RECOMMENDED LINKS
TanningTruth.com
We Are Sunshine

Science Daily Report Says Sun Exposure May Reduce Childhood Diabetes Risk

Monday, June 9th, 2008

The sunlight/vitamin D story continues to gain momentum, as a new study now suggests sun exposure and vitamin D levels significantly reduce the risk of childhood diabetes.

2008-06-06-d-for-diabetes-tanningnews-copy.jpgAccording to a report in the June 5 issue of Science Daily, “the researchers found that populations living at or near the equator, where there is abundant sunshine (and ultraviolet B irradiance) have low incidence rates of type 1 diabetes. Conversely, populations at higher latitudes, where available sunlight is scarcer, have higher incidence rates. These findings add new support to the concept of a role of vitamin D in reducing risk of this disease.”

The scientific journal “Diabetologia” published the study online June 5.

That report comes on the heels of a report this month suggesting that children need 10 times the amount of vitamin D currently recommended by the government’s Food & Nutrition Board to ensure proper bone health. The only way one could naturally attain vitamin D at those levels would be to get regular sun exposure during mid-day when the sun emits UVB.

According to Science Daily, “Type 1 diabetes is the second most common chronic disease in children, second only to asthma. Every day, 1.5 million Americans deal with type 1 diabetes and its complications.”

Dr. Cedric Garland, a University of California-San Diego researcher involved in the study, told Science Daily, “This research suggests that childhood type 1 diabetes may be preventable with a modest intake of vitamin D3 (1000 IU/day) for children, ideally with 5 to 10 minutes of sunlight around noontime, when good weather allows.”

Garland, a vitamin D research pioneer, continued, said infants under a year old should not be given more than 400 IU of vitamin D daily unless a doctor has been consulted.

The Moores Cancer Center at UCSD conducted the study along with the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine.

To read Science Daily’s full report click here.

800-652-3269
Canada
866-795-3755