Or, they might need to get outside to get some more sunshine and activity. As we are entering into a big-deal flu season, my inbox, Twitter account, and my Facebook newsfeed gets inundated with anti-vaccine information arguing against getting the Swine Flu vaccine. Meanwhile, more credible sources like the CDC argue in favor of getting vaccinated.
One thing is certain, though. Vitamin D is needed for a whole bunch of cellular processes, and many people suggest that Vitamin D is the important vitamin for battling the flu once you’ve got it. Supplementing the diet with Vitamin D from a pill is a good idea, of course, and it will help you ensure that you are getting enough, but I say take it one step further. Get outside while it’s still sunny outside and the weather is reasonable. Get that sun, and get that physical activity.
This is especially important, as shown in Dr. Melillo’s book, Disconnected Kids.
Here’s the email that I got from Dr. Broussard, from Lubbock, TX.
Millions of Children May Need Vitamin D Supplements
Although outright vitamin D deficiency in U.S. children appears rare, close to 20% of American youngsters — representing many millions of children — may not be getting enough of the nutrient, researchers said. Data from the National Health and…full story http://www.medpagetoday.com/Pediatrics/GeneralPediatrics/tb/16625
Source reference: Mansbach J, et al “Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels among US children aged 1 to 11 years: Do children need more vitamin D?” Pediatrics 2009; 124: 1404-10.
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/124/5/1404
Todd Lloyd, DC
I know the kids in Seattle do – we have so little sun from October to March!