A new study has found that black teens may be missing out on the health benefits of vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin.

Dr. Sandy Saintonge, lead researcher in the study, and her colleagues examined data on 2,955 teenagers ranging in age from 12 to 19 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, HealthDay News reports.

When compared to the recommended daily intake of the vitamin, (1,000 international units), researchers found 14 percent of the adolescents in the study were vitamin D deficient, according to the article. It was also found black teens were 20 times more likely to be deficient than white teens.

Saintonge told the news provider diet, time exposed to the sun, use of sun screen and skin color can all be factors that interview with the amount of vitamin D the body produces. The doctor also suggested the recommended levels of the nutrient may have to be increased.

"There is evidence that the levels of vitamin D we have been using in the past may have been too low," said Saintogne.

The doctor said a way to combat the deficiency was to give teenagers foods fortified with vitamin D or incorporate nutritional supplements into their diet.