Children deficient in vitamin D, Low IQ

Children deficient in vitamin D, Low IQ

Aggressive bone growth occurs at a critical time when the growth of the baby until the age of adolescence. It was then that it requires adequate vitamin D that occur in a normal process.

Adequate intake of vitamin D can also prevent stunted growth that not only can affect a person's appearance, but also impact the level of intelligence (IQ) of children.

The study found that when a child is not getting enough vitamin D, bone growth will be stunted. Situation not only causes the child physically shorter, but they have a much lower IQ than their peers who get enough vitamin D nutrients in their daily diet.

Unfortunately, based on the South-East Asia Nutrition Survey (SEANUTS), even in developing countries, there are still many children in Malaysia suffer from a lack of vitamin D.
Photos


This is due to various factors including improper diet, lack of outdoor activities and exposure to the sun will help to process vitamin D when ultraviolet light (UV) in contact with the skin in a sufficient period each day.


SEANUTS is a comprehensive study of nutrition involves a total of 3,542 children aged between six months and 12 years of urban and rural areas throughout the country.

It was conducted in collaboration between FrieslandCampina with four international research centers and universities, four-year study involving 16,744 children in four Southeast Asian countries namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand.

Nutrient intake of children was tested through a blood test, body fat count, bone density scan, diet, interviews with parents and take into account the physical activity you do in a day.

Head of Nutrition Science Program Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Professor Dr Poh Bee Koon said the first study of its kind ever undertaken in this country.

In addition to vitamin D, the study also covers children's health as a whole, including children's health include nutritional intake in the diet and their weight.

Through the survey, 20 percent of children are suffering from extreme obesity in this country, while nearly 50 percent of children do not get enough vitamin D.

"In addition to diet, the most important thing children need to get enough exposure to sunlight without any protection from UV protective cream that vitamin D can be produced to help strengthen bones and healthy growth.

"Many people take for granted because they remember is a hot country like Malaysia, they will be able to vitamin D, but they are mistaken. Most of the time they get instead of UV light and heat due to often protect themselves from the sun.

"It was strange because we are in a country that receives sunlight throughout the year, but children are still suffering from a lack of vitamin D.

"This happened because of the perception of Asians that white skin is a symbol of charming appearance. We always block the sunlight hits the skin when the body needs sunlight to be converted to vitamin D, "he said at the presentation of the results of the study in the event organized by Dutch Lady Malaysia managing director, also attended by Rahul Colaco.

Dr Poh, parents should allow their children to play outside so they are exposed to sunlight. If it is not possible stunted growth caused their child has a height and a low IQ.

What's important, he says, children need to grow consistently and they should be referred to a pediatric doctor from time to time, even in a healthy condition to ensure healthy growth.

"Parents also need to stop asking children to sit quietly encouraging physical activity and play outside because it is important for the growth of healthy physical and IQ.

"There are not many foods that contain vitamin D naturally including fatty fish, and internal organs. Only one of the best food sources of vitamin D to the body channel is milk, no matter what type of milk either full-fat or flour, "he said.

According to him, the study found that children who are active and fit have better IQ while children with nutrition have lower IQ three times while children are overweight have a lower IQ twice.

Active an hour a day

Consultant pediatrician Dr Yong Junina Fadzil said the children, taking a balanced diet can determine whether they have enough nutrients and vitamin D from their diet.

However, he said, the study found that there are two categories of children identified unhealthy eating, affecting nutrient or vitamin D that is underweight or overweight.

"Outdoor activities also helps give bones healthy and balanced diet helps vitamin D is processed in the body. Economic conditions make more and more children are becoming obese because of eating a lot and never leaving the house for leisure or play activities.

"The attitude of parents who are too concerned with their child's safety also cause stuck at home and just play video games or watch television.

"The situation is affecting the health of children. Children who are overweight tend to grow as individuals who are obese and this can affect their potential, "he said.

He said children in Malaysia is not only a lack of vitamin D due to lack of exposure to the sun does not come out to play for, it can also be because of the haze that forced them to sit in the building.

According to the theory, one should be exposed to sunlight for at least 20 minutes a day to get enough vitamin D, but it really depends on a person's skin color is darker they need a longer exposure time.

"Children need to grow at a normal rate and according to body weight at birth. If weight gain too fast, it is also not good for them. What is important is they should be active, weight gain, high-rise and healthy.

"Sometimes the parents should be advised not to be too worried about their children because some of them come to the doctor and say their child does not want to eat anything while their child may not want to eat rice, but take bread. It should not have any problems because both are carbohydrates, "he said.

Dr Yong said, children are urged active outside the home at least an hour a day to ensure healthy growth. This is to ensure that the body gets enough vitamin D and ideal body weight.

If the body does not get enough vitamin D, calcium is absorbed so the body will absorb the calcium in the bones. Long-term effects are rickets in children and osteoporosis during old age, especially among women.

"Children are the future of the country. Helps normal growth means we help them their IQ and brighter future for them, "he said.

Meanwhile, physical trainers and sports from the Ministry of Education, Dr Mehander Sing said parents believe the myth that children are always active and do not need to leave home and join recreational activity when it otherwise.

Children is very different from the modern day children bygone era even more moves, including walking to school or playing games village rugged so it does not need to join any sports club.

"Currently, the only outdoor activities they provided the school. Parents need to support physical activity because it can improve teaching in the classroom.

"Children play their own pace and not be forced to follow the activities on an ongoing basis. Let them play outside until satisfied. Let them active and running here and there as it is in their instinct.

"If the parents are always told the children to sit still, they will gradually become passive. They should be allowed to play anything as long as they are active and healthy, "he said.

He said studies have shown that passive child will grow up to be adults who passively turn inhibit their potential to emerge as a successful individual.

At the same time, it should be noted the critical age to ensure healthy development of physical and mental health is one of the four years to late adolescence.