Sufficient intake of milk with vitamin D supplements and physical activity are significantly important for vitamin D levels in children, according to a new study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland. According to the researchers, a sufficiently high vitamin D level is associated with better bone health and may also be related a lower risk of many chronic diseases. The population-based study provides insights into the health and well-being of children and adolescents.
The study, published online in British Journal of Nutrition, saw 512 children aged six to eight years participating in the baseline measurements in 2007-2009, constituting a representative sample of their age group. The children whose blood samples were taken in the autumn had the highest vitamin D levels. In the northern latitudes, there is not enough exposure to the sun to maintain sufficient vitamin D levels in winter.
According to the study, more than 80 percent of the children had a lower intake of vitamin D from food and vitamin supplements than the recommended level.
The scientists recommended 2.5-3 glasses of dairy milk fortified with vitamin D per day and two-three servings of fish per week. The diet should also contain vegetable oil based spreads which are fortified with vitaminD along with sufficient outdoor exercise should be encouraged among children.
The study, published online in British Journal of Nutrition, saw 512 children aged six to eight years participating in the baseline measurements in 2007-2009, constituting a representative sample of their age group. The children whose blood samples were taken in the autumn had the highest vitamin D levels. In the northern latitudes, there is not enough exposure to the sun to maintain sufficient vitamin D levels in winter.
According to the study, more than 80 percent of the children had a lower intake of vitamin D from food and vitamin supplements than the recommended level.
The scientists recommended 2.5-3 glasses of dairy milk fortified with vitamin D per day and two-three servings of fish per week. The diet should also contain vegetable oil based spreads which are fortified with vitaminD along with sufficient outdoor exercise should be encouraged among children.