When the Sunlight Is Missing: Prevention of Vitamin D Deficiency in Women and Girls Seeking Refuge in Germany

When the Sunlight Is Missing: Prevention of Vitamin D Deficiency in Women and Girls Seeking Refuge in Germany

Young migrants from India, Asia, the Middle East and African countries seeking refuge in Germany are at a risk of vitamin D deficiency. Ann-Kathrin Klein and her research group leader at the FH Münster, Prof. Dr. med. Joachim Gardemann, emphasize this in a recent publication (1). The reason for this is the inadequate sunlight exposure, especially in the sensitive phase of life, the adolescence.

The special way of life of the female migrants, such as the domestic lifestyle, the avoidance of sunlight or wearing the hijab and a low-vitamin D diet all play its part in the elevated risk of vitamin D deficiency. The scientists recommend to educate the young migrants about these dangers in order to take timely measures, such as recommendations for a change in diet or even for vitamin D supplementation, before any health problems manifest themselves.

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(1) (German Source) A-K Klein und J. Gardemann. Migration und Vitamin-D-Mangel. Frauen und Mädchen in der Adoleszenz sind besonders betroffen. Westfälisches Ärzteblatt. Heft 3/2018, Varia, S. 27-27, available at  https://www.aekwl.de/index.php?id=199&3s_aerzteblatt_id=824

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