Vitamin D Reduces Diabetes Risk in Children

Vitamin D deficiency has long been linked to an individual’s predisposition to diabetes type 1 and 2. In addition, it has been noted that type 1 diabetes is more common in countries where exposure to sunlight (which enables the body to manufacture vitamin D) is lower.

In a new study, dietary supplementation with vitamin D has been found to reduce children’s likelihood of developing type 1 diabetes by almost 30%. In a more detailed report, it has also been noted that the timing of the supplementation could also have an impact on the type-1 diabetes risk; supplementation of vitamin D-rich cod liver oil between the ages of seven and 12 months at a 45 per cent lower risk, compared to infants supplemented between 0 and six months of age.

For additional reading:

“Vitamin D supplementation in early childhood and risk of type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis“, Archives of Disease in Childhood, doi:10.1136/adc.2007.128579.

Inadequate vitamin D in infants ups type 1 risk.(Metabolic Disorders). Family Practice News.