Vitamin D Deficiency in Children and Adolescents
Low 25 (OH) D Levels Common in Overweight African American Teens
© Dr. Vandana Bhide

More adolescents in the US have Vitamin D deficiency than previously thought. Overweight African American adolescent girls are at highest risk for low levels of Vitamin D
Recent studies show an alarming lack of vitamin D, also called cholecalciferol, in American children and adolescents.
Vitamin D is important for the development of strong bones. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets (weak, deformed bones) in infants and children. It also contributes to osteoporosis(thinning of the bones) in post-menopausal women. Vitamin D may also contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes and certain cancers.
Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) is Important to Prevent Rickets and Osteoporosis
Sunlight is Needed for Vitamin D to be Made in the Skin
Vitamin D is available to the body in two different ways. Sun exposure helps the skin make vitamin D. Not surprisingly, vitamin D deficiency is more common in northern parts of the country, where there is less sunlight. Melanin, the pigment in the skin, as well as sunblock applied to skin, can decrease the absorption of vitamin D. The more melanin in the skin, the darker the pigment of the skin, and the less vitamin D that is absorbed. Regular application of sunblock to the skin will also decrease absorption of sun. It is not recommended to stop using sunblock simply to allow the absorption of vitamin D, since the ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of skin cancers.
Vitamin D can be Absorbed in the Stomach
200 IU (international units) of vitamin D is the daily recommended intake of vitamin D in children and adolescents. Post-menopausal women should have at least 400 IU a day to prevent thinning of the bones. Many experts feel that this recommendation is too conservative, and that post-menopausal women need more than 400 IU daily to prevent/treat osteoporosis.
Dr.Vandana Bhide
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