If the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) has its way, schools across the country might have to shift their morning assembly timings between 11 am and 1 pm, which is the best time to soak in the sun for essential Vitamin D.
The proposal to shift the school assembly timing aims to help the children to tap the solar energy which is considered to be the rich source of Vitamin D. According to several studies, a large number of children in the country are suffering with Vitamin D deficiency which can lead to weakness of bones and other lifestyle related disorders.
“One of the ways to get the “Sunshine Vitamin” is exposure to the sunlight from 11 am to 1 pm . It has been observed that with decreasing zenith angle, conversion to active form of Vitamin D is higher. The zenith angle decreases during 11 am — 2pm (minimum is seen at 12 and 1 pm). “Hence, this is the best time for our skin to synthesise Vitamin D when exposed to Sun. Therefore, it is proposed to alter simple daily activities like shifting morning assembly to noon in order to get maximum benefits.
“Other way to get Vitamin D is by consuming foods fortified with Vitamin D and A like milk and edible oil. These products have +F logo on their packs for easy identification,” said the FSSAI Chairman Pawan Agarwal.
In this regard, the FSSAI is holding a joint noon assembly on Monday with students and principal of schools as a simple strategy that can be implemented through schools and the school curriculum.
Meetings with the NDMC and MCD will be held to encourage them review school guidelines to increase the exposure of sunlight. Schools will be asked to spread awareness on Vitamin D deficiency and the need for sunlight exposure as well as introduce more games period during high sunlight exposure hours. On its part, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology too has decided to conduct research on “Vitamin D deficiency in India-public health significance and interventions”.
“We aim to study the skeletal and non skeletal benefits, safety and potential adverse effects of Vitamin D supplementation and fortification in Indians. We will also study non-dietary interventions including sunshine exposure ,” said a senior DBT official.