image: Researchers found a 'statistically significant association' between higher vitamin D levels and lower non-HDL cholesterol in children ages 1 to 5, in a study published today in PLOS ONE. The photo is of author Dr. Jonathon Maguire, a pediatrician and researcher at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. view more
Credit: Courtesy of St. Michael's Hospital.
TORONTO, July 15, 2015--Are the first signs that someone is at risk of developing cardiovascular disease detectable in toddlers and preschoolers?
There's evidence that low vitamin D levels in adults are linked to cardiovascular disease, as well as other health issues such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes. But that link hadn't been studied in children. Researchers in Toronto examined vitamin D levels in children ages one to five and the non HDL- cholesterol level in their blood, a marker of cardiovascular health. (Non-HDL cholesterol is basically all of a person's cholesterol minus his or her HDL or good cholesterol.)
In a study published today in the journal PLOS ONE, they found a "statistically significant association" between higher vitamin D levels and lower non-HDL cholesterol, even after taking into account such things as Body Mass Index, consumption of cow's milk and levels pf physical activity.
"Maybe the factors that lead to cardiovascular disease start in early childhood," said Dr. Jonathan Maguire, an author on the paper and a pediatrician and researcher at St. Michael's Hospital. "If vitamin D is associated with cholesterol in early childhood, this may provide an opportunity for early life interventions to reduce cardiovascular risk."
For this study, researchers took blood samples from 1,961 children ages one to five years attending well-child visits. All were enrolled in the Applied Research Group for Kids (TARGet Kids!), collaboration between children's doctors and researchers from St. Michael's Hospital and The Hospital for Sick Children. The program follows children from birth with the aim of preventing common problems in the early years and understanding their impact on health and disease later in life.
Children in the study had a mean daily cow's milk intake of 452 millilitres, or just under 2 cups, - the main dietary source of vitamin D - and 56 per cent of them regularly consumed a vitamin D supplement.
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This study received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
About St. Michael's Hospital
St Michael's Hospital provides compassionate care to all who enter its doors. The hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future health care professionals in 27 academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma, heart disease, neurosurgery, diabetes, cancer care, care of the homeless and global health are among the hospital's recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Education Centre, which make up the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, research and education at St. Michael's Hospital are recognized and make an impact around the world. Founded in 1892, the hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.
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St. Michael's Hospital
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shepherdl@smh.ca
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Journal
PLOS ONE