If you have ever hit a fat loss plateau then it is possible that a deficiency of one of nature’s most powerful vitamins is to blame? A recent study found that people who had the highest levels of vitamin D in their blood enjoyed significantly more weight loss than those with lower levels. In fact for every point increase in vitamin D blood levels, subjects lost one-half pound more weight compared to people with the lowest levels. That is quite a difference considering I see people whose blood levels are 20-40 points below optimal levels!
In this study, researchers tested the blood of 38 obese subjects for vitamin D levels prior to starting a diet. The vitamin D blood levels predicted the success that each subject enjoyed.
Dr. Ray’s Notes:
Vitamin D deficiency is rampant and people who are overweight and obese are at a significantly higher risk of having insufficient vitamin D levels. This study was not a double blind, placebo controlled study and thus we can only show a connection rather than a cause-effect relationship. We need further study to determine if vitamin D supplementation will result in additional fat loss. With that said, vitamin D is considered one of the safest and most important nutrients and so I see no reason why everybody should not include this into their supplement program. I recommend that people take a minimum of 2,000 iu of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) daily. Overweight people may need 4,000-6,000 iu daily to achieve optimal blood levels. Next time you have a physical, have your doctor order a blood test for vitamin D. I will caution you though, if your test shows a deficiency then your doctor may try and give you prescription vitamin D. This is an expensive and ineffective form of vitamin D called ergocalciferol. Tell your doctor “Thanks, but no thanks” and pick up some vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) from your health food store for pennies a day.