Vitamin D is a pivotal nutrient in the human body. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, it contributes to nearly all major cellular and neural processes, in addition to helping the bones absorb calcium. So it may come as a shock that, according to recent research, many young Americans are vitamin D-insufficient.

A report appearing in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives announced that quite a few teens and young adults have blood levels of the nutrient lower than 75 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), indicating insufficiency.

A portion of these youths have levels so low – fewer than 50 ng/mL – that they actually qualify for a full-blown deficiency, researchers said.

They noted that a significant portion of the problem stems from too little sun exposure. The team found that the amount of vitamin D3 (which the skin synthesizes under direct sunlight) in 2,000 young participants’ systems was quite low, often due to little time spent outside.

While avoiding UV rays can lower the risk of skin carcinomas and sun damage, it may leave the body craving a valuable nutrient, researchers concluded.

Taking a daily multivitamin is one way to get vitamin D without getting a sunburn.