70% of US Children Have Lack of D Vitamin

Seven out of ten U.S. children have low levels of vitamin D, raising their risk of bone and heart disease, according to a study of over 6,000 children by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University in New York , Xinhua reports.

However, new research on vitamin D deficiency finds that 70% of U.S. children have below-normal levels of the key hormone, LiveScience reports . That raises their risk for bone and dental problems, diabetes, heart diseases, some cancers and possible brain impairment , USA Today reports.

However, Vitamin D is often called the "sunshine vitamin" because the human body makes it only when exposed to sunlight -- although it only takes 10 to 15 minutes a day to make an adequate amount. Vitamin D, which helps the bones better absorb calcium, is also added to multivitamins and milk , CNN reports.