In a study that included 479 school age children followed for 30 months, those with the lowest vitamin D levels at the beginning of the study gained weight more rapidly and accumulated dramatically more belly fat (the most dangerous type) than the children with a normal vitamin D status.  ( American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, November, 2010)

(Current recommendations are that all children, except those exclusively fed formula,  take a supplement of 400 IU’s of vitamin D daily.)

In an evaluation of 118 children, half obese and half of normal weight, the obese youngsters exhibited arterial stiffness (an early indicator of heart disease) on par with middle age adults.  (Meeting of the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, October 2010)

According to the latest data from the ongoing National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the top sources of calories for children ages 2-18 come from the following six foods:  soda, sugary fruit drinks, grain-based desserts like cookies and cakes, ice cream, pizza and whole milk.  Translation – about 40% of the total daily calories children currently consume are largely devoid of nutritional value and filled with ingredients that are demonstrably harmful.