Vitamin D-rich Diet May Decrease Cholesterol in Kids

Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland say there is a link between higher serum vitamin D levels and lower plasma cholesterol levels in primary school children. Vitamin D is essential for bone metabolism and its low serum levels increase the risk of rickets, osteomalacia, and osteopenia. A vitamin D rich diet may also minimize other risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases.

Study researchers analyzed data from nearly 500 children ages six through eight. Children with vitamin D level of more than 80 nanomoles per litre (nmol/l) had lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, levels than those whose vitamin D levels were below 50 nmol/l—the generally accepted threshold for vitamin D sufficiency.

The new findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, support the importance of following recommendations for vitamin D intake, which vary from country to country. How much vitamin D a person needs is dependent on other lifestyle factors, too.