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science nutrition blog

science nutrition <strong>blog</strong>

Vitamin D is synthesized in the body in a reaction involving sunlight. Vitamin D can also be consumed in the diet by eating fatty fish, mushrooms and supplements. Several recent studies have linked low vitamin D levels to poor bone health, muscle weakness, deficiencies in reproductive hormones, low aerobic capacity and increased body mass index (the proportion of weight to height). A Korean study showed that vitamin D triggered fat loss in fat cells exposed to vitamin D. Vitamin D also affected genes that affect fat cell formation, fat breakdown and fat use as energy. Recent research has shown that 4,000 IUs of vitamin D-3 is most effective for weight loss and fat loss. The only health claims allowed by government agencies for vitamin D are reducing the risk of osteoporosis, preventing inflammation and promoting normal muscle function. (Nutrition, 32: 702-708)