America needs more vitamin D, say experts

Washington, April 28 (ANI): Milk is America's top source of the much-needed vitamin D, a new study has revealed.

Using the latest national data (NHANES 2003-2006) on what more than 16,000 Americans ages two and older eat, researchers investigated the contribution of each food group to the total vitamin D intake.

No other food item came close to the vitamin D contribution of milk.

In fact, for kids ages 2 to eighteen, milk provided nearly two-thirds of all vitamin D in the diet.

Dr. Keith Ayoob, a registered dietician and paediatric nutrition expert, said: "There are few true replacements for the nutrient package you find in one glass of fat free or lowfat milk.

"Without milk in the diet, it's hard to meet a number of nutrient needs - most notably vitamin D."

Many Americans are not getting enough vitamin D, and this D-ficiency may put their health at risk.

Well known for its role in keeping bones strong, vitamin D is now being hailed for so much more.

Emerging science suggests vitamin D may also help protect against diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and certain cancers. It also supports a healthy immune system.

Despite a potential upside of boosting vitamin D levels, Americans of all ages still fall short of their vitamin D needs.

In fact, current deficiency levels prompted the American Academy of Pediatrics to double the vitamin D recommendations for children and teens.

The Academy estimates that up to half of adolescents have low vitamin D levels.

Experts recommend 400IU of vitamin D each day - the amount in four glasses of fat free or lowfat milk.

The study was presented at the Experimental Biology conference in Anaheim, California. (ANI)