Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to obesity in Children

Vitamin D a supplement received mainly from the sun's light has proven crucial to a child's development and those that test deficient in Vitamin D gain weight faster. US federal recommendations for vitamin D needs seem to be surprisingly low when compared to the findings of a research project conducted by Eduardo Villamor the associate professor at the U-M School of Public Health.

Villamor began his research at Harvard. The premise of the study was to follow 479 children over a 30 month period. At the beginning of the study the children's Vitamin D levels were tested and measured the correlation between vitamin D levels to body fat. The children were measured in several areas; their BMI, waist measurement and subscapular-to-triceps skin fold ratio.

The results expressed a connection with the children that tested low or deficient of vitamin D gained weight faster. Also they found a connection of late growth in girls but not in boys.

This study suggests children need more vitamin D exposure. If the child does not live in an area that has ample of sunlight opportunity then food supplementation is recommended. Some foods that contain vitamin D are fish products, milk and soy products. Also, vitamin D supplements are a great way to boost vitamin D levels.

Even though this study connects Vitamin D deficiency to early on set of Obesity it is just an aspect of the larger picture. Obesity is a result of many factors of an unhealthy lifestyle but perhaps a little more vitamin D could help steer away from obesity.