You probably take a multivitamin to help improve overall immune function and health. If you break down the ingredients, you’ll most certainly see that vitamin D is present in whatever brand you happen to be taking. When it’s time for you to hit the gym, I’m willing to bet that you put your vitamin bottle down and reach for your creatine and glutamine.
Not so fast. It turns out that vitamin D not only is essential for healthy bones and heart, it has also been found that having adequate amounts of vitamin D in your system can result in less fat and more muscle.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VITAMIN D — THE MUSCLE-BUILDING VITAMIN
VITAMIN D AND FAT LOSS
A study conducted on rats at the University of Purdue concluded that vitamin D, combined with calcium, promoted more lean mass in rats given a surplus of calories. It was determined that the combination of these two nutrients drastically increased insulin sensitivity as well as improved cell mitochondria function.
VITAMIN D AND MUSCLE GROWTH
We all have a muscular physical limit that is dictated by something called myostatin. Myostatin is a protein found in our body that inhibits our muscular growth.
However, a study conducted by nutrition experts at the Mahidol University showed a larger increase in muscle mass in men and women who supplemented with higher levels of vitamin D. It was determined that the vitamin D suppressed myostatin function in the test subjects
HOW MUCH VITAMIN D DO I NEED?
Vitamin D is found in a wide variety of foods such as leafy green vegetables and eggs. Your body even absorbs vitamin D from sunlight. But while you may get an abundance of these three things, it doesn’t mean you’re getting enough vitamin D to make significant improvements in physical performance.
This problem becomes amplified in winter months when there is often less sunlight throughout the day. A dietary supplement of a minimum of 1000 to a maximum of 4000 IU per day should do the trick. Make sure to get proper blood work done to really see where you’re at and how much you will actually need.
