Teens have ‘higher chance of bone and heart disease’ due to vitamin D deficiency
Teenagers need up to 30 micrograms a day to protect themselves against rickets, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and mental illness
STAY-indoors teenagers are risking their health by not getting enough vitamin D, experts warn.
Sunshine is vital in producing the vitamin, which guards against bone and heart disease.
But a study shows that many youngsters are deficient at a time when post-summer vitamin D levels should be at their peak.
It is blamed on kids spending more and more time on the internet or playing video games.
Teenagers need up to 30 micrograms a day to protect themselves against rickets, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis and mental illness.
Surrey University researchers said teenagers’ diets were not enough to make up for the shortage.
They recommend eating more red meat and fish.
Low levels of vitamin D are a particular problem in northern Europe during the winter.
The nutrient boosts bones by increasing calcium absorption.
Dr Smith said: "The ODIN project is investigating ways of improving vitamin D intake through the diet - and since it is difficult to obtain vitamin D intakes of over 10 micrograms/day from food sources alone, it is looking at ways of fortifying our food to improve the vitamin D levels of the UK population as a whole."