getting good grades in school, eating healthy, getting lots of exercise and are generally "normal" in every sense of the word, then stop fretting so much. You could always move if you are that paranoid about it.

Answer 4

emotional...they may get a bit of the depression....it also will throw their sleep off...

People have lived there for thousands of years...apparently it is not too terrible...

Answer 5

yes!