AUGUSTA, Ga., Mar 13, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Too little vitamin D may lead to
fatter adolescents, researchers at the Medical College of Georgia said.
The researchers studied more than 650 teens age 14-19 and found that those who
reported higher vitamin D intakes had lower overall body fat and lower amounts
of the fat in the abdomen -- known as visceral fat -- which has been associated
with health risks such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and hypertension.
Black females, who had the lowest vitamin D intake, had higher percentages of
both body fat and visceral fat, while black males had the lowest percentages of
body and visceral fat, even though their vitamin D intake was below the
recommended levels.
Only one group -- white male teens -- was getting the recommended minimum intake
of vitamin D.
"This study was a cross-section so, while it cannot prove that higher intake of
vitamin D caused the lower body fat, we know there is a relationship that needs
to be explored further," Dr. Yanbin Dong said in a statement.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends adolescents get at least 400 units
of vitamin D per day -- either from milk or sun exposure. There are typically
100 units in one 8-ounce glass of whole milk.
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Copyright 2009 by United Press International