Video: How to make sure kids get enough Vitamin D

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SEATTLE - New research shows many toddlers and infants don't get enough Vitamin D.  

Many parents slather sunscreen on their kids when they're outdoors to protect against painful burns and skin cancer.

"And I try and make them wear their hats as much as possible, and sunglasses," said Angela McCourtie.

But all that protection can also block out Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin. 

In a new study Boston researchers estimate at least 40 percent of American infants and toddlers aren't getting enough Vitamin D.

Dr. James A. Taylor, a University of Washington professor of pediatrics, says it's not time yet to order blood tests and Vitamin D supplements for all kids. But parents should know the risks.

"Most of the research in children has been based on Vitamin D deficient rickets," he said. "And most of the cases reported so far in North America are predominantly in African American children."

Rickets causes soft weak bones, pain and deformity.

Dark-skinned children may produce less Vitamin D from the sun putting them more at risk.  

Scientists are also investigating a possible link between low Vitamin D and childhood diabetes.

California researchers found populations living closer to the equator with abundant sunshine have lower incidence rates of Type 1 diabetes.

Still, Dr. Taylor cautions parents against tossing out the sunscreen.

"If you're outside playing or at the beach or the pool I would definitely use sunscreen," he said.

So how much Vitamin D is enough? Current recommendations for children are 200 international units per day, though some experts think kids need even more.

"If you drink 16 ounces a day of milk, most milk in the United States is fortified with Vitamin D, and that actually gives you the currently recommended amount of Vitamin D in a day in two cups of milk," he said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breast-fed children receive supplemental Vitamin D.

If your child drinks a milk substitute check to see if it's fortified with Vitamin D and talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns.