The first signs of heart disease can be detected in children as young as five, says a new research. Studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D in adults are linked to cardiovascular disease, as well as other health issues such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes.
Canadian researchers studied the levels of vitamin D and non-HDL cholesterol levels in children aged one to five.
The researchers analyzed blood samples from 1,961 children ages one to five attending well-child visits.
All the children were enrolled in the TARGet Kids! project led by doctors and researchers from St. Michael’s Hospital.
The study found significant association between higher vitamin D levels and lower non-HDL cholesterol.
The children in the study had two cups of milk per day - that was their main source of vitamin D. While 56 percent of them regularly consumed vitamin D supplement as well.
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Children who had a fair amount of vitamin D were less likely to have bad cholesterol, even after taking into account such things as Body Mass Index, diet and physical activity.
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The study was published in the journal PLOS ONE.
Source-Medindia