Vitamin D3 Deficiency: The Missing Component in the Physical Activity and Lifelong Health of Children and Adolescents in Sub-Sahara Africa?

Abstract

Urbanization in Africa has led to lifestyles changes that undermine physical activity. These behavioral changes are also linked to spending less time in the Sun. Vitamin D is primarily synthesized dermally when sun rays directly strikes exposed skin. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is now recognized as a global issue impairing the health of more than 1 billion people Worldwide. Serum Vitamin D levels in children in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) has been linked to inadequate exposure to sunlight, despite it straddling the equator that affords almost yearlong overhead sunshine. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with several health challenges, which in turn undermines normal growth, development, and potential physical and mental function likely to compromise performance of physical activity and sports. This chapter highlights the role of Vitamin D, its deficiency and implications on physical activity and sports performance with particular focus on children and adolescents, who are at a prime age for foundational development of motor function, skills and performance. While parents, healthcare professionals, coaches and caregivers of children in SSA need to promote sun exposure as the primary source of vitamin D, this perhaps also calls for further attention on Vitamin D supplementation, to support health and sports performance.