Teens, Vitamin D and Risk Factors

No other vitamin has gotten as much press as vitamin D in the past 5 years. Most of the vitamin D literature however has focused on the adult and older adult population. A recent study presented at the American Heart Association scientific meeting has now shown that teens with low levels of vitamin D are at greater risk of high blood pressure, high blood sugar and metabolic syndrome.

The study, which analyzed more than 3500 adolescents aged 12-19 showed that those with the lowest blood levels of vitamin D were;

• 2.36 times more likely to have high blood pressure
• 2.54 times more likely to have high blood sugar
• 3.99 times more likely to have metabolic syndrome*

Researchers adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index, socioeconomic status and physical activity.

The highest levels of vitamin D were found in whites, the lowest levels in blacks and intermediate levels in Mexican Americans. Whites had almost twice as high levels as blacks.

These data on serum vitamin D levels in young people raise some concern about their food choices and even the amount of time they spend in the sunshine,"

Robert H. Eckel, M.D., American Heart Association past president.

I tend to agree. The horrific diets of our youth combined with sun phobia makes the results of this study unsurprising.

What to do

• Ensure adequate sunshine: No more than 10-20 minutes of sun exposure on the arms, legs or face 2-3 times per week between the hours of 11 and 2.
• Eat better: I am a strong advocate of wholesale dietary changes rather than simply trying to "plug holes". Eat a diet rich in fruits and veggies, adequate in protein, good fats and whole grains.
• Consume foods with vitamin D: Not as easy as it sounds as there aren't many foods rich in this vitamin. Cod liver oil is the top source by a country mile with salmon, tuna and sardines also providing good sources. Most milks are fortified with about 100 IU's of vitamin D.
• Supplement: Not a bad idea to add a 400 or even a 1000 IU's in the form of a pill or cod liver oil.

For more details see Vitamin D: Are you Getting Enough.

*Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of risk factors including elevated waist circumference, high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol and high fasting glucose levels.

Source: Eureka Alerts