Overweight and obese children and adolescents are more likely to have low levels of vitamin D than their peers with a healthy weight, says a new study.
Vitamin D is required for bone health. Since bones grow intensively in childhood and adolescence, it is especially important to identify and treat a deficiency of vitamin D in this period. A deficiency of this vitamin was found to be associated with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
After analyzing the data of more than 12,000 children and adolescents aged 6-18 years, scientists have the following information: about 21% of children with a healthy weight are deficient in vitamin D, as well as 29% of those who are overweight, 34% of those suffering from obese and 49% of those who are seriously obese.
It is hard to imagine that such children suffer from malnutrition. The reason is that their diet is saturated with calories, not nutrients.
Researcher Christie Türer of the Southwest Medical Center and the University of Texas Children's Medical Center in Dallas recommends that these children drink nonfat milk. If they do not like to drink plain milk, she advises adding artificially sweetened flavors that will increase the calorie content of the serving by only 15 calories. Unsweetened soy and almond milk is also a good source of vitamin D and calcium.
The second recommendation for overweight and vitamin D deficient children is to spend more time outdoors. The sun is also a source of vitamin D. The Türer says that before using sunscreen, children should stay in the sun for 10-15 minutes.
As for supplements containing vitamin D, it is better to consult a doctor about their use to avoid overdose.
