Vitamin d and weight loss
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The Role of Vitamin D in Weight Loss: A Comprehensive Review
Vitamin D Deficiency and Obesity
Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among obese individuals and those undergoing weight loss. Research indicates that obese individuals often have lower baseline levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], necessitating higher doses of vitamin D supplementation to achieve optimal levels 1. This deficiency is also observed during medical or surgical weight loss interventions 1.
Vitamin D Supplementation and Weight Loss Outcomes
No Direct Impact on Weight Loss
Several studies have investigated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on weight loss, with mixed results. A systematic review and meta-analysis found no significant effect of vitamin D supplementation on weight loss when compared to placebo 3. Similarly, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving postmenopausal women showed that vitamin D3 supplementation did not significantly enhance weight loss or changes in body composition compared to placebo 4.
Marginal Improvements in Vitamin D Status with Weight Loss
Weight loss itself has been associated with a marginal increase in serum 25(OH)D levels. A meta-analysis of both randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials found that weight loss interventions led to a slight increase in serum 25(OH)D compared to weight maintenance 3. This suggests that the relationship between obesity and lower vitamin D levels may be due to increased adiposity leading to suboptimal vitamin D concentrations 3.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Benefits
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Markers
While vitamin D supplementation does not directly influence weight loss, it has been shown to improve several cardiovascular disease risk markers. An RCT demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced blood concentrations of parathyroid hormone, triglycerides, and the inflammation marker tumor necrosis factor-alpha, independent of weight loss 2. However, it also increased LDL-cholesterol concentrations 2.
Metabolic Health
Vitamin D supplementation, particularly when combined with calcium, has been found to enhance the beneficial effects of weight loss on plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations. Studies have shown significant improvements in total:LDL and LDL:HDL ratios, as well as reductions in LDL cholesterol, when calcium and vitamin D were supplemented during weight loss interventions 68.
Genetic Factors and Vitamin D Response
Genetic polymorphisms in vitamin D receptors (VDR) and adrenergic receptors (ADRs) can influence the response to vitamin D supplementation and weight loss outcomes. A study found that certain genetic variants were associated with greater improvements in vitamin D levels and more significant reductions in weight, BMI, and fat percentage among those receiving vitamin D supplementation 5.
Conclusion
In summary, while vitamin D supplementation does not directly promote weight loss, it plays a crucial role in improving vitamin D status and offers cardiovascular and metabolic benefits during weight loss interventions. The relationship between vitamin D and weight loss is complex and influenced by genetic factors. Further research is needed to fully understand the optimal vitamin D levels and supplementation strategies for obese individuals and those undergoing weight loss.
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