By Xantha Leatham For The Daily Mail
Published: 23:58 BST, 26 May 2019 | Updated: 23:58 BST, 26 May 2019
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British children are at risk of a rickets epidemic as they spend more time indoors playing on smartphones and tablets, an expert has warned.
Steve Jones, a leading geneticist, said the condition – common in Victorian times – was coming back 'at some speed' as youngsters spent less time in the sun, which meant they received less vitamin D.
He described the vitamin as 'very important stuff' which can help tackle disease and strengthen the immune system.
Steve Jones, a leading geneticist, said rickets (pictured right, next to normal bones on the left) was coming back 'at some speed'
Mr Jones, formerly head of the Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment at University College London, said he has resorted to taking supplements to boost his intake.
'Children today spend an hour a day less outside than they did ten years ago,' he told the Hay Festival.
'That's the smartphone and the tablet situation.
'Scottish children spend less time in the sun than any other