The overall objectives of this study are to examine the relationships between circulating vitamin D, insulin sensitivity, and multiple indices of vascular function and to examine whether vitamin D deficiency in AA is responsible for ethnic differences in insulin sensitivity and hypertension in AA and EA, as well as mechanisms underlying the association between insulin resistance and blood pressure. We hypothesize that 1) serum 25(OH)D is associated with insulin sensitivity and vascular functioning, independent of adiposity, 2) lower insulin sensitivity and vascular functioning in AA relative to EA is due to lower circulating 25(OH)D in AA, and 3) the relationship between insulin resistance and vascular dysfunction is mediated by 25(OH)D.

Acronyms: African American (AA), European American (EA), Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25()H)D, Body mass index (BMI), Alabama (AL).

Inclusion Criteria:

• African American or Caucasian ethnicity
• Ages 14-18 yrs
• Healthy

Exclusion Criteria:

• BMI-for age and -sex higher than 95th centile on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Growth Charts
• Use of medication(s) known to influence body composition, vascular function, or glucose metabolism
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes or any chronic diseases

Healthy adolescent African American and European American teenagers, ages 14-18, will be recruited form the Birmingham, AL community