Keeping out of the sun 'is bringing rickets back' as cases increase fivefold in 14 years

The number of British children suffering from rickets has increased fivefold since 1997, figures have revealed. 

More than 760 were admitted to hospital last year with the condition, caused by a shortage of Vitamin D – the vital chemical which is boosted by sunlight.

Better nutrition had all but wiped out rickets, which was common in 19th century Britain, but rates have started to rise in the last decade. It is still a major problem in the third world.

Some experts blame its return on parents’ increasing fear of skin cancer, which encourages them to smother their children in sun cream and keep them out of the sun.     Read Here