A new study has found that about 74% among the poor black and Hispanic children have less than optimal Vitamin D levels. It is essential for bone growth and other important metabolic functions.

According to Samantha Heller, a dietitian, nutritionist and exercise physiologist from Connecticut, the study indicates that there is a dire need for special attention to be paid to low-income children as well as minorities and that they should get their Vitamin D levels checked regularly.

Heller also added that these children should be given Vitamin D supplement.

Dr. Michael Holick, Director of the General Clinical Research Center at Boston University Medical Center said, “African American and Hispanic children are at especially high risk," he said, because darker skin acts like a natural sunscreen. The ability to make vitamin D is reduced from 80 to 99 percent in darker skin.

Experts recommend Vitamin D intakes anywhere between 200 to 400 international units per day.

Children who have comparatively low levels of vitamin D, they may suffer from hypertension and hyperglycemia and metabolic syndrome, which consequently can result in type 2 diabetes. Parents should be well aware of the effects of low Vitamin D intake on children.

The Vitamin D deficiency was more in black children with about 26% affected as compared to the 18% Hispanic children.