One in six American children are obese, and one in three is considered overweight.
These statistics have progressively gotten worse over the last
decade, with no real end in sight. However, new research could be part
of the breakthrough needed to combat these rising numbers. According to
British researchers, there is a direct correlation between Vitamin D
deficiencies in mothers during pregnancy and tendencies towards
overweight and obesity in their children.
After seeing childhood obesity rising and more and more young women
with Vitamin D deficiencies, scientists at Southampton University in
England sought to prove or disprove a possible link between the two. In a
six-year study, 977 women were monitored during their pregnancy and
through their first few years of being a mother.
Findings
showed that the children of mothers lacking the necessary vitamin D
during pregnancy had higher body fat by age 6. Other factors such as
weight gain during pregnancy, and overall health were monitored, but
Vitamin D levels in mothers proved to be the only common link to the
body composition of their children.
According to principal researcher Dr. Sian Robinson, “Although there
is growing evidence that vitamin D status is linked to body fatness in
children and adults, this research now suggests that the mother’s status
in pregnancy could be important too.”
Vitamin D
can be obtained through sunlight, seafood and dairy products, and
supplements. For most people, sunlight and food do not provide the
proper amount of Vitamin D3, the most beneficial form of Vitamin D. If
this is the case, it is recommended to find a supplement
to fill your need. On top of combating obesity, Vitamin D promotes
calcium absorption and supports bone and cardiovascular health.
The study is an important step in learning about the potential causes
of childhood obesity. With follow up studies, we may eventually be able
to slow, stop and even reverse the growing number of overweight kids.
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