Vitamin D is a necessity in building strong bones and strengthening muscles. It does not understate its importance in your body as a crucial nutrient. In addition, vitamin D sources are either food rich in vitamin D or the sun after good exposure to the skin. Lack of vitamin D leads to fragile bones and less strength. Brazilian scientists unveiled a study portraying how a lack of vitamin D results in a 78% muscle-strength loss.
Moreover, Vitamin D grants other benefits besides building muscles and bones. It standardizes phosphorous and calcium amounts in the body, boosting the immune system and brain by functioning optimally. The immune system keeps the body resistant to certain diseases.
Bones and muscles are codependent
Researchers of another study shared that vitamin D supplements could be more beneficial for older adults. Especially with the risk of dynapenia: the loss of muscle strength relative to one’s age. People with this condition have muscle weakness resulting in falling, physical disability, or even death. The researchers enlisted 2205 persons, all ages 50 and above. The group was non-dynapenic and recruited in 2002. Afterward, the researchers made a follow-up on the individuals for 15 years.
Alexandre, who took part in the study, explained that vitamin D caused muscle alterations which were what the study portrayed as a result. The link between bone and muscle is not only physical but also biochemical. Therefore, a lack of vitamin D results in low bone mineral density leading to less muscle strength, muscle mass, and function.
The lack of vitamin D weakens muscles even without osteoporosis
Persons with low vitamin D have below 30 nanomoles per liter in blood. The computed normal level is above 50 nanomoles per liter in blood. Therefore, they have a 70% risk of muscle loss once they age. Osteoporosis is a condition known to minimize the level of vitamin D in the body. Persons with this condition normally take supplements of vitamin D. Exempting this group of persons meant the risk rose to 78%. A conclusion drawn from the study is it’s vital to take vitamin D if deficient.
