4 Feb 2010 --- Research finds that children who get their daily dose of Vitamin D have a reduced risk of developing Type 1 diabetes -- the second most common chronic disease in kids today second to asthma. Battling the disease, which could lead to blindness, kidney failure and heart problems, is no child's play. A recent finding in the journal "Diabetologia" shows that sun exposure, the number one source of Vitamin D, can reduce the risk of developing Type 1 diabetes. Additionally, an author of the study, Dr. Cedric Garland of the University of California, San Diego Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, says foods rich in Vitamin D like milk could aid in this effort. This winter, Garland joins the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB) -- the creator of GOT MILK? -- to educate Californian families about the role of vitamin D in preventing Type 1 diabetes of children.

"While rickets has been a commonly-known disease that develops among children who lack Vitamin D, this study shows that other more serious problems could develop such as Type 1 diabetes," says Garland, who co-authored the study, titled "The Association Between Ultraviolet B Irradiance, Vitamin D Status and Incidence Rates of Type 1 Diabetes in 51 Regions Worldwide." The co-authors of the study are S. Mohr, C. Garland, E. Gorham, and F. Garland. "Education and early prevention are key to battling this health problem among children," Garland added.

Medical experts say about 15,000 new cases of Type 1 diabetes in children are diagnosed each year in the United States. The study's findings reveal that Vitamin D intake, obtained through sunlight, reduces the chances of Type 1 juvenile diabetes by about 80 percent. Because milk is also one of the best and natural sources of this vitamin, Garland recommends that children include Vitamin D fortified foods in their daily diet, in addition to modest amounts of sunlight daily, and a vitamin D3 supplement, to reduce the risk.

The research study also highlights the need for Vitamin D especially in regions with low sun exposure. The good news is that while getting some sunrays is harder during the winter months, milk is available year-round.

"Many parents already know that milk is the ideal food for growing kids to build strong bones, muscles and teeth," says Steve James, executive director of the CMPB. "Now, breakthrough research shows that there's another reason why milk should be served at the dinner table."