Vitamins And Weight Loss

Everyone these days seems to be talking about vitamin D

. It's been a hot topic especially since Vitamin D deficiency is so widespread and is now linked to osteoporosis, depression, cancer, diabetes, and even weight loss. So what does it do for our bodies? It's been known for years that vitamin D is crucial to the health of our bones and teeth, but what we now know about D's role in our health is quite new.

- Vitamin D is not only a vitamin, but also a hormone. It is part of calcitriol, a powerful steroid hormone that helps in the buildup and breakdown of healthy tissue in our bodies.

- Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium, maintain bone density and muscle strength.

- Vitamin D also promotes normal cell growth in our bodies and works as a key factor in maintaining hormonal balance and a healthy immune system.

Of course many of us can get plenty of Vitamin D through sun exposure and that is the only way our bodies can produce itwhen our skin is exposed to direct sunlight. But our obsession with blemish-free skin and belief in sunscreen to protect us from skin cancer, practically every American is severely deficient in D. So how much do we need? Some studies have shown that adults need as much as 3000'5000 IU per day, but the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board recommends 2000 IU per day.

What role does vitamin D play in losing weight? Vitamin D's direct role in calcium absorption is what makes it an important factor in how our bodies regulate weight. A study conducted at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis tested Vitamin D levels of 38 obese and overweight men and women while looking at a relationship between vitamin D levels and rate of weight loss. According to the study, vitamin D levels predicted subsequent weight loss success in subjects on a weight loss diet. It was especially clear to scientists that Vitamin D was specifically related to abdominal fat and played a pivotal role in weight loss success rates when combined with a low calorie diet. How can you make sure you get enough Vitamin D in your diet?

- The best way to help your body absorb vitamin D is to get a little sunshine in your life - at least 15 minutes a day.

- Make sure to include fish rich in Omega 3 oil, such as salmon, mackerel or sardines.

- Take a daily multivitamin; look for one that includes fish oil.

- Take a vitamin D3 supplement.

- Ask your doctor about Vitamin D testing.

by: Jason Kozma

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