Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (USA) initiated a study to answer one question: Does body weight alter metabolism and response to vitamin D supplementation?
The researchers concluded that in the case of overweight and obese people, the positive effects of vitamin D are reduced, reports Futura Sante.
They analyzed data from the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial (Vital).
Analysis of data from the Vital Test showed that vitamin D supplementation is associated with positive health effects, but only for people with a BMI below 25, said Deirdre K. Tobias, associate epidemiologist in the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and coauthor of this study.
BMI (body mass index) is the official indicator for calculating the ideal body weight, for a given height (underweight: under 18.5 kg/m2; normoponderal: 18,5 – 24,9 kg/m2; supraponderal: 25 – 29,9 kg/m2 ; obesity degree I: 30 – 34.9 kg/m2 ; obesity degree II: 35 – 39.9 kg/m2; morbid obesity: over 40 kg/m2).
Thus, according to the authors of the study, the entry of vitamin D and its metabolites into the general circulation towards adipose tissue (body fat) may be an explanation for the lower concentrations in the blood.
Vitamin D is a liposoluble (fat-soluble) vitamin. It has a major role in strengthening the bone system and the immune system. It also fights depression, helps to lose extra pounds, can provide protection against some forms of cancer, supports the cardiovascular system and fights Alzheimer’s disease.
