Vitamin D has seen a lot of popularity lately thanks to discoveries about its mood-boosting abilities. The so-called “sunshine vitamin” (the term refers to the fact that it can be absorbed via sunlight) is now being sold not only on its own but as a part of many other foods and beverages. Milk fortified with Vitamin D, for example, is a big seller. The vitamin is considered to be particularly important for those in areas such as the north east, where the sun doesn’t shine as readily as it does other areas.
But don’t think that just because you live in a warm, sunny climate that you don’t need to worry about Vitamin D. In addition to possibly contributing to your happiness, studies have indicated that Vitamin D can enhance your immune system and protect against disease. In addition, Vitamin D aids in the utilization of calcium, which helps maintain healthy bones. Research has shown that Vitamin D helps keep levels of calcium in the bloodstream at ideal levels. This benefits the function of the nervous system in addition to benefiting bone growth and maintenance (1).
And if you’re still not swayed, perhaps the latest Vitamin D discovery will convince you of the need for this vitamin. Fitness enthusiasts, or anyone generally interested in their physical fitness and appearance, will be interested to see the results of a study from the journal Nutritional Research.
In the study, researchers separated rats into two groups: one fed excessive amounts of calories thanks to a significant amount of added oil for fat content, and the other group fed a high-calorie diet driven by sugar. Each of these groups was split in half, with one half receiving a “sub-optimal” dose of Vitamin D and the other receiving 10,000 IE of Vitamin D, and a slightly higher amount of calcium than what the other half received.
The researchers were surprised to find that despite the overfeeding, the rats receiving the large dose of Vitamin D and calcium actually got thinner and more muscular. According to analysis, the rats receiving the high Vitamin D and calcium doses manufactured more of a protein that helps muscles burn fat for energy. The researchers believe that this change, as well as an increase in insulin receptors prompted by the supplements, led to the improvements in body composition (2). Obviously, this information is valuable for those dieting and those looking to gain lean muscle mass – who couldn’t use extra muscle and less fat? All it takes, according to this research, is a lot more Vitamin D and some calcium – which makes Vitamin D-fortified milk look like an ideal addition to one’s diet, as it would deliver both nutrients plus protein.
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