Vitamin D, also called the sunshine vitamin, is an important nutrient available in food, vitamin supplements and by getting enough sunshine. According to a new study by scientists from McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) and the University of Southern California; published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, a deficiency in Vitamin D may cause weight gain and stunt growth in growing girls.

A study of girls in their peak growing years found that a shortage of Vitamin D caused higher body mass and shorter stature. In other words women who did not get enough Vitamin D were shorter and heavier.

Vitamin D deficiency, common in adults, is linked to diseases such as osteoporosis, cancer and obesity.While there have been previous studies on adults, the effects of Vitamin D deficiencies on young people have been largely unknown until this study.