Low vitamin D may contribute to a variety of diseases and conditions, which could be of serious concern to the general population.
Although many factors may play a role in a person’s weight, a study has shown that low vitamin D levels may increase the risk of weight gain.
A group of researchers from the VU University Medical Center in the Netherlands and Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands recently presented their findings at the annual meeting of the European Society of Endocrinology in Barcelona.
They cited several different sources to support their findings. One such source was an article published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Nutrition
A low vitamin D level is a risk factor for obesity and overweight people. This deficiency can make losing or gaining weight more difficult. It can be caused by suboptimal sun exposure or low vitamin D-rich foods.
It is important to talk to a healthcare provider if you suspect that you may be deficient in vitamin D. It can affect anyone, although some groups may be more susceptible than others.
One recent study found that older women with low vitamin D levels had higher odds of gaining weight than those with adequate levels.
This finding was published in the Journal of Women’s Health. Researchers are still studying this relationship to see what can cause it.
Obesity
Low vitamin D levels have been associated with obesity and metabolic parameters. However, the mechanism behind these associations is unknown. Inflammation may be at play.
Inflammation inhibits the production of vitamin D. Therefore, it is important to increase the concentration of vitamin D in the blood. This anti-inflammatory effect may contribute to weight loss in obese individuals.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome in children and adults. However, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is lower in children than in adults.
In addition, children have different criteria for obesity than adults do. This may explain the difference in mechanisms involved. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with increased levels of inflammatory markers, impaired intestinal absorption, and obesity in children.
Kidney disease
People with CKD are at increased risk for anemia, or low hemoglobin levels. Since hemoglobin is the substance found in red blood cells, low hemoglobin levels indicate anemia. To prevent anemia in people with CKD, they are prescribed medications called erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.
These medications mimic the kidney’s production of the protein erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production. Also, people with kidney disease must limit their dietary phosphate levels. This is a mineral found in dairy products and eggs, and should be minimized in the diet to avoid kidney failure.
People with CKD should also limit their intake of sodium and fluid. Too much salt can cause fluid retention, which can cause serious cardiovascular problems and accelerate kidney disease progression.
Vitamin D deficiency may require supplementation, although the scientific evidence supporting supplementation is limited.
Depression
Low vitamin D and depression are often linked and may be caused by the same thing. Depression is a condition that affects a person’s mood and behavior, which can be aggravated by low vitamin D.
However, it is possible to raise your vitamin D levels with dietary supplements. The key is to get enough vitamin D in your diet.
A recent literature review examined the relationship between low vitamin D levels and depression. It reported on the latest research on people with depressive disorders and low vitamin D concentrations. It found substantial evidence of a correlation between depressive disorders and low vitamin D levels.
However, the authors emphasized that more studies were needed to determine the direction of causality. This may help determine the best treatment strategies.
Increased risk of weight gain
A study in Ethiopia found that schoolchildren who were vitamin D deficient had an increased risk of weight gain and overweight. The study of 301 children aged eleven to nineteen showed that about 12% were deficient and 53% were inadequate.
The study also found that vitamin D level decreased with increased body weight. The study noted that various medications can increase the breakdown of vitamin D.
People with certain diseases, such as celiac disease, short bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease have lower vitamin D absorption. People with darker skin are also more susceptible to vitamin D deficiency. People with obesity also tend to have lower vitamin D levels.
Risk of arterial hypertension in obese children
Children with obesity are more likely to have low vitamin D and serotonin levels than non-obese children. Low vitamin D and serotonin levels have been linked to increased risk of arterial hypertension in obese children. The mechanisms involved are not yet clear, but future studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Serotonin levels are affected by vitamin D, which controls tissue-specific synthesis of serotonin. Serotonin induces vasoconstriction in the blood through its action on 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptors. This, in turn, increases the contractile capacity of other vasoactive substances.
A high level of vitamin D increases serotonin levels in the brain. These levels promote satiety and may even prevent the development of obesity. Low levels of serotonin may also contribute to overeating.
Cancer
Low vitamin D levels are linked with a higher risk of cancer, particularly triple-negative breast cancer. This form of breast cancer is particularly dangerous and is associated with a high risk of dying from the disease.
This study showed that vitamin D supplements may reduce the risk of developing this type of cancer.
The American Cancer Society also identifies vitamin D as a potential preventative measure against prostate cancer. A review published in December 2017 showed an association between low levels of vitamin D and prostate cancer.
In particular, men with low levels of vitamin D were more likely to have a biopsy that revealed the presence of the cancer.
Although vitamin D is important in the prevention of cancer, many people do not get enough of it. Those with darker skin, inflammatory bowel disease, or celiac disease have decreased absorption of vitamin D from sunlight.
People with obesity have an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency.
Osteoporosis
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for bone growth and maintenance. It also has a direct effect on calcium metabolism and osteoblastic activity. A lack of vitamin D impairs bone remodeling and can lead to osteoporosis.
Low levels of vitamin D are also associated with reduced bone mass in children, which may increase the risk of developing the disease in later life.
While the relationship between low vitamin D and osteoporosis is still unclear, vitamin D supplementation is recommended. Vitamin D can also help protect against osteoporosis.
Fortunately, there are several sources of vitamin D. Milk, for example, is a good source. And calcium is found in many foods.
Serotonin levels
There is a relationship between serotonin levels and weight gain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates blood pressure. In addition, vitamin D regulates serotonin synthesis. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with increased risk of arterial hypertension.
Fortunately, people can increase their serotonin levels by eating foods rich in tryptophan. However, a balanced diet is important to maintain proper serotonin levels. Foods rich in tryptophan can help improve mood, energy levels, and sleep. For example, you can eat fish, which contains omega-3 fatty acids, which support strong bones, healthy skin, and healthy eyes.
The authors found that obese children had lower serotonin levels than lean children. This was true throughout the year and during the summer-autumn and winter-spring seasons.
While this finding may indicate that low vitamin D levels may contribute to increased weight, it isn’t an explanation for the difference between lean children and overweight children.
Vitamin D levels
In a recent study, researchers found a link between low vitamin D levels and weight gain in older women. The findings were published in the Journal of Women’s Health.
The study participants were followed up for 4.5 years. They were weighed at the start of the study and at a follow-up visit. The researchers also measured their vitamin D levels.
People who had gastric bypass surgery or those with other conditions that reduce absorption of vitamin D may be at increased risk for vitamin D deficiency. Other people with reduced vitamin D absorption include those with celiac disease, short bowel syndrome, and cystic fibrosis.
People with darker skin tones may also have less absorption of vitamin D. People with obesity are also at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency.
