Children who are overweight have a greater risk for health complications later in life. According to a recent study, obesity in children can also be triggered by a lack of vitamin D, which is an important contributor to bone development of children.
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas who studied a group of children aged 6 to 18 years. Researchers measured weight and height of participants and then breaks it down into 4 separate groups, ie. healthy weight, overweight, obese and severely obese.
Researchers also measured levels of vitamin D participants and found that children who are overweight and obese have low vitamin D levels. The results were published in the journal Pediatrics, as reported by NaturalNews, Sunday (24/03/2013).
In particular, the level of vitamin D deficiency was found in 21 percent of children with a healthy weight, 29 percent of children are overweight, 34 percent in children who are obese and 49 percent in children who are obese.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to health complications in adults, including heart disease, autoimmune diseases, infertility, birth defects, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, and even some cancers.
Vitamin D is necessary because it affects almost 3,000 of the approximately 25,000 genes in the human body. According to experts, healthy levels of vitamin D may help the body to repair, maintain, and balance the immune system function, protect against inflammation and contribute to the production of more than 200 anti-microbial peptides.
Although direct contact with sunlight may be an ideal way to gain a more natural daily intake of vitamin D is recommended, perhaps it is not enough. Considering now many cosmetic products that can block the action of sunlight on the skin to produce vitamin D.
Give extra vitamin D to prevent obesity in children, such as by changing the diet. Give foods rich in vitamin D, such as cod liver oil or milk products are fortified vitamin D and low in calories. You can also consult with a nutritionist, do children need vitamin D supplements.