Vitamin D Supplements can Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels in Obese Kids

A new study conducted by researchers at University of Missouri reveals that giving vitamin D supplements to obese children and teens can help them fight against diabetes by regulating their blood sugar levels. The researchers conducted their study on a group of 35 obese children and adolescents who were pre-diabetic, at a high risk of developing diabetes, and found that all of them had lower amounts of vitamin D levels with similar diets and similar activity levels.

The researchers then divided the children into two groups, with one group being given a daily dose of vitamin D supplement while the other group was given a placebo over a period of six months. The researchers found that those who had been given vitamin D supplements managed to lower the amount of insulin in their blood.

“By increasing vitamin D intake alone, we got a response that was nearly as powerful as what we have seen using a prescription drug. We saw a decrease in insulin levels, which means better glucose control, despite no changes in body weight, dietary intake or physical activity”, lead researcher Catherine Peterson said.


Source-Medindia