A new study led by a team of researchers at CHEO reveals that 75 percent of children admitted to the intensive care unit had extremely low levels of vitamin D.
Vitamin D helps to reduce chronic illness and boost mental health and, now, researchers are stressing the importance of this vitamin when it comes to children’s health.
Higher levels of vitamin D can be found in foods like milk, eggs and fish - as well as the sun – but experts are encouraging parents, especially those in Canada, to give their kids daily supplements to reach the level of vitamin D required to maintain good health.
Vitamin D is essential for everyone but this particular study analyzed its effects on children. In short, children with lower Vitamin D levels are more likely to become – and stay – sick.
“The lower your levels are when admitted to the ICU, the more ill you are or the more ill you become,” said Dr. Dayre McNally, a CHEO clinical researcher.
The research analyzed 300 critically ill children in six hospitals in Canada. The results show three-quarters of the kids had incredibly low levels of vitamin D.
So what can you do to help your children stay healthy?
Sr. McNally recommends children under one year of age get 400 international units of vitamin D. Older kids should get around 600 international units a day to reach a healthy level. Vitamin D supplements can be found in any drug store.
Will you give your children vitamin D supplements to make sure they stay healthy?
Source: Ottawa.CTVNews.ca
