Also known as sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is a very important nutrient that is often under consumed. It is a fat soluble vitamin in a family of compounds that include vitamin D1, D2 and D3. Vitamin D is crucial because it can affect over 2000 genes in the body. It plays a vital role in ensuring that you have stronger bones, improved muscle function and strong teeth.
Effects of vitamin D on muscle mass
Researchers from University of Birmingham used innovating technology to study the effect of active and inactive vitamin levels on the human body as well as their impact on muscle strength. Vitamin D, regardless of its form (D2 or D3) is always inactive until it is activated by two enzymatic reactions: one in the kidney and the other in the liver. The researchers focused on 116 healthy men and women aged between 20 and 74. The team measured the participant’s lean body mass by subtracting their body fat by their total body weight.
At the end of the study, the researchers found that people who had higher muscle mass had higher levels of active vitamin D. Dr. Hassan-Smith who was involved in the study explained that supplemental vitamin D may enhance muscle function. In other words, vitamin D may help optimize muscle strength.
It helps to boost muscle mass, strength and function
A study was carried out by researchers from the University of Birmingham in the UK to investigate the effects of vitamin D on muscles strength. The study which was published in the journal PLOS one revealed that vitamin D plays a vital role in boosting muscle strength. Another study that was conducted by Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit at the University of Southampton and published in the journal of clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism revealed that pregnant women who took higher levels of vitamin during their pregnancy got kids who have stronger muscles .Previous studies have always linked low levels of vitamin D in children with reduced muscle strength. However, very little was known when it comes to the connection that pregnant mothers have to babies.
Higher grip strength and low muscle mass
The study also found out that women who took vitamin during pregnancy gave birth to children with higher offspring grip strength. The study examined 678 mothers during pregnancy until when their children got to the age of 4. Tests on grip strength and muscle mass was conducted and when researchers analyzed the result, they found out that women who had higher vitamin D levels during pregnancy had children with higher grip strength. The study also found out that there was less pronounced link between vitamin D and muscle mass during pregnancy. According to Dr. Harvey, a lead researcher and senior lecturer at the University of Southampton, link between muscle mass and vitamin D during pregnancy may affect the heath of the child in later years.
Researchers from McGill University in Montreal Canada followed up on a study to see if there was a link between vitamin D and bone density. The participant underwent various tests to enable the team assess their bone density. However, to their surprise, the data did not provide any information about borne density. Instead it only provided information about the development of fat and muscle mass. The researchers found out that there was a correlation between vitamin D and lean muscles mass on a child’s body on the first three years of development. The study recommended that children should receive at least 400 IU of vitamin D every day in form of drops for the first 12 months of their life.
Protection against cancer, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
Various scientific studies that have been conducted have termed that vitamin D as one of the most potent inhibitors of cancer cell growth. By increasing the rate of cell differentiation, calcium absorption and reducing metastasis, vitamin D helps the body to fight against many types of cancer including prostate, ovarian, breast and colon.
In addition to that, vitamin D also plays a vital role in protecting your body against cardiovascular diseases. One of the main functions of this vitamin is boosting calcium absorption to maintain proper bone health. However, recent studies have shown that vitamin D can help improve vascular compliance, improve glycemic control as well as lower blood pressure. This helps to decrease the chances of suffering from heart failure, sudden cardiac death and high blood pressure.
Recent evidence also suggest that vitamin D can help to reduce the risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes that can lead to long term complications including eye damage, nerve damage, vision loss, kidney failure as well as heart disease. Studies have shown that vitamin D helps to improve insulin sensitivity, beta cell function as well as reduce inflammation. In fact, a study that was conducted by a credible research firm revealed that individuals with high baseline of vitamin D levels actually have 38% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Where to Get Vitamin D Supplements Online
Puritan.com, is an American e-commerce company based in Boca Raton, Florida, that sells high quality vitamin D supplements apart from all the other vitamins and minerals. The company has a special clearance page where you can get products in 60% discount. Also, you can get a Puritan's Pride coupon from Spiqy.
More Information about Increasing your Muscle Strength
www.lifetoliveit.com/muscle-and-strength/
Sources:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315863.php
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijpo.12105/full
Matt Gavard is a blogger and writer for five years. He writes topics about health, weight loss programs, and wellness some of which you can find at Lodlois.com.