How tall are you? When were you born?
Children who are born in late summer or early fall are often taller and have stronger bones than children born in the spring and winter.
The reason? It might be because summer and autumn babies are receiving higher amounts of vitamin D from the sun. In fact, this may occur while the fetus is still in the womb. The conclusion was reached by researchers in the U.K. after studying 7,000 kids.
The scientists — from Bristol University — reported that by the age of 10, children born in the summer and autumn months were on average half a centimetre taller than those born in the spring and winter. And they had slightly thicker bones, which may protect them from developing osteoporosis later in life.
The researchers suggested that pregnant women who are due in the summer and autumn months should make sure they spend a little time out in the sun. Women whose babies are due between November and May should ask their doctors about taking vitamin D supplements.
