Study: US kids lack vitamin D

August 3, 2009 The studies are the first to look at vitamin D deficiency nationwide. They found that 7 out of 10 US children have low levels of vitamin D.

The studies also found an association between low vitamin D levels and increased risk for high blood pressure, high blood sugar and metabolic syndrome -- a condition that increases the risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Researchers recommend that children get more vitamin D through supplements, sunlight and foods such as milk and fish.

The studies are published online by the journal Pediatrics.