Vitamin D Important in Helping to Improve Insulin Sensitvity

Researchers continue to unlock the importance of vitamin D in the body. Researchers have shown that poor vitamin D levels in the body have been associated with a higher prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, or both in adults and adolescents.

In a study conducted at the University of Missouri researchers divided two groups of obese subjects into a placebo group and a control group which received vitamin D 4000 (IU/D).  After a 6 month period the placebo group and control group were measured for differences in BMI, serum inflammatory markers, or plasma glucose concentrations between groups. The placebo group showed no changes. The control group showed that those who took the supplement developed sufficient vitamin D levels and lowered the amount of insulin in their blood.[1]

Catherine Peterson said, “By increasing vitamin D intake alone, we got a response that was nearly as powerful as what we have seen using a prescription drug.” “We saw a decrease in insulin levels, which means better glucose control, despite no changes in body weight, dietary intake or physical activity.”[2]

“For clinicians, the main message from this research is to check the vitamin D status of their obese patients, because they’re likely to have insufficient amounts,” Peterson said. “Adding vitamin D supplements to their diets may be an effective addition to treating obesity and its associated insulin resistance.”[3]