Osteoporosis Australia is calling for the 'no hat, no play' policy in school playgrounds to be reassessed in the ACT and Tasmania, because children are not getting enough sunlight.

The federal Minister for Ageing, Santo Santoro, will today launch new guidelines recommending Australians increase their intake of calcium and exposure to limited sunlight to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.

The guidelines say people at risk of vitamin D deficiency include the housebound elderly and people with dark skin, especially those who wear veils.

The chief executive officer of Osteoporosis Australia, Judy Stenmark, says the balance between sun exposure and protection is of concern for children.

She says vitamin D deficiency can cause the disease rickets, resulting in muscle weakness and bone deformities.