Kids Vitamins Containing Vitamin D May Be Beneficial for Overweight and Obese Children

In a study published in Pediatrics, research has shown that overweight and obese children and teens are at higher risk of having low vitamin D levels than those with healthy weights. Because this vitamin is vital for bone growth during both childhood and adolescence, many pediatricians are now recommending testing for overweight and obese children to screen for vitamin D deficiency and recommending kids vitamins as a preventative health strategy.

The study looked at more than 12,000 children and teens ranging in age from six to 18. Approximately 21 percent of the health weight study participants were deficient in vitamin D. This percent jumped to 29 percent in overweight children, 35 percent in obese children, and nearly 50 percent in those who were classified as severely obese.

Vitamin D deficiency rates were also noted to be higher in Latinos and African-Americans. In severely obese African-American children, the percentage was a whopping 87 percent. With such high numbers in overweight and obese children, specialty weight management clinics are now routinely checking vitamin D levels.

The Benefits of Kids Multi-vitamins
While the vitamin D found in kids multi-vitamins can help support bone development, it is also beneficial in helping to stave off certain chronic conditions that have been linked to vitamin D deficiency including high blood pressure, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Drinking vitamin D-fortified milk can also help provide ample amounts of the vitamin. However, for children who are battling weight issues, the extra calories may not fit into a calorie-restricted diet. 

Parents who are concerned about vitamin D deficiency in their children should talk to their pediatrician about taking supplements such as kids multi-vitamins.