National analysis shows a lack of vitamin D in 20% of American children

At least one fifth of American children 1 to 11 years are to be judged at risk for a variety of health problems, not enough vitamin D. The results of the first national analysis to a level of vitamin D in children in this age group have recently been published online in the journal Pediatrics.

Can not get enough The results of the study, millions of American children vitamin D to promote bone strength and prevent the development of rickets, let alone an amount sufficient to protect serious health other conditions. The new data support prior evidence that deficiencies in vitamin D in children, adolescents and adults. All indications suggest a growing concern, because recent studies have shown that vitamin D to help prevent infection can, and several serious diseases such as diabetes and certain cancers. Previous studies have also shown that children who had raised an adequate level of vitamin D were in blood pressure and cholesterol levels and are more likely to be overweight. Furthermore, new evidence is always enough Vitamin D May prevent colds, less wheezing, eczema and related winter.

In the latest study, the researchers analyzed data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) ran between 2001 and 2006, including measuring blood levels of vitamin D, about 5,000 children. Through the use of healthy levels of vitamin D cut-off at the American Academy of Pediatrics, researchers found that 6.4 million children (20 percent) of children with vitamin D. Lack of target age group by applying an upper limit, showing The results indicate that almost two thirds of children (24 million) in the age group are deficient in vitamin D. These include 92 percent of black children, 80 percent of Hispanic children and 59 percent of white children. The researchers found that children who took multivitamins contain vitamin D, a total had increased. However, were less than half the children taking a multivitamin?

According to the researcher and lead author of the study, Dr. Jonathan Mansbach, Harvard Medical School and Children's Hospital in Boston, "a surprisingly large number." He also said: "If our clubs are correct, this is a big problem." Mansbach, says his study confirms the recommendations of the experts of children to prevent a dose of 400 units daily of vitamin D for rickets. A child can consume the recommended daily amount of vitamin D by drinking four cups of fortified milk or eat much fish, but also many children. Another great source of vitamin D is the natural sunlight. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, the body produces vitamin D. Many children do not spend enough time outdoors in the sun, which can produce the vitamin for the body. This is especially true for children who live in cold climates. In addition, the corpses of children with dark skin and often do not produce enough vitamin D increases in the skin less sunlight.

However, there is still much debate about the amount of vitamin D per day, you get the amount that is considered healthy. While 400 units per day may be sufficient to prevent rickets, it can not sufficiently important to prevent the promotion of general good health and disease. Some experts have suggested that infants should begin to receive 400 units of vitamin D daily, and up to 1000 units per day after the age of 1 year. For adolescents, the amount proposed was 2,000 units per day while for adults, different amounts considered safe by experts at 10,000 units per day. Efforts to establish standards should be a priority.

Few foods contain vitamin D. The natives are oily fish, egg yolk, a little cheese and meat from some, such as the liver. However, some milk and cereals fortified with vitamin D, Mansbach recommends vitamin D supplements, especially in areas where the sun is low in winter. He also said: "The exposure to summer sun] is the main source of vitamin D for most people, but [overexposure to the sun can cause sunburn and possibly skin cancer. Until the investigation is conducted, we believe the safest course is to additional vitamin D.