![]() ![]() 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. 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. ![]() 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 and insufficiency is now recognized as a global issue impairing the health of more than 1 billion people Worldwide. Vitamin D is primarily synthesized dermally when sun rays directly strikes exposed skin. ![]() These behavioral changes are also linked to spending less time in the Sun. Urbanization in Africa has led to lifestyles changes that undermine physical activity. ![]()
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