Overweight or obese women with less-than-optimal levels of vitamin D who lose more than 15% of their body weight experience significant increases in circulating levels of this fat-soluble nutrient, according to a study published online May 25 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

“Since vitamin D is generally lower in persons with obesity, it is possible that low vitamin D could account, in part, for the link between obesity and diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes

The year-long study — one of the largest ever conducted to assess the effect of weight loss on vitamin D — involved 439 overweight or obese, sedentary, postmenopausal women (aged 50 to 75 years) living in the Seattle area. The women were randomised to exercise only, diet only, exercise plus diet, or no intervention.

Those who lost 5% to 10% of their body weight through diet and/or exercise saw a relatively small increase in blood levels of vitamin D (~2.7 ng/mL), whereas women who lost more than 15% of their weight experienced a nearly 3-fold increase in vitamin D (~7.7 ng/mL), independent of dietary intake of the nutrient.

The optimal circulating range of vitamin D is thought to be between 20 and 50 ng/mL, according to a recent data review conducted by the Institute of Medicine, which found that blood levels <20 ng/mL are inadequate for bone health and levels >50 ng/mL are associated with potential adverse effects, such as an increased risk of developing kidney stones.

Ref: http://www.docguide.com/losing-more-15-body-weight-significantly-boosts-vitamin-d-levels-overweight-women?hash=80445d1a&eid=20240&alrhash=2efbb8-880279c42369cc2f8adcb48a6daaf3d2

For: Family Practitioners, Ayush