Health experts in Bradford are alarmed by claims that Asian children in Britain are suffering from a lack of sunshine.

A new study has inferred that up to a third of British Asian two-year-olds showed signs of vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to rickets.

They could also be deficient in iron, according to the study.

Vitamin D is produced by the action of sunlight on the skin and is essential if the body is to efficiently use calcium.

A severe lack of it results in rickets, a softening and deformation of childhood bones.

Dr Liz Kernohan, of Bradford Health Authority, said research carried out previously in the district had shown high rates of osteoporosis - also known as brittle bone disease - and vitamin D deficiency in adult Asian women.

Another study had indicated high levels of iron deficiency among Bradford children, especially in the Asian community.

"Certainly where there's a national problem, it's very probable that there will be a local problem for us as well," she said.

"We know from our own work that there's a problem with iron deficiency which is mainly through poor diet.

"There is already an awareness in Bradford of this problem and we are obviously looking forward to seeing this research in full."

Dr Kernohan said the authority was particularly concerned about poor nutrition among children and weaning practices, as well as a general lack of sunlight.

The new study is based on research by the Institute of Child Health in London, which tested the blood of a representative sample of more than 600 Asian two-year-olds in England.

It found that between 20 per cent and 34 per cent of children of Bangladeshi, Indian, and Pakistani origin had vitamin D values at levels considered deficient.

Concentrations normally show a seasonal variation, with the lowest values early in the year, during the winter months.

The researchers wrote in the British Medical Journal: "In our study, iron deficiency was a significant risk factor for low vitamin D concentration in all three ethnic groups.

"This high association should alert clinicians to recommend a vitamin D supplement and screening for rickets in children with low haemoglobin concentrations."

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