Scientists have uncovered links between vitamin D and metabolic syndrome. Studies have found that low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, according to Nutraingredients.com. Vitamin D is associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance as well.
Maintaining vitamin D levels is a common problem among the middle-aged and elderly. Our bodies typically make vitamin D from the sunlight that we are exposed to, but in some areas there is not enough sunshine throughout the winter months which means the body cannot make vitamin D at all. During these times dietary supplements and fortified foods should be used to avoid complications such as a deficiency of vitamin d and metabolic syndrome.
More about Vitamin D and Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is defined as a cluster of different conditions which occur together. These conditions increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes, and the more in conditions you have in combination the greater. Some of the conditions include:
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Excess body fat around the waist
- Abnormal cholesterol
Insulin Resistance is a major underlying cause of metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance occurs when the beta cells in the pancreas do not respond to the insulin, and therefore will not take in the blood sugar to be turned into energy. Some people are genetically prone to insulin resistance, and have inherited it from both parents. Certain environmental factors (such as vitamin D deficiency) play a part as well.
In addition to metabolic syndrome, vitamin D deficiency may contribute to a number of different conditions such as:
- Osteoporosis
- Muscle weakness
- Fractures
- Common Cancers
- Autoimmune diseases
- Infectious diseases
- Cardiovascular diseases
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones as it helps the body to absorb calcium. It can be found naturally in a number of foods and milk, margarine, flour are foods which are normally fortified with vitamin D. Vitamin D is as also available in a pill supplement. Fish, meat, and eggs are also great sources for vitamin D and should be an essential part of the diet of anyone with a vitamin D deficiency.
There is currently mounting interest in the connection between vitamin d and metabolic syndrome. Metabolic disorders are becoming a growing epidemic around the world, and though it isn’t completely understood research shows a clear connection between the deficiency of vitamin D and metabolic syndrome. One control trial, which can be found on BioMedCentral.com, takes the investigation past mere statistics. They have identified a vitamin D receptor in then endocrine pancreas, which suggests vitamin D plays a role in insulin secretion.
