It is estimated that 20-50% of American kids and an even greater number of adults have reduced levels of vitamin D – the sunshine vitamin. Perhaps that is another sign that we, as a people, are becoming less healthy.
A recent study showed that non-obese kids with low levels of vitamin D had higher blood sugar and lower levels of HDL (good cholesterol) than did similar kids with normal vitamin D levels. Of course, higher blood sugar means increased risk of type 2 diabetes – what we used to call adult onset diabetes. Previous studies have shown that low vitamin D is also associated with type 1 diabetes – the kind that kids usually get and that requires daily insulin. Additionally it is well established that kids have a significantly reduced risk of type 1 diabetes if they take vitamin D supplements; but the best source of vitamin D is, not pills, but natural – sunshine! Furthermore, low level of HDL increases the risk of developing high blood pressure and blocked heart arteries at a young age.
Fifty to sixty years ago kids played in the sun every day after school and all summer, going in-doors only for meals and sleep. Video game, computers, cell phones, and texting had not been invented and much of the country had little access to television. There was less obesity then, and less diabetes; there was also little or no sun-screen and less skin cancer. Could it be that we need to expose our skin to the sun’s vitamin D producing rays without sun block now and then? To be sure we, as well as our kids, should avoid getting sun burned, but we can all make better use of the God’s great outdoor playground and perhaps get healthy! It’s worth a try!