Several research studies have found that overweight people have lower Vitamin D levels in the body. Studies have also concluded that body mass index has a direct link with the amount of Vitamin D present in the body. Overweight and obese people have a lesser ability to convert Vitamin D in its active form.
How Vitamin D is important for the body?
Ideally, one should have 50nmol/L or above for the overall health of the bone and musculoskeletal system. Several health experts say that the ideal amount of Vitamin D in the body should never be less than 50 nmol and not more than 125 nmol/L.
Why does vitamin D deficiency occur in obesity?
Here are the reasons for lower Vitamin D deficiency in obese people.
Decreased bioavailability
Obesity-associated Vitamin D deficiency is due to decreased bioavailability of Vitamin D3 from dietary sources because of its deposition in fat body compartments. This has been confirmed through research in the study from the year 2003.
It has also been confirmed that high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in people who are obese due to volumetric dilution of Vitamin D. This is the most important mechanism which has an inverse and indirect relationship between Vitamin D serum levels and BMI.
Do Vitamin D levels help in weight loss?
Vitamin D levels are clearly associated with weight. Higher levels of Vitamin D can help in weight loss. Vitamin D has a major impact on the storage of fats and the production of fat cells in the body which is directly linked with weight loss.
Vitamin D is considered a hormone and it helps in stimulating the neurotransmitter linked to body fat and serotonin to reduce stress hormones for weight loss.
Studies have also shown that higher levels of Vitamin D increase metabolism and help reduce belly fat.
Benefits of Vitamin D
Vitamin D has several benefits for health
- Regulates calcium and phosphate in the body
- Vital for the strength of bones, teeth, and muscles
- It has anti-carcinogenic properties and reduces cancer growth
- Control infections and reduced inflammation
- Improves mood and reduces depression
- Reduces risk of heart disease