Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of a number of disorders and diseases.
According to the research of scientists from Italy, increasing the intake of vitamin D can speed up weight loss. Specifically, researchers found that people who do not get adequate amounts of vitamin D are at increased risk of obesity.
The study included 400 obese people who had suffered from a lack of vitamin D. All participants followed a low-calorie type of diet, were divided into 3 groups:
- One group not taking vitamin D
- Another group took 2,500 international units (IU) of vitamin D per month
- A third group took 100 000 international units of vitamin D per month
After 6 months, the results showed that participants in the third group had the most significant weight loss results. Previous studies have shown that about 40% of the world’s population does not introduce an adequate amount of vitamin D.
Adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is essential for the proper functioning of the whole body. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of a number of disorders and diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and diseases of cardiovascular system.
The best source of vitamin D are the sun’s rays, therefore, persons who regularly spend time exposure to sunlight, have a lower risk of vitamin D deficiency in the body. Vitamin D is also found in foods such as eggs, fortified milk and dairy products, yogurt, tuna and sardines.