Does Weight Gain Change Vitamin D Status?

Why was this study done?

Many studies have noted an inverse relationship between vitamin D status and increasing weight. The studies postulate that adipose (fat) tissue sequesters vitamin D, making it less available to the body. This study was designed to help define the relationship between vitamin D and weight by determining the effects of vitamin D supplementation in overweight and obese subjects.

What did the study find?

Women were randomly assigned in a double blind manner to receive either 5000 IU of vitamin D3 or a placebo. After eight weeks of supplementation, the supplemented group was able to raise their blood levels of vitamin D to acceptable levels (≥30 ng/mL) versus the placebo group whose blood levels remained statistically unchanged. This study suggests that women who are overweight or obese may need a vitamin D dosage which slightly exceeds the Institute of Medicines recommendation of 4000 IU per day and that supplementation may improve serum levels.

Overweight status and its effect on Serum 25 (OH) D levels.
Author: Judith M Lukaszuk.
Presented at: 4th International Conference and Exhibition on Nutrition. October 26-28, 2015 Chicago, Illinois, USA