The journal Pediatrics says that 70% of American children don't get enough vitamin D. Any time your body lacks a vitamin, it will have health consequences. The human body is engineered to have a good balance of many, many things and vitamins are part of that mix. Your body naturally makes vitamin D when exposed to direct sunlight and for most Americans, it only takes 10-20 minutes per day to make a sufficient quantity. For the lazy shut-in folks, you can take a multivitamin or drink lots of milk, in which vitamin D is mysteriously added.

Could this be another example of kids spending far too much time in the house with their BFF the Xbox? Is it further evidence that the unhealthy eating habits of American adults is filtering down to their children?

But similar to the controversy about why the government flouridates our water, we ask why is vitamin D added to milk? Is it really that difficult for Americans to step out into the sun for 10-20 minutes a day or take a simple vitamin in the morning? Especially kids! Aren't they supposed to be outside, having a good time? We're doing our kids a disservice here. Be a good parent - kick your kids out. (Legal note: We only mean for a couple of hours to play and have a good time, not permanently. Unless they're old and leeching off your bank account. Then the boot should be more long term.)

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/08/03/vitamin.d.children/index.html