09 March 2010
Insufficient blood levels of vitamin D may be associated with the accumulation of fat in muscle tissue, leading to lower muscle strength, says a new study.
In the study, blood levels of 25- hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), the non-active 'storage' form of the vitamin, as well as levels of fat, muscle mass, and percent muscle fat were measured in 90 young women aged between 16 and 22 (1). The results showed that almost 60 percent were vitamin D insufficient, equivalent to blood levels lower than 29 nanograms per milliliter, of which 24 percent were classed as vitamin D deficient (levels below 20 ng/ml). Additionally, muscle fat levels were higher in these women, compared with women with normal vitamin D levels.
The findings are said to be the first to show a clear link between vitamin D levels and the accumulation of fat in muscle tissue, and add to an ever growing body of science supporting the benefits of maintaining healthy vitamin D levels.
It is not yet know whether vitamin D supplementation would actually result in less accumulation of fat in the muscles or increase muscle strength, the researchers commented. More research is needed before interventions can be recommended.
6 July 2011
Women at high risk of developing melanoma who take supplements of vitamin D and calcium may be at a reduced risk of developing skin cancer, suggests new US study.
10 March 2010
Vitamin A may play a critical role in production of energy in our cells, says new research.
15 October 2009
Results from intervention trials suggest that there is no evidence to support the use of homocysteine-lowering B vitamins to prevent cardiovascular events, according to a new review.
