Could simple Vitamin D be part of the answer for childhood obesity?

A simple course of Vitamin D supplements could help trigger weight loss in obese children and teenagers according to a new European study.

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Athens Medical School, followed 232 obese children and teenagers over a 12 month period – 117 were assigned the simple task of taking Vitamin D supplements, with the remaining 115 acting as the control group. At the beginning of the trial, levels of Vitamin D, body fat, heart health and blood markers of liver function were recorded for each of the 232 participants. These same levels were again tested at the end of the trial.

The results of the study were made public at a meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology last month (Sept 2018).

Professor Evangelia Charmandari who led the research with colleague Dr. Christos Giannios, said that the study found children who had been taking Vitamin D supplements had significantly lower body mass index and body fat as well as improved cholesterol levels at the end of the 12 month trial, compared to the control group.

While optimistic about the results Prof Charmandari cautioned, “Although these initial findings indicate that vitamin D could be used in the treatment of obesity, there remains a lack of evidence on the safety and long-term effects of supplementation, particularly if there is no vitamin D deficiency. However, if your child is overweight or obese I recommend that you consult your primary care physician for advice, and consider having their vitamin D levels tested.”

The results from the trail are particularly important in light of recent studies that have shown obese children are at much greater risk of developing serious health conditions later in life, including heart disease and diabetes.

“These findings suggest that simple Vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk of overweight and obese children developing serious heart and metabolic complications in later life,” Prof Charmandari said.

For more information on Vitamin D supplements and information on integrative doctors in your local area with an interest in this topic, contact the friendly staff at National Custom Compounding on 1300 731 755 or email us at [email protected].