75% of children with type 1 diabetes vitamin D insufficient
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Posted on Dec 16, 2008, 8 a.m.
By Rich Hurd
New research has revealed that the majority of children with type 1 diabetes have insufficient levels of vitamin D.
New research has revealed that the majority of children with type 1 diabetes have insufficient levels of vitamin D.
Researchers at the Joslin Diabetes Center measured vitamin D levels in 128 children with type 1 diabetes aged between 1.5 years and 17.5 years. Results showed that just 24% had sufficient levels, 61% had insufficient levels, and 15% were vitamin D deficient. The majority of the children with deficient levels of vitamin D were adolescents, in fact, 85% of the adolescents in the study had inadequate levels of the vitamin.
The authors concluded: “Because individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus possess multiple risk factors for skeletal fragility, ensuring vitamin D sufficiency throughout childhood and adolescence in this population seems especially warranted.” They recommend that children take a daily 400 IU vitamin D supplement.
Svoren BM, Volkening LK, Wood JR, Laffel LMB. Significant Vitamin D Deficiency in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Journal of Pediatrics. 2009;154:132-134.
