Low vitamin D stores may drain teenage girls of some of their muscle power. Vitamin D is best known for its role in aiding calcium absorption and maintaining healthy bones, but it is also important in normal muscle function, Health News reported.
Vitamin D deficiency can weaken the muscular and skeletal systems, but until now, little was known about the relationship of vitamin D with muscle power and force.
Researchers from America studied and found that among 99 girls, 12 to 14 years old, those with lower vitamin D levels in their blood performed more poorly in tests of jump height and leg- muscle power.
The findings suggest that a lack of vitamin D hinders the ability of muscles to contract. The concern is that such effects may get in the way of young girls' bone development, since muscle force on the bones helps build bone mass and strength.
However, further studies are needed to address this problem and determine the necessary levels of vitamin D for a healthy muscle system. None of the girls in the study had symptoms of an outright vitamin D deficiency, such as muscle pain. The majority had insufficient blood levels of the vitamin, however, and this appeared to be enough to affect their muscle function.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently doubled the amount of vitamin D it recommends for infants, children and teenagers to 400 IU each day.
Foods rich in vitamin D are limited, with oily fish being the primary natural source. Besides milk, cheese and egg yolk, some breakfast cereals and orange juice brands are fortified with the vitamin. Experts recommend vitamin supplements for children who do not get enough vitamin D from food.
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