As winter sets in for many parts of the world, parents tend to focus on protecting their children from the cold. Bundling up is essential for warmth, but it inadvertently prevents exposure to a critical health resource: sunlight. Vitamin D, often called the "sunshine vitamin," plays a pivotal role in children's growth, immune health, and skeletal development. However, winter's shorter days and limited outdoor activities exacerbate an already pressing global issue: vitamin D deficiency.

Dr. Kushal Agrawal, MD Pediatrics and Head of the Department of Pediatrics, says, "Vitamin D deficiency is a concern that grows with the winter season since sunlight exposure, which is needed for the synthesis of this essential nutrient in the body, is limited during this season. Without the adequate amount, children risk weakened bones, delayed development, and compromised immunity.

According to global health data, more than one billion people, children included, suffer from a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is not specific to developing countries, as it is also present in industrialized countries. Vitamin D deficiency arises as a result of dietary habits, urban living, and restricted sunlight exposure in those developed countries.

Winter poses special challenges for achieving adequate vitamin D levels. With colder months comes reduced UVB radiation, overcast skies, and shorter daylight hours that lower the skin's ability to produce vitamin D. For children, who are often kept indoors or heavily clothed to protect against the cold, this means even less exposure to sunlight.

Parents must make this balancing act of shielding children against cold and sun-exposing them to the warmth adequately. Sunlight is nature's best vitamin D provision and even small dosages that can be done when out in mid-morning or early afternoon suffice", asserts Dr. Agrawal.

How Much Vitamin D Do Kids Need?

The RDA of vitamin D for children and teens is comparable to that of adults. In infants, though, needs are lower as they're based on achieving a serum level above 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) to promote healthy growth.

However, many specialists claim that these recommendations are conservative and not enough for maintaining optimal vitamin D levels. Pediatricians usually recommend that children have a combination of natural sunlight, diet, and supplements to ensure adequate amounts, especially during winter.

Sources of Vitamin D for Children

Though sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, dietary and supplementary sources are important during winter. According to Dr. Agrawal:

1. Encouraging Outdoor Play

Let children play outside during mid-morning or early afternoon when UVB rays are most effective. "Make sure they get at least 15–20 minutes of sun exposure on uncovered skin areas like the face, hands, or arms," he advises.

2. Adding Vitamin D-Rich Foods

Add foods such as oily fish (salmon, trout), fortified milk, cereals, and some egg yolks to the diet of a child. However, due to these foods alone, hardly any daily intake of vitamin D can be obtained from them.

3. Vitamin D Supplements

For children who spend little time outdoors or reside in places where winters are extreme, supplementation may be essential. Pediatrics usually prescribe vitamin D3 supplements based on the child's age and his or her requirements.

4. Safe Sun Exposure Practice

Expose children to limited amounts of sun without sunscreen for the duration of vitamin D production to occur. Following the brief exposure, use sunscreen on them.

Challenges in Managing Vitamin D Deficiency

Despite its importance, maintaining optimal vitamin D levels is challenging for many families. Factors like skin pigmentation, geographic location, and dietary restrictions can complicate efforts. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency is often underdiagnosed, as symptoms like fatigue, muscle pain, or frequent infections may be attributed to other causes.

Increasing awareness among parents about vitamin D, especially during the winter season, is an essential step. Regular check-ups of their children at pediatricians, planning their diet, and outdoor activities are some of the steps that can fill this gap," says Dr. Agrawal.

Why Proactive Parenting is Necessary for Winter Wellness?

As a parent, preventive measures are vital to maintain the vitamin D levels of your child. Get in touch with your pediatrician to evaluate the requirements of your child and establish a personalized plan. Be it through sun exposure, changes in diet, or supplements, ensuring that your child maintains adequate vitamin D levels could protect his growth and immunity during the colder months.

Dr. Agrawal concludes, "Vitamin D is not merely a nutrient; it forms the very foundation of health for your child. Prevention during winter can protect the little one from the subliminal threats of deficiency and set the foundation of a healthy future.

Vitamin D deficiency is a global problem with significant health implications for children, especially during winter. Understanding its importance and taking actionable steps can ensure that children thrive even during the coldest months of the year. The "sunshine vitamin" might just be the key to keeping your child's health glowing, no matter the season.

Dr Kushal Agrawal is MD pediatrics, HOD Department of Pediatrics KVR Hospital, Uttarakhand, India

Vitamin D Metabolism and Guidelines for Vitamin D Supplementation. Clin Biochem Rev. 2020.

Vitamin D: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Diatary Supplements

While most pregnancies normally and do not have any serious complications, notes Johns Hopkins Medicine, sometimes rare complications can occur and it can then interfere with normal fetal development. In such a case, Australian nutritionist and social media influencer Stacey Hatfield tragically passed away. Her husband described it as an “extremely rare complication” during childbirth. The 30-year-old Melbourne native was known for promoting toxin-free living and wholesome recipes under the handle @naturalspoonfuls, where she had more than 17,000 followers.

Hatfield’s pregnancy had been filled with joy and anticipation. She and her husband, Nathan Warnecke, were just two months away from celebrating their first wedding anniversary when she went into labour at home on September 29.

She gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Axel, fulfilling what Warnecke said was her “biggest dream in life — to be a mum.” But moments after delivering her son, the “unimaginable” occurred.

A Tragic Turn After Birth

According to Warnecke, Hatfield developed an “unforeseen and extremely rare complication” immediately after childbirth. She was rushed to the hospital, where medical staff did everything they could to save her life.

“Hospital staff were amazing and did the utmost to help, but ultimately nothing could be done despite their best efforts,” Warnecke said in a social media post announcing her passing. “Words can’t do justice to how devastating this is for myself and everyone that knew and loved her.”

He shared that Hatfield’s final moments were filled with love and happiness as she held her newborn son in her arms. “She held Axel when he was born, nursed him, saw that he was a boy, and loved him,” he wrote. “She loved him so much and still continues to love him.”

Remembering a “Lighthouse in the Storm”

Warnecke, who called Stacey his “beautiful wife, soulmate, and best friend,” said her passing has left a void that words cannot fill. “I knew Stace for nine amazing years — she was the light of my life and the reason I got up in the morning,” he said. “She was my lighthouse in the storm, and the world is less bright without her in it.”

He described her as “the most beautiful, loving, caring, hardworking, disciplined, intelligent, and trustworthy human being” he had ever known.

Community Support for the Family

In the wake of the tragedy, family, friends, and the wider community have come together to support Warnecke and baby Axel. A GoFundMe page has raised more than $20,000 to help cover funeral expenses, childcare, and household costs as the grieving family adjusts to life without Stacey.

What Are Some Of The Rarest Pregnancy Complications That Can Kill The Mother?

• Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction: a rare fatal condition that occurs when there is a blockage in the urinary tract of a developing fetus. In this condition, the urine cannot be drained, and the fluid around the fetus decreases.

• Amniotic Fluid Embolism: this is when amniotic fluid, cells, hair, or fecal matter of the baby enters the mother's blood circulation and leads to conditions like Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC).

• Pulmonary Embolism: this happens when the blood in mother becomes more coagulable and could sometimes form blood clots, known as thrombosis.
• Uterine Rupture: it is a rare complication, where the risk of it happening is less than 1%. If it occurs, it usually happens during labor.

While infertility has long been viewed as a women’s issue, experts stress that men account for nearly half of all cases. According to fertility specialists, male infertility contributes to around 40% of infertility cases, with female factors responsible for another 40%, and combined or unexplained causes making up the rest. Alarming trends show a steady rise in male infertility, largely due to low sperm count, lifestyle factors, and sexual health issues.

Dr. Avantika Vaze Parab, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Vashi, Mumbai, explains that several reproductive health conditions in men can impact their ability to father a child, many of which are treatable if identified early.

Common Medical Conditions That Affect Male Fertility

One of the most common causes of male infertility is varicocele, a swelling of the veins in the scrotum that increases testicular temperature and hampers sperm production. “It often goes unnoticed but can be treated through medication or, in some cases, surgery,” says Dr. Parab.

Hormonal imbalances also play a significant role in fertility. Hormones such as FSH, LH, and prolactin, released from the pituitary gland, along with testosterone produced in the testes, are essential for healthy sperm production. Any disruption in these hormones can reduce sperm quality and quantity.

Infections of the reproductive tract, including untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or illnesses like mumps during childhood, may cause long-term damage to sperm-producing tissues, leading to infertility.

When Sperm Can’t Reach the Ejaculate

In some men, sperm production occurs normally, but blockages in the reproductive tract prevent sperm from being ejaculated. “In such cases, sperm can still be retrieved directly from the testes through procedures like TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction) or PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration),” explains Dr. Parab. These sperm can then be used in advanced fertility treatments such as ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), allowing men to father children with their own sperm despite the obstruction.

The Impact of Sexual and Lifestyle Factors

Sexual dysfunctions such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation are another major contributor to male infertility. These issues are often linked to stress, obesity, or chronic conditions like diabetes, and they can strain both fertility and relationships.

Lifestyle habits also play a major role. Dr. Parab emphasizes that smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of physical activity, and exposure to chemicals or radiation can all impair sperm health. “Even when sperm are produced, their count or motility may be too low for natural conception,” she notes. In such cases, assisted reproductive treatments like IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) or IVF/ICSI may be recommended.

Genetic and Hormonal Conditions

Certain genetic disorders, such as Klinefelter’s syndrome or Y-chromosome microdeletions, can lead to very low sperm counts or even azoospermia (zero sperm count). These require specialized diagnosis and fertility support.

Breaking the Stigma Around Male Infertility

Dr. Parab underscores that infertility is a shared responsibility, not solely a woman’s issue. “For generations, men have been hesitant to seek medical help due to social stigma,” she says. A basic semen analysis is often the first step for men who are trying to conceive.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, quitting tobacco and alcohol, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and consulting a doctor early can significantly improve fertility outcomes. “Seeking timely medical guidance helps men take the right steps at the right time,” Dr. Parab concludes.

Staying hydrated during pregnancy is crucial, but not every beverage that quenches thirst is safe for a mom-to-be. From morning coffee to bedtime teas, the choices can get confusing. So, how do you know which drinks are actually good for you and your baby?

We spoke to Dr. Sushruta Mokadam, consultant obstetrician at Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, who rated the most common beverages consumed during pregnancy — from best to worst — and explained what makes them safe or risky.

Water

She recommends drinking at least three litres of water daily. “If plain water feels boring, try adding slices of lemon, cucumber, or mint. Detox water can be a refreshing and healthy alternative,” she adds.

Milk

Milk is packed with calcium, protein, vitamin D, and iodine, all vital for the baby’s bone, tooth, and brain development. “Milk is one of the most wholesome drinks for expectant mothers, provided it’s pasteurized,” says Dr. Mokadam.

She advises choosing between low-fat or full-fat milk based on your dietary needs. For those who are lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based options, fortified almond or soy milk can be good substitutes — as long as they’re enriched with calcium and vitamin D.

Fresh Fruit Juices

Freshly squeezed juices provide a good dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. “Juices like orange, pomegranate, or apple can help boost your well-being,” explains Dr. Mokadam.

However, she cautions against overconsumption: “Juice lacks fiber and is high in natural sugars. One small glass a day is fine, but going overboard can lead to unnecessary calorie intake and affect blood sugar levels.”

Herbal Teas

Many pregnant women turn to herbal teas for relaxation or to ease nausea. “Mild herbal teas like ginger or chamomile in moderation can help with digestion or morning sickness,” says Dr. Mokadam.

But not all herbs are safe. “Avoid teas with licorice root, pennyroyal, or unknown herbal blends. Always check with your doctor before adding any herbal tea to your routine,” she advises.

Coffee and Black/Green Tea

Caffeine crosses the placenta and can affect the baby’s heart rate. “It’s best to limit caffeine to less than 200 mg per day,” warns Dr. Mokadam. That’s roughly one small cup of coffee or two cups of tea. Too much caffeine may increase the risk of miscarriage or low birth weight.

Soft Drinks, Energy Drinks, and Sugary Beverages

These are high in sugar, artificial additives, and caffeine, with no nutritional value. “They can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, excessive weight gain, or even affect fetal growth,” says Dr. Mokadam.

She advises cutting them out completely for better overall well-being.