Kids With Low Vitamin D Intake At Higher Risk For Heart Disease, Diabetes

March 12, 2009 9:31 a.m. EST

Miami,FL (AHN) - Low levels of vitamin D are associated with high blood pressure, high blood sugar and other heart disease and diabetes risk factors in teenagers, according to a study presented at the American Heart Association's annual meeting in Palm Harbor, Fla.

Researchers for the study examined more than 3,500 adolescents ages 12-19 years old who participated in a national study from 2001 to 2004.

The researchers found that pre-teen and teen children with the lowest levels of vitamin D among the participants were more than two times more likely to have high blood pressure and high blood sugar, and almost 4 times more likely to have certain heart disease and diabetes risk factors.

Race appeared to be a factor in the study's findings. The researchers said that the highest levels of vitamin D were found in white children and the lowest levels were found in black children.

The National Institute of Health says the best sources of vitamin D is the flesh of certain fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel, and fresh fish liver oils. It is also found in beef liver, cheese and egg yolks, and fortified foods like cereals and milk.