Vitamin D deficiency is linked to many disease processes. It also plays a role in weight gain. If you're struggling with weight loss, there's a very good chance you're also struggling to store adequate amounts of vitamin D in your body.
Obesity is linked to a specific deficiency of vitamin D. Research suggests that individuals who suffer from genetic obesity have lower vitamin D levels in their genes. Conversely, obese people have been found to have low vitamin D and higher BMI, which lead to weight gain.
Having inadequate levels of vitamin D may correlate with unintentional weight gain. A study on women over the age of 65 found that participants with a lower vitamin D level experienced more weight gain. A systematic review of 23 different studies found similar associations between vitamin D deficiency and obesity.
Core tip: B vitamins are a known fat gain promoting factor. Food fortification-induced high vitamin consumption is followed by a rapid increase in obesity prevalence.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can indeed lead to weight gain. But the weight gain is not a direct result of the deficiency. Instead, vitamin B12 deficiency causes lethargy or lack of energy, and in turn, inactivity causes weight gain.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include:
Fatigue. Not sleeping well. Bone pain or achiness. Depression or feelings of sadness.
Calcium, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin B complex, and vitamin C: These provide nutrients that help you function better all around. These also improve metabolism to assist your weight loss: Green tea: Caffeine and catechins in green tea and other products may help with weight management.
Contrary to popular belief, these supplements do not cause weight gain. In fact, having higher levels of magnesium in the body can facilitate weight loss and aid in maintaining a healthy physique.
Weight Gain. Zinc is important for controlling your metabolism. Those with zinc deficiencies may notice swings in their weight, or unexplained weight gain. You may also feel sluggish and tired, and have difficulty controlling your weight, despite controlling your diet.
You may also find that low iron causes weight gain. There are a couple of reasons for this; firstly, your energy levels are low and so your exercise levels reduce; secondly, iron is essential for thyroid function, and an underactive thyroid will lead to weight gain.
Your body needs sufficient magnesium for it to function properly. If you're magnesium deficient it could be contributing to your weight gain or preventing you from losing weight.
Vitamin D. Eslinger said studies have linked obesity and increased belly fat to low levels of vitamin D. A February 2015 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Obesity Reviews found that "the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was more elevated in obese subjects."
There's no magic dosage of vitamin D to aid weight loss; rather, aim to reach an adequate level, which is greater than or equal to 20 nanograms per milliliter (which measures serum vitamin D in the body), per the NIH.
Vitamin B, D, iron, and magnesium are 4 popular supplements for weight loss.
In general, the two main causes of vitamin D deficiency are: Not getting enough vitamin D in your diet and/or through sunlight. Your body isn't properly absorbing or using vitamin D.
Therefore, conditions that affect the gut and digestion, like celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, and cystic fibrosis, can reduce vitamin D absorption.
There's no solid proof that vitamin B-12 shots, also called injections, help you lose weight. Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble B complex vitamin. It's found naturally in many foods, such as meat, fish and dairy products.
According to health experts at Click Pharmacy, as a general rule of thumb, take your B vitamins in the morning or with a meal. Vitamin B12, for example, should definitely be taken in the morning. This is because it is important for energy metabolism, which may interrupt your sleep if taken at night.