The San Francisco Chronicle recently published an article about how 1 in 5 US children does not get enough vitamin D in their system. It goes on to say that roughly 90% of African American children and 80% of Latino children have low levels of vitamin D. The problems that can arise from such a deficiency are weak bones, diabetes, some cancers and in general a difficulty fighting infections.

Does that mean that kids should take supplements? I don’t know – there seems to be a big debate on whether or not kids need vitamin supplements. Some feel that feeding our children a healthy, balanced diet will give them everything they need. Some believe that we cannot get what we need out of food (especially picky eaters like toddlers) so supplements are the way to go.

When it comes to vitamin D it seems like milk might be the answer – that and going outside a bit more. It’s not surprising to me that many children who don’t drink milk but juice and (heaven forbid!) soda may have low vitamin D levels in their blood. But is milk the only answer?

You might say that our bodies make vitamin D so how can we really become deficient? Well, evolutionarily yes, our bodies made enough vitamin D but now, with all of the indoor activities (TV, video games, the web, yadda yadda yadda) not to mention staying out of the sun for fear of skin cancer, maybe our bodies haven’t caught up yet to our changing habits.

That said, it’s something to keep your eye one when preparing your child’s meals. One more thing, I know I know. But truly, if a glass of milk (whole or 2%) can, at the very least, help your child develop strong bones, then it’s worth it in my book!

photo credit: //amy//