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Bone Health in Children and Vitamin D - Why You Need to Drink Your Milk

Published Tuesday, September 2, 2008 by bloggerblognet4542 | E-mail this post

Vitamin D plays a major role in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Therefore, it's essential for normal growth and development in children, and bone and teeth maintenance in adults. A deficiency of vitamin D may result in rickets for children, and osteomalacia for adults. Both conditions lead to the softening and deformity of bones.

Many Americans are not meeting the recommended daily intake of vitamin D. Populations who are at especially high risk for low vitamin D levels are teenage girls, women, and older adults. Also, individuals with lactose intolerance who do not consume lactose-free milk fortified with vitamin D, or do not take a supplement, are at high risk for vitamin D deficiency.

Emerging research suggested that vitamin D might play a crucial role in prevention of serious health problems. According to scientists, vitamin D deficiency is linked to chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Research showed that women taking calcium and vitamin D supplements had fewer breast, colon, lung, leukemia, and uterine cancers than women taking calcium supplements only. Inadequate intake of vitamin D is also associated with weak muscles and increased risk for hip fractures among older adults.

Unfortunately, there are very few foods that contain vitamin D naturally. Those that do are liver, fish liver oils, and eggs. But more and more foods are being fortified with vitamin D--the best source being fortified milk.

Vitamin D is one of few vitamins that are produced by the human body. Its synthesis is triggered by sun exposure. Most likely, exposing uncovered skin to sunlight three times a week should be sufficient. However, keep in mind that high altitude and dark skin tone do not allow for optimal exposure.

Dr. Hillary is a pediatric nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree in health promotion and risk reduction. She works as a pediatric clinician and writes for Plugged in Parents. Plugged In Parents provides up-to-date info on pediatric health, safety and nutrition along with movie reviews, recipes, tech-savvy tips, and a parent's only forum. You can also contact Dr. Hillary for personal questions related to health and nutrition.

Please visit http://www.pluggedinparents.com

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