There are many health professionals and mothers, who are not well-versed with the role of vitamin D in human body, as found by a survey.

The online survey on mothers was carried out under a study by Dr. Cath Conlon and Dr. Pamela von Hurst, from the Vitamin D Research centre at Massey's Albany campus. It was found that 90% of the mothers were just aware of sun as the natural source of vitamin D and it was required for the development of bones.

Even the mothers were confused by the ‘slip, slop, slap’ skin cancer message and they didn’t know how to strike a balance between the needs of the body, as told by Dr. Conlon.

Nearly 70% of the mothers responded that they got bewildered in understanding the role of vitamin D due to skin cancer messages. They wanted clear and easy to understand messages.

The study also surveyed health professionals such as GPs, midwives, nurses, Plunket nurses and dieticians. Though, they knew completely about the importance of vitamin D, but they were not sure as what advice they should give to their patients. They were not confident in giving a piece of advice.

The findings of the survey suggested that the Ministry of Health should frame clearer guidelines, so that confusion can be rid of.