How Vitamin D Can Boost Weight Loss

It is a known fact that proper nutrition is an important part of maintaining a healthy weight, but many consumers are not aware of the specific impact of vitamin D. As new studies and research is put into the vitamin, more evidence is coming out that suggests vitamin D can help improve weight loss results.

Learning more about the research can make it easier to bring in enough vitamin D to have an impact on losing those extra pounds.

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Vitamin Solubility

Vitamin D is a fat soluble material. As a result, it has a direct impact on absorption of phosphorus and calcium in the body. The impact of proper calcium and phosphorus absorption is an improvement in immune health, reduced risks of certain cancers and a lower risk of developing insulin dependent diabetes.

Those who do not have enough vitamin D will find that they have reduced bone and muscle mass, higher fat content and a higher risk of developing colon cancer, breast cancer and diabetes in the future.

As a fat soluble material, vitamin D improves the body’s ability to properly absorb other nutrients it needs to build up the body. It is directly used by the body’s fat and ultimately helps burn fat.

Body Fat Loss Predictions

According to an article published in Science Daily, the University of Minnesota found some startling results when looking into low calorie diets and the increase of vitamin D in the blood. The University discovered that an increase of vitamin D can actually predict the improved weight loss results.

The University found that a precursor form of the vitamin, called 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, had a direct impact on weight loss results. As the form of vitamin D increased by 1 ng/ml, participants in the study lost ½ pound more weight than those who followed the same diet regimen without the added vitamin. The hormonal form of the vitamin had a similar impact, though the amount of weight lost for the same measurement was only ¼ pound more. In many cases, the higher content of vitamin D also resulted in improved fat loss around the abdominal region.

Increased Calcium

Vitamin D plays a direct role in the absorption of calcium, which is vital to weight loss. Studies have discovered that an increased amount of calcium in the diet plays a direct role in the body’s ability to shed excess fat. One study found that those who take in 150 mg of calcium a day would lose seven pounds more after 2 years than those who did not take in extra calcium. Furthermore, increasing the calcium to 580 mg per day caused improved weight loss of 12 pounds in the same time period.

The more calcium the body absorbs, the better weight loss results become. Vitamin D is a vital part of calcium absorption, so it also plays a role in losing more weight.

The results of studies relating to vitamin D are promising, but consumers should keep in mind that the sources of vitamin D are still important. While the sun is an important part of natural vitamin D production, consumers will need to use sun protection through most of the day to avoid other problems related to too much sun exposure. When used properly, vitamin D can help improve weight loss results.

Author Bio: Betsy T is a registered and licensed dietitian with more than 12 years experience working primarily with patients with chronic renal conditions. She is also part of the My Diet Planr team, helping men and women reach their ideal weight naturally. Check out her weight loss without dieting for natural weight loss.