b
>
Got Milk? campaign offers tips to help kids get the right amount
of Vitamin D through sun, dairy products
Recent research has found that children who get a daily dose of
Vitamin D have a reduced risk of developing Type 1 diabetes, the
second most common chronic disease in children.
b>Got Milk? campaign offers tips to help kids get the right amount of Vitamin D through sun, dairy products
Recent research has found that children who get a daily dose of Vitamin D have a reduced risk of developing Type 1 diabetes, the second most common chronic disease in children.
A recent finding in the medical journal “Diabetologia” shows that sun exposure, the number one source of Vitamin D, can reduce the risk of developing the disease. Another study by Dr. Cedric Garland, of the University of California, San Diego, also found that foods rich in Vitamin D, such as milk, can aid in the effort. Garland is working with the California Milk Processor Board, the creators of the Got Milk? campaign, to educate families about the role Vitamin D can play in keeping children healthy.
“While rickets has been a commonly-known disease that develops among children who lack Vitamin D, this study shows that other more serious problems could develop such as Type 1 diabetes,” said Garland, in a press release. “Education and early prevention are key to battling this health problem among children.”
Garland’s study, “The Association Between Ultraviolet B Irradiance, Vitamin D Status and Incidence Rates of Type 1 Diabetes in 51 Regions Worldwide,” was conducted with co-authors S. Mohr, E. Gorham and F. Garland. It found that Vitamin D intake reduces the chances of Type 1 juvenile diabetes by up to 80 percent. Garland recommends that children include Vitamin D fortified foods in their daily diet, in addition to modest amounts of sunlight daily and a Vitamin D supplement to reduce the risk.
The latter tips are especially important in regions that get less sunlight during the winter months.
“Many parents already know that milk is the ideal food for growing kids to build strong bones, muscles and teeth,” said Steve James, the executive director of CMPB. “Now, breakthrough research shows that there’s another reason why milk should be served at the dinner table.”
Tips to get kids Vitamin D:
Outdoor play – Experts suggest children go outside and play for 10-15 minutes a day between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Limit unprotected sun exposure to that time period. Afterwards rely on clothing for sun protection or a clay-based sunscreen.
Drink milk – Milk is a natural source of Vitamin D, plus it has calcium that helps build strong bones, muscles and teeth.
Eat right – Some food options are rich in Vitamin D such as yogurt and some fatty fishes.
Regular check-ups – A doctor can test for Vitamin D levels with the 25-hydroxyvitamin D test. Note that levels are usually lowest in March.
Use supplements – Check for a supplement that contains Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, which is the most effective form of Vitamin D.
