Is Vitamin D Essential For Muscle Function?
Have you ever felt that your body is not responding as you would like when you are exercising? Maybe it’s time to optimize your muscle functioning. How? Is there any specific vitamin that can be useful for this purpose?
In this article, we will explain why vitamin D plays a vital role in muscle function. This way you can assess whether you should consult your doctor about the possibility of taking this nutrient to improve your health and the quality of your life.
Muscle functioning and vitamin D.
Do you want to improve your muscle functioning? In this case, you may need to make some changes to your training and nutrition routine, as well as check for other warning signs. Additionally, you may need to offer your body some specific nutrients.
A study directed by the University of Birmingham (Great Britain) determined that an increase in vitamin D levels can improve muscle function.
For this reason, it is believed that this vitamin positively promotes the development of muscle strength and power, being an essential nutrient for this tissue.
The importance of vitamin D
This study was conducted on the basis of previously made discoveries concerning the relationship between inactive vitamin D levels and body composition.
Participants were measured their active and inactive levels of vitamin D. In addition, some of their physical characteristics, such as lean mass and body fat, were also recorded.
However, the researchers ensure that the active component of vitamin D is not linked to body fat, but to lean mass.
Lean mass
Likewise, individuals with increased muscle mass and lean mass have been shown to have higher levels of active vitamin D in their blood.
In this sense, one of the authors of the study explained that there is a likelihood that body fat is associated with high levels of inactive vitamin D. He also reported that lean mass is essential to enjoy high levels of this nutrient.
Further studies are needed
It is of fundamental importance to understand in its entirety “the complete picture and the causal mechanisms” analyzed. All this in order to help “design” the next studies that will help answer the questions about the optimal levels of vitamin D needed for healthy muscles.
Vitamin D and muscle functioning
A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that ongoing vitamin D deficiency causes muscle weakness. On the other hand, levels of this vitamin decrease over the years in people of advanced age.
However, this study showed that muscle weakness showed significant improvement after the consumption of vitamin D supplements. This vitamin is essential for the proper absorption of calcium by the bones and helps reduce the formation of body fat.
Additionally, supplements of this nutrient may be associated with:
A good immune system
Vitamin D is essential for the immune system. It helps to activate the cells of the immune system quickly and effectively. So, if we have a tendency to get sick easily, we cannot forget about this nutrient. Our quality of life and our health will improve.
Healthy teeth and bones
Do you have cavities or do you suffer from osteoporosis? Having good levels of this micronutrient will help you have healthy teeth and bones, as well as strong and resilient.
Vitamin D, in fact, helps to ensure that calcium is absorbed by the bones and is essential to keep bones strong over the years. In addition, it is useful in protecting you from injuries and fractures.
A good healthy nervous system
Calcium is one of the most important minerals for the human body. Adequate levels of this mineral decrease the chances of suffering from bone problems.
It is also necessary for the correct transmission of some nerve stimuli. Therefore, it is an absolutely essential nutrient for the nervous balance.
Adequate muscle functioning
As we have seen in the previous paragraphs, vitamin D is essential for good muscle functioning. Through a balanced diet, physical training and sufficient sun exposure, we can maintain adequate levels of this micronutrient in the body.
In this way, the risk of suffering from severe injuries or fractures is reduced; in particular, muscle pain decreases, strength, speed and endurance increase during physical activity.
Vitamin D deficiency
A vitamin D deficiency in the body has turned into an increasingly common phenomenon globally. This effect is mainly due to a sedentary lifestyle, an aging population, unbalanced diets and poor sun exposure.
This deficiency may cause or be associated with the following adverse effects on muscle health and function:
- Arthritis.
- Fractures.
- Diabetes.
- Muscle aches.
- Muscle weakness.
- Injuries of athletes.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Bowel or colon cancer.
Check your vitamin D levels
Remember that exposure to sunlight and a balanced diet help keep vitamin D levels within optimal values. Its deficiency can cause health problems.
Before taking any supplement of this nutrient, consult a specialist who examines your condition and verifies that you really need it. This way you will make sure that you are taking care of your body properly, thus optimizing your muscle functioning.
