VITAMIN D AND WEIGHT LOSS

The link between vitamin D and weight loss is still being studied. But it is generally agreed that losing weight releases vitamin D stored within fat cells into the blood stream.

To view comments about vitamin D dosage and supplements visit our Vitamin D Forum.

Obesity can be one of the causes of vitamin D deficiency as fat cells may extract vitamin D from the blood and alter its release into the circulation. People with a body mass index of 30 or greater often have low blood levels of vitamin D.

But if we increase our vitamin D intake, is it possible that weight loss will follow? One study found that postmenopausal women who took 400 IUs of vitamin D plus 1,000 mg calcium daily for 3 years were less likely to gain weight than those who took a placebo...although the weight difference was small. Women who were not getting enough calcium to start with (less than 1,200 mg per day) saw the most benefit.

When I was taking 2,000 IU daily my blood test indicated that I was deficient. I now take 5,000 IU in the winter.

GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY

People who undergo gastric bypass surgery must take special caution to monitor both their bone density and their vitamin D levels as vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption.

A small study conducted by the Henry Ford Hospital in 2009, found that gastric bypass operations predispose patients to severe vitamin D deficiency and bone loss without vitamin D therapy. The researchers concluded that current recommendations regarding vitamin D supplementation are grossly inadequate and that further studies are needed regarding the dosage required to prevent bone loss and osteoporosis.

To learn about calcium supplements that may support vitamin D and weight loss...visit Best Calcium.


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