Private MD News

Vitamin D supplements may be needed for minority children

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

On the heels of a recent study that found the majority of infants are not receiving enough vitamin D, new research has indicated that an overwhelming number of poor minority children are suffering from the nutrient deficiency.

In the study, a group of pediatric researchers from Emory University examined the vitamin D levels of nearly 300 Hispanic and African American children from low-income households in downtown Atlanta, according to Health Day News.

Lead author Conrad Cole and his colleagues discovered that a startling 74 percent of respondents had less than optimal vitamin D levels, and approximately 22 percent of children involved in the study were found to have a nutrient deficiency. The research team reported that young African American children were at the greatest risk.

"Children with suboptimal vitamin D status are at increased risk for bone disease, infections and other diseases," said Cole. "Parents should be educated about the importance of vitamin D and the source of vitamin D - sunlight and fortified food sources."

He added that minority children - especially those residing in northern locations - should be screened for the deficiency during the fall and winter months.