Low levels of vitamin D in adolescents are associated with a risk of high blood pressure, high blood sugar and metabolic syndrome. To this conclusion epidemiologists came, having analyzed the health of 3 thousand. 577 teenagers from 12 to 19 years old.

Taking into account age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index, socioeconomic status and physical activity, the researchers found that adolescents with vitamin D deficiency are 2.36 times more likely to have high blood pressure; In 2,54 times - a high level of sugar in the blood; And 3.99 times more likely to develop metabolic disorders. Presence of all these conditions at a young age increases the likelihood of also diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.

Pediatricians John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (Baltimore, USA) believe that vitamin D is an indispensable substance for the proper development of the child and the maintenance of health in adulthood.

However, the amount of vitamin D received by children, adolescents and adults is in most cases critically inadequate. The main sources of vitamin D are sunlight and some foods, including fish and milk. In this regard, it is assumed that schoolchildren spend little time outdoors and do not adhere to a balanced diet with a sufficient number of nutrients. Clinicians believe that it is necessary to prescribe vitamin D supplements for adolescents to prevent serious illnesses and to protect overall health.

Health. Sumy. Ua.