A new study has revealed that over 6 million American children are getting too little of vitamin D which is an essential nutrient. The optimal amount of vitamin D is still a subject of debate but its deficiency could lead to a number of health problems.

Dr. Jonathan Mansbach, lead author of the new analysis and a researcher at Harvard Medical School and Children's Hospital in Boston said, “Almost 90 percent of black children between the ages 1-11 years and 80 percent of Hispanic kids could be vitamin D deficient- “astounding numbers” that should serve as a call to action.”

This recent study has just added to the already existing evidence regarding the vitamin D deficiency in children, teens and adults. There is more concern because of the recent studies which suggest that vitamin D might help prevent serious diseases, including infections, diabetes and even some cancers.

Despite all these studies there is still no solid evidence that the lack of vitamin D leads to diseases or that high levels of it prevent them.

Doctors have not yet reached a consensus on the optimal levels of vitamin D. They are waiting for guidance expected in an Institute of Medicine report on vitamin D due next year. It is a advisory group of the government which sets dietary standards.

The study is the first of its kind to analyze the varying vitamin D levels in children aged 1 through 11.

Some previous studies had found low levels of vitamin D in teens and also kids with low levels having high blood pressure and cholesterol levels that were also likely to be overweight.

The new analysis uses data from 2001-06 government health survey involving almost 3,000 children. Vitamin D levels were measured by blood tests.