Source: Xinhua
03-13-2009 11:15
Special Report: Tech MaxBEIJING, March. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- Low levels of vitamin D may cause early health problems among teenagers as a new research indicated links between lack of vitamin D and high blood pressure and high blood sugar.
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| In children, insufficient vitamin D can lead a bone disease called rickets.(File photo) |
The study found lack of vitamin D among teenagers could lead to ominous early health problems. The "sunshine" vitamin is needed to keep bones strong, but recent research has linked vitamin D to other possible health benefits. The teen study confirms results seen in adults, linking low levels with risk factors for heart disease, U. S. researchers said.
Teens in the study with the lowest vitamin D levels were more than twice as likely to have high blood pressure and high blood sugar. They were also four times more likely to have metabolic syndrome, defined as have three of more conditions that contribute to heart disease and diabetes — including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, big waists and high cholesterol.
The study's leader, Jared Reis of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said more research will be needed to determine if vitamin D is really behind the health problems and whether getting more would make a difference.
"We're showing strong associations that need to be followed up," he said.
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Editor:Yang Jie
