Vitamin D may help maintain stronger muscles

According to a new US study, adequate blood vitamin D concentrations may help prevent muscle mass loss associated with aging.

In the observational study, blood vitamin D concentrations and muscle strength in arms and legs of more than 400 older adults were examined (1). The study results showed that participants with the highest vitamin D levels had significantly more muscle strength than those with the lowest levels after adjusting for age, gender, resting heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, physical activity counts and season of vitamin D measurement.

The researchers commented that these findings indicate that vitamin D may be an effective treatment to preserve muscle strength in older adults, helping to prevent falls and fractures. Further research would be needed to determine conclusively if vitamin D maintains or increases muscle strength with aging as well as the appropriate amounts of vitamin D when consumed as a part of diet, supplementation, or through sun exposure.

1. Thompson P. D. et al. Vitamin D levels associated with greater arm, leg strength. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2012; 45(1):155-160.