Vitamin D for Babies May Prevent Diabetes Later in Life

Supplementing with vitamin D early in life may reduce the chances of developing type 1 diabetes later on, according to a new study. 

Recent research has shown that vitamin D, well known for its important role in bone health, may be essential for many other aspects of health as well, including heart health and the prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis. To determine the impact of early vitamin D supplementation on the development of type 1 diabetes, the authors reviewed five studies, which included 6,455 people who were followed from the time of supplementation to an average age of 15 years, and some for as long as 30 years.

Type 1 diabetes risk was significantly reduced in babies who were given vitamin D compared with those who did not receive supplementation. Among those who were given vitamin D, those who received higher amounts were at even lower risk than children taking lower amounts. The authors noted that timing of supplementation may also be important, as children who received vitamin D between 7 to 12 months of age had a lower risk of developing type 1 diabetes compared with children who received it between 0 and 6 months. Children who received regular as opposed to irregular supplementation had a further reduced risk. 

The destruction of pancreatic tissue that leads to type 1 diabetes is thought to be due to a dysfunctional immune system. Vitamin D may help prevent type 1 diabetes by keeping the immune system healthy, although the exact mechanism by which the vitamin may be protective is not known.

Vitamin D may be obtained through sun exposure, diet, and supplementation. Dietary sources include fish, cod liver oil, and fortified milk.