Vitamin D

There is an increase in number of population worldwide suffering from Vitamin D deficiency and it is a serious health issue. Research studies have shown that Vitamin D the ‘Sunlight vitamin’ protects humans against diabetes, cancer and heart conditions. Deficiency of Vitamin D is linked to body aches, respiratory tract infections, infertility, chronic pain, tiredness, autoimmune disease and hair loss.

Apart from these conditions, obesity and weight increase is also linked to inadequate levels of Vitamin D.

A team of scientists from Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity conducted analysis to understand the fat accumulation in body parts and lower vitamin D level. Rachida Rafiq and group of researchers, revealed the results conducted on women and men aged between 45 – 65. This data was presented in Barcelona at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2018.

The variables included smoking, ethnicity, education level, chronic conditions, exercises and alcohol intake.

Belly fat and larger waistline associated with low levels of vitamin D.

“Due to the observational nature of this study, we cannot draw a conclusion on the direction or cause of the association between obesity and vitamin D levels. However, this strong association may point to a possible role for vitamin D in abdominal fat storage and function.”- Rachida Rafiq

Team analysis revealed that in Women abdominal fat and total body fat is associated with lower vitamin D levels. Deficiency was correlated with more abdominal fat in women. In men, fat accumulation was more in liver and abdomen. It is not clear whether, the accumulation of fat causes deficiency of vitamin D or vice versa. But obesity, fat accumulation in abdomen and lower level of Vitamin D are related and Vitamin D plays a role in abdominal fat storage and function.

Belly fat means probably you need more Sun shine!

People who have larger waistlines and more amount of abdominal fats are at greater risk of having lower level of Vitamin D and should get it checked. To ward off belly fat, soaking in Sun with outdoor activities helps. If not, get Vitamin D supplements. Recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is minimum 600 IU. Foods with fortified sources can help to get Vitamin D in the system. For non-vegetarians’ egg, red meat, fish eating helps. For vegetarians’ foods like fortified cereals, juices, milk and supplements will help. Dosage of supplements depends on person’s deficiency level.

• https://www.eatthis.com/
• https://www.express.co.uk
• https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/05/180521092731.htm

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