Vitamin D and Children

     My mother gave her children cod liver oil to promote health and prevent disease. A recent study suggests that our mothers and grandmothers knew best. Cod liver oil is an excellent source of vitamins A and D and omega-3 fatty acids. A recent study found that 10% of children were vitamin D deficient and an additional 47% had insufficient levels of vitamin D.
     The vitamin D deficiency was associated with increased risk of diarrhea with vomiting and ear infections in school age children. Vitamin D has been shown to active a portion of the immune system which produces an anti-microbial peptide. Vitamin D has also been shown to control structures called "tight junctions" in the gut providing protection against absorption of allergens and defense against microbial invaders.
Reference:
Abstract of the article.