How long vitamin d stay in body
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Duration of Vitamin D in the Human Body
Biological Half-life of Vitamin D
The biological half-life of vitamin D in human plasma has been a subject of extensive research. Initial estimates suggested that the half-life of vitamin D in plasma does not exceed 50 hours1. However, more recent studies indicate that after the administration of large amounts of vitamin D, the "vitamin D activity" in plasma decreases slowly, with a half-life that may exceed three months1. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of vitamin D metabolism and its prolonged presence in the body.
Storage of Vitamin D in Body Tissues
Vitamin D is stored in various body tissues, with adipose tissue being a significant storage site. Studies have shown that detectable amounts of vitamin D can circulate in the blood for up to 2-3 months after a single dose2. This prolonged presence is due to the storage of vitamin D in adipose tissue, which can release the vitamin slowly over time5. In a study involving rats, adipose tissue was found to contain the highest quantity of vitamin D, both in its unaltered form and as polar metabolites, throughout a three-month period5.
Vitamin D Storage in Adipose Tissue
Human studies have confirmed that subcutaneous adipose tissue can store large amounts of vitamin D3. In a cross-sectional study, subjects who received long-term high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation had significantly higher concentrations of vitamin D3 in their fat tissue compared to those who received a placebo3. This storage mechanism suggests that adipose tissue acts as a reservoir, slowly releasing vitamin D into the bloodstream over time.
Clinical Implications of Vitamin D Storage
The storage of vitamin D in adipose tissue has important clinical implications. For instance, in older adults, lower serum levels of 25(OH)D have been linked to extended hospital stays, indicating that adequate vitamin D levels may play a role in overall health and recovery4. Additionally, vitamin D supplementation has been shown to reduce body fat mass in overweight and obese women, further emphasizing the importance of maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels6.
Conclusion
Vitamin D can remain in the body for an extended period, primarily due to its storage in adipose tissue. The biological half-life of vitamin D in plasma can exceed three months, and detectable levels can circulate in the blood for up to 2-3 months after a single dose. This prolonged presence underscores the importance of vitamin D in maintaining overall health and its potential role in clinical outcomes.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
METABOLISM AND MODE OF ACTION OF VITAMIN D II. STORAGE OF VITAMIN D IN DIFFERENT TISSUES IN VIVO
Vitamin D can be stored in various tissues for up to 3 months after oral administration, providing insight into its metabolism and mode of action.
Vitamin D3 increases in abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue after supplementation with vitamin D3.
Long-term supplementation with high dose vitamin D3 increases vitamin D3 storage in abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue.
RCT
Rigorous JournalCould vitamin D concentration be a marker of a long hospital stay in older adults patients?
Lower vitamin D levels in geriatric patients are linked to extended hospital stays, suggesting vitamin D may serve as a predictor of hospitalization duration in older adults.
Observational StudyDeposition in and release of vitamin D3 from body fat: evidence for a storage site in the rat.
Adipose tissue is the major storage site for vitamin D3 in rats, with unaltered vitamin D3 being the principal storage form and available for conversion to other metabolites during deprivation.
Non-RCT
Animal Study
Highly CitedA 12-week double-blind randomized clinical trial of vitamin D3 supplementation on body fat mass in healthy overweight and obese women
Vitamin D3 supplementation significantly reduced body fat mass in healthy overweight and obese women by increasing 25(OH) D concentrations.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedVitamin D supplementation guidelines
Higher vitamin D levels are associated with improved outcomes for various chronic diseases, and supplementation is recommended based on individual factors like age, body weight, and latitude.
Highly CitedVitamin D supplementation and body composition changes in collegiate basketball players: a 12-week randomized control trial
Modest Vitamin D3 supplementation did not enhance favorable changes in total body composition or performance in collegiate basketball players over 3 months of training.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalVitamin D dosing for infectious and immune disorders
Vitamin D supplementation is crucial for maintaining human immunity and physiology, especially in areas with limited sunlight exposure and varying UVB radiation levels.
Rigorous JournalVitamin D Storage in Adipose Tissue of Obese and Normal Weight Women
Obese individuals have greater adipose stores of vitamin D, but the relationship between serum 25OHD and fat vitamin D and the overall pattern of distribution between OM and SQ fat compartments is similar.
Observational StudyVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited