Many people wonder about the most important nutritional supplements that help with weight loss, but what about vitamin D? Does vitamin D deficiency cause weight gain or loss?
There are some theories that suggest a link between vitamin D and weight. Does vitamin D deficiency cause weight gain or weight loss?
Does vitamin D deficiency cause weight gain or weight loss?
Many people wonder whether vitamin D deficiency causes weight gain or weight loss. Weight gain is often associated with vitamin D deficiency, compared to people of average weight who do not suffer from any vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D deficiency is not a primary cause of obesity, but the two are related in some way:
Fat accumulation in the liver and muscles prevents adequate vitamin D absorption.
Obese people are exposed to less sunlight than other people, which in turn leads to vitamin D deficiency. Obese people also don't eat healthy foods that contain many nutrients, which puts them at Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased abdominal fat in both women and men, and increased liver fat in men in particular. Therefore, people with excess abdominal and waist fat are advised to have their vitamin D levels checked.
Studies on vitamin D deficiency and weight gainrisk of vitamin D deficiency.
A study was conducted on obese individuals and their vitamin D levels to clarify the relationship between the two. The study concluded that vitamin D deficiency cannot be ignored as a primary factor in weight gain. Specific vitamin D receptors exist on fat cells, but their role in weight gain is not yet clear. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship specifically.
The study also shows that vitamin D deficiency in overweight people is linked to increased body mass, which results in lower vitamin D concentrations in their bodies. The solution to obesity always lies in modifying one's dietary lifestyle, exercising, and consuming vitamin D supplements, especially when the deficiency persists despite weight loss.
Does increasing vitamin D levels in the body help with weight loss?
A study was conducted on obese women who followed a healthy weight loss plan.
The study group was divided into two groups: one group followed a healthy diet, and the other group followed the same healthy diet.
In addition to consuming nutritional supplements containing 2,000 units of vitamin D daily, the study results showed that women who followed a healthy diet and consumed vitamin D lost more weight compared to the other group that followed a healthy diet alone.
Ultimately, maintaining vitamin D levels within the normal range has a direct impact on faster and more efficient weight loss.
Other Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency
The following are the most common causes of vitamin D deficiency:
Not consuming enough vitamin D
Following a vegetarian diet often leads to vitamin D deficiency, as most foods rich in vitamin D are of animal origin.
Lack of exposure to sunlight
The human body produces vitamin D during sun exposure, so insufficient exposure to sunlight puts one at risk for vitamin D deficiency.
Human Tanning
Increased melanin pigmentation associated with skin darkening reduces the body's ability to produce vitamin D.
Aging
The kidneys' ability to produce vitamin D decreases with age, leading to vitamin D deficiency.
Digestive System
Some health conditions affecting the digestive system, such as Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, and celiac disease, affect the digestive system's ability to absorb vitamin D.
Obesity
Fat cells extract vitamin D from the bloodstream, so people with a BMI of 30 or more often suffer from vitamin D deficiency.
Asst. Prof. Ismail Hassan Jawad
Al-Mustaqbal University – The First University in Iraq
Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals: Good Health and Well-being