While a number of studies have documented low vitamin D levels in children living in northern climates, a new study shows it is also a problem in sunny climates of the southern U.S., particularly for black adolescents.

The study, “Low 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Adolescents: Race, Season, Adiposity, Physical Activity, and Fitness,” published in the June print issue of Pediatrics (published online May 3), measured plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in 559 black and white adolescents ages 14 to 18 years in Augusta, Ga. Vitamin D levels were tested in all four seasons of the year. More than half (56.4 percent) of the adolescents had vitamin D insufficiency, and 28.8 percent had vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D levels were lowest in winter compared to other seasons of the year. Black teenagers had significantly lower vitamin D levels in every season of the year compared to white teenagers. Adolescents with a higher body mass index had lower vitamin D levels.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org.