Effects of low vitamin D levels on fatty infiltration in muscle
Vitamin D insufficiency has now reached epidemic proportions and so has the research on its wide ranging effects.
Here’s the latest from researchers in Los Angeles and Montréal.
First, the details.
- In 90 women 16 to 22 years, body fat distribution and blood levels of vitamin D (25OHD) were measured.
- All were from California and have lots of opportunity for sun exposure.
And, the results.
- Approximately 59% of the women were vitamin D insufficient (29 ng/mL or less).
- Of these women 24% were deficient (20 ng/mL or less).
- Lower vitamin D levels were significantly associated with a higher percent of muscle fat.
- In contrast, there was no relationship between vitamin D blood levels and thigh muscle area.
- The amount of abdominal fat did not affect the relationship between vitamin D and muscle fat.
- Percent muscle fat was significantly lower in women with normal serum vitamin D blood levels than in women with insufficient and deficient levels.
The bottom line?
the authors concluded that vitamin D insufficiency is associated with increased fat infiltration in muscle in healthy young women.
These finding are important because skeletal muscle is crucial for about 80% of blood sugar disposal in the human body. Emerging evidence suggests that fat accumulation in skeletal muscle may be a major cause of insulin resistance and diabetes.
3/15/10 20:35 JR
