National study shows that many kids in the US don’t get enough vitamin D
I have reported on vitamin D levels and kids in previous blogs. vitamin D is so important for kids bones and teeth and may also help to prevent cancer.
This is the first nationally representative study of vitamin D levels and children. Children’s Hospital in Boston analyzed government data (2001-2006) for children aged 11 years and younger.
Here is what they found:
- Approximately 6 million US children are not getting enough vitmain D. This is based on the American Academy of Pediatrics standards. This means about 1 out of every 5 kids!
- However, many experts argue that this standard is too low. Using a higher standard, the study found that 24 million children do not get enough vitamin D! That is about 2/3 of all children.
Rickets is a disease that children can get if their body does not get enough vitamin D causing an inability to absorb calcium. The disease is characterized by soft, weak and deformed bones.
Here are some ways to increase your child’s vitamin D (and calcium) intake. I say both because you really need foods rich in calcium and vitamin D to build strong bones and teeth and fight disease.
1. set some goals with your child. Make it fun to set a goal and then track it.
2. provide calcium and vitamin D rich foods at every meal
3. Be patient, it takes time to change eating habits.
More resources on vitamin D:
Nutrition and building strong bones
Does my child really need milk?
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:53 am
yes…eating habits take time to change.
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:23 pm
This is a very informative post. I think that as early as parents can, they should train their child on eating healthy food like veggies and fruits to prevent those health condition to happen.
November 4th, 2009 at 6:46 am
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