Vitamin D deficiencies have been implicated in a wide range of health issues; from osteoporosis andto cholesterol, diabetes, the immune system, and obesity. Recent studies have also now also linked Vitamin D sufficiency to playing a supportive role in the maintenance of a healthy weight. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to obesity and a higher Body Mass Index (BMI). Here are three ways that Vitamin D may be playing a role in your weight and eating:
High Vitamin D supplementation has been associated with reduced weight in mice*
Researchers in South Dakota State University (1) fed obese mice high vitamin D, high calcium, or high vitamin D and calcium diets. The researchers observed a decrease in weight gain, decreased fat, and improved Vitamin D status in all of the groups. The changes in weight and fat are vital indicators for the prevention of obesity, which is associated with increased weight gain and fat. As a result, the findings suggest that maintaining good Vitamin D levels is one part of supporting a healthy weight.*
Improper Vitamin D levels have been linked to higher BMI and obesity*
Researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine (2) examined 58 obese adolescents by looking at their sample characteristics (race, sex, age, etc.), and metabolic and bone health data. Additionally, measures of body fat were taken as well as blood tests. Researchers found that adolescents with vitamin D deficiency tended to have more fat mass than adolescents that were not vitamin D deficient. Moreover, they observed a possible inverse relationship between fat mass and vitamin D concentrations. The researchers concluded that lower vitamin D status was associated with a higher BMI.
Similarly, a meta analysis conducted at the Federal University of Bahia in Brazil (3) revealed that obese individuals had a 35% prevalence of having vitamin D deficiency and overweight individuals had a 24% prevalence of having vitamin D deficiency.
These studies suggest that Vitamin D sufficiency as an important part of maintaining a healthy weight. Make sure to get your Vitamin D from the MicroNourish formula or by exposure to the sun! When it comes to supplementing Vitamin D, all forms are not created equal. Check your supplement facts to ensure your Vitamin D is in the form of Cholecalciferol (or Vitamin D3) as this most absorbable and active form of Vitamin D.
Learn more about Vitamin D:
- Studies: 3 Ways Vitamin D Helps Your Brain Function
- Studies: Vitamin D & Digestive Health
- Studies: Why Vitamin D Is Such An Important Piece Of The Mood Puzzle
Other articles you may enjoy include:
- Feeling Overwhelmed and Cranky? Lower Your Stress Levels With These 4 Micronutrients
- Could a Gut-Brain Disconnect Be Behind Your Overeating?
- Do Micronutrients Hold the Key to Intuitive Eating?
References:
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High vitamin D and calcium intakes reduce diet-induced obesity in mice by increasing adipose tissue apoptosis. Sargeev, IN et al., Mol Nutr Food Res. 2014 Jun;58(6):1342-8. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201300503. Epub 2014 Jan 22.
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Relation of body fat indexes to vitamin D status and deficiency among obese adolescents. Lenders, CM et al., Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Sep;90(3):459-67. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2008.27275. Epub 2009 Jul 29.
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Obesity and vitamin D deficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pereira-Santos, M et al., Obes Rev. 2015 Apr;16(4):341-9. doi: 10.1111/obr.12239. Epub 2015 Feb 17.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
