Insulin resistance is a metabolic disorder in which cells do not use the hormone insulin efficiently. This causes a buildup of excess glucose in the blood, which can increase the risk for diabetes and heart disease. One way to improve insulin resistance is to increase insulin sensitivity, which enhances cells' glucose uptake. Research indicates that vitamin D might play a role in boosting insulin sensitivity.
Vitamin D Status
Inadequate vitamin D levels might increase the risk for insulin resistance, according to a study conducted by researchers from the University of California-Los Angeles School of Medicine. Scientists investigated the relationship between vitamin D status and insulin sensitivity in healthy adults. They reported in the May 2004 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," that participants with low vitamin D levels had decreased insulin sensitivity, which increased their risk for insulin resistance.
Insulin Sensitivity
Scientists from the Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research in India explored the impact of vitamin D-3 supplementation on insulin sensitivity in healthy obese men. Participants were assigned to receive a vitamin D-3 supplement containing 120,000 international units or a placebo in three doses for six weeks. Researchers found that the vitamin D group experienced improvements in insulin sensitivity compared to the placebo group. Their findings were published in the January 2009 issue of the journal "Diabetic Medicine."
Insulin Resistance
Researchers from Massey University in New Zealand assigned insulin resistant women to take 4,000 international units of vitamin D-3 or a placebo for six months. They discovered that the vitamin D group experienced significant increases in insulin sensitivity compared to the placebo group, the February 2010 issue of the "British Journal of Nutrition" reports.
Interactions
Vitamin D may interact with several medications, including atorvastatin, corticosteroids and calcium channel blockers, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamin D supplements.
References
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Hypovitaminosis D is Associated with Insulin Resistance and Beta Cell Dysfunction; K.C. Chiu et al.; May 2004
- "Diabetic Medicine"; A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo Controlled Trial of the Short Term Effect of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Insulin Sensitivity in Apparently Healthy, Middle-Aged, Centrally Obese Men; J. Nagpal et al.; January 2009
- Vitamin D Supplementation Reduces Insulin Resistance in South Asian Women Living in New Zealand Who are Insulin Resistant and Vitamin D Deficient-a Randomized, Placebo Controlled Trial; P.R. Von Hurst et al.; February 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin D
