Vitamin D deficiency:

Watching the news the other day there was a story about how american children are becoming deficient in vitamin D. I am not one to believe most stories i hear on any news station, i have a tendency to believe this one mainly due to the fact that i see how most people eat now a days and i firmly believe that the parents are passing their bad eating habits on to their kids, most times without even knowing it and in few cases not care.
Vitamin D, a fat soluble vitamin, is required for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus by the intestinal tract.It is necessary for growth and is espically important for the normal growth and development of bones and teeth in children! It protects against muscle weakness and is involved in regulation of the heartbeat. It is also important in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and hypocalcemia, enhances immunity, and is necessary for thyroid function and normal blood clotting.
Sources; Fish liver oils, fatty saltwater fish, dairy products, and eggs all contain vitamin D.
Do not take vitamin D without calcium. Whenever you seek to correct a vitamin or mineral deficiency, you must recognize that nutrients work synergistically. This is why taking a single vitamin or mineral may be inneffective and why a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement should always be taken in addition to any single supplement.
Now a days most cereals are fortified with extra calcium and other vitamins and minerals and a bowl of cereal with milk is a good start to any childs day, as long as it is not a cereal loaded with sugar, and there are some very good cereals that taste good with low sugar out on the food store shelves, you just have to read the nutrition facts label.
I like to think if you are working out you already know these things but this is for those of you who are not so well versed with nutrition or may have a friend you want to help but don't know how, just pass this site on to them and tell them to read!