Vitamin D

New Studies Reveal Importance of Vitamin D in Kids

Did you know that a "lack of vitamin D puts kids at increased risk for osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, infection, and other possible health problems in adulthood."

Yes, according to two new studies, millions of U.S. children have extremely low vitamin D levels, and that "lack is tied to heart and diabetes risks."

In fact, some observers say that a lack of vitamin D in their childhoods may partly explain the epidemic of these diseases among adults in North America.

From an article posted in the vitalchoice newsletter, this information surprise some people, however, for many nutritional experts, this is not a big surprise.

The first study reveals that there is a "vitamin D shortfall" that is "common in kids and teens." The study showed that "9 percent of children aged 1 through 21 - about 7.6 million children, adolescents and young adults ? have vitamin D levels considered deficient. And another 61 percent - 50.8 million kids - have vitamin D levels that are higher but still deemed insufficient" (Kumar J et al 2009).

From the final analysis of the study of more than 6,000 children, girls, adolescents, and people with darker skin had the "lowest vitamin D levels." The final results were that " 59 percent of African American teenage girls deemed vitamin D deficient."

In the second study shows that kids, deficient in vitamin D are at risk of heart disease, and diabetes. The team conducting the study found that "adolescents with the lowest D levels had more than double the risk of having high blood pressure and blood sugar and about four times the risk for the metabolic syndrome."

The team also concluded that "low serum [blood] vitamin D [levels] in US adolescents is strongly associated with hypertension, hyperglycemia, and metabolic syndrome, independent of adiposity (excess body fat)." (Reis JP et al. 2009)

As this new evidence poured in from the leading vitamin D researchers, parents are urged to ask their doctors to test their children's vitamin D levels. That does ot come as a big surprise, since vitamin D is one of those often overlooked important vitamins. And these studies show proof that vitamin D is just as important as previously thought to be.

There's also a request from these researchers suggesting that children increase their intake of vitamin D from food and supplements, and also make sure they spend more time in the sun.

"Vitamin D researchers universally point to ample evidence that the U.S. recommended daily allowances for vitamin D (400 IU) is much too low to maintain healthy levels among kids in northern latitudes, and especially in darker-skinned teens."

Man doctors suggest drinking more milk, some even suggest drinking 10 glasses of milk per day, one of the earlier recommended sources of vitamin D. However, "supplements and fatty fish are both much higher in vitamin D than milk, and fish such as wild sockeye salmon (687 IU per 3.5 oz serving) offer the benefits of very high protein and omega-3 content as well." [3]

If your child suffers from vitamin D deficiency, or you're just looking for a better means of getting this all important vitamin, TriVita's VitaCal-Mag D may be right for your child. Before taking any supplements, always check with your health care professional or doctor.

To learn more about TriVita's VitaCal-Mag D, go to http://trivitaproduct.info and click on the Vitamin D link.

Jeffrey Sloe
440-725-3729
jeff@internetmarketingadvisors.net
TriVita Independent Business Affiliate, 12871028

Sources:
[1] Kumar J et al. Prevalence and Associations of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Deficiency in US Children: NHANES 2001–2004. Pediatrics. Published online August 3, 2009. doi:10.1542/peds.2009-0051
[2] Reis JP et al. Vitamin D Status and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in the United States Adolescent Population. Pediatrics. Published online August 3, 2009. doi:10.1542/peds.2009-0213.
[3] http://newsletter.vitalchoice.com/e_article001512677.cfm?x=bfT6hQ1,bfv5gTb0