A 18-year study led by Bristol University has shown that babies born after their pregnant mothers have enjoyed a big dose of summer sun are taller and stronger-boned than those born in winter and spring.
In the study, late summer and early autumn babies were on average half a centimetre taller and had around five inches of extra bone area due to increases in bone width.
This seems to prove the theory that the sunshine vitamin is important from as early as pregnancy for building strong bones in children.
Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium which is necessary for strong bones and teeth, as well as fighting disease and infections. It is produced naturally in the body through exposure the sun, but levels can be insufficient in the winter when hours of natural sunlight are low.
Researchers recommend that mothers expecting between November and May should consider vitamin supplements. The FSA recommends ten micrograms (1,000mcg equal to one milligram) a day of Vitamin D during pregnancy.