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Does Vitamin D help prevent Type-one Diabetes?
A new study shows that most type-one
diabetic children have low levels of vitamin D.[1] Dr. Lori
Laffel, senior author or the research, expressed surprise
that only 24% of the children studied had adequate levels.
The researchers then suggested that the children be
supplemented with 400 IU daily.
What makes this research and its
recommendations so interesting is that it is already
established that supplementing 2,000 IU per day in children
correlates to an 80% reduced risk of type-one diabetes.[2]
Why the surprise? Do these people read the
research?
Type-one diabetes is an autoimmune
disease.
In my book, I thoroughly cover the
research showing that vitamin D is exceptionally effective
in reducing autoimmune disorders.
A study like this one is a case of
"discovering" something that is already known and then
expressing shock.
Children need summer sunlight (without
burning) and in winter they need sufficient vitamin D
supplementation to maintain their summer levels. Believe me;
400 IU does not cut it.
Check with you doctor, and be sure your
children have optimal levels of vitamin D, which will
probably require at least 1,000 IU daily.
[1] http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-12/jdc-jrf121508.php
[2] Hypponen, E. et al. Intake of vitamin D and risk of type
1 diabetes: a birth-cohort study. Lancet 2001;358:1500-03.
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