07.12.09
Pregnant women are to be educated about the importance of taking vitamin D supplements thanks to 14-year-old Ryan McLaughlin’s Shine on Scotland campaign.
Last year Ryan took a petition for more awareness of the benefits of vitamin D to the Scottish Parliament, following MS Society funded research which showed a link between vitamin D deficiency and the development of MS. Ryan’s mum Kirsten has the condition.
He is now delighted to have a written response from the Scottish government promising to put in place an action plan to increase awareness.
It said recent research had found there was an “urgent need” to provide information to all health professionals who work with pregnant women and young children about current guidance on vitamin D.
“There is also a need to educate women about the importance of taking vitamin D supplement when pregnant and the importance of giving their children a vitamin D supplement until the age of four,” the response added.
The Scottish government will now agree a co-ordinated programme of action with NHS Health Scotland, and has pledged to keep the McLaughlins informed of developments.
Ryan, from Drumchapel, said: “I am so happy to hear that the Scottish government are being so proactive and really getting behind my campaign.
“These actions will make a big difference to the health of generations of Scots, and it will go a long way to giving Scots children some protection against disease caused by vitamin D deficiency and gives parents proper advice.”
David McNiven, Director of the MS Society Scotland said:
“This is fantastic news for Ryan’s campaign. He has worked incredibly hard to get this result and has been an inspiration to all at the MS Society Scotland. Investing in research which will find answers to the cause, cure and care of MS is a priority for the MS Society Scotland, especially as Scotland has the highest prevalence of MS in the world.”
http://www.mssocietyscotland.org.uk/news_and_whats_on/news_whats_on/win_for_vit_d.html
