Decreased Vitamin D Leads to Increased Fat?
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By Dr. Allen S. Josephs Co-Founder & Director, Vitacost.com 3/11/2010

I'm still reeling from the results of the latest research on vitamin D. A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism involved 90 healthy young Californian women between the ages of 16 to 221. Incredibly, 59% of these women had vitamin D insufficiency (blood levels less than 29 ng/ml) and nearly 25% were actually vitamin D deficient.

Researchers also found that there was a strong relationship between low blood levels of vitamin D and the likelihood of increased body fat, as well as decreased muscle strength. According to lead researcher Dr. Kremer, this study was the first to show a clear link between vitamin D levels and the accumulation of fat in muscle tissue, a major factor of overall health.

A surprising element of this study is that it involved healthy young women who would be expected to benefit from their youth, along with a good diet and ample sun exposure. In the past, vitamin D deficiency was thought to only be a concern for the elderly and those living in the north. Researchers now believe, however, that vitamin D insufficiency has reached epidemic proportions.

Now you may understand why I am constantly stressing the importance of this nutrient. If you have not had your vitamin D level checked, I urge you do so. The data regarding the benefits of vitamin D is overwhelming and adequate levels are essential to support good health. Although the typical recommendation for adults is 400 IU per day, I recommend taking 2,000 to 4,000 IU of vitamin D3, the most potent form of the nutrient.

1. Gilsanz V, Kremer A, Mo A, Wren T, Kremer R. Vitamin D status and its relation to muscle mass and muscle fat in young women. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. February 17, 2010. [Epub ahead of print]

Fat reduction through increased vitamin D probably works by increasing testosterone levels.

Testosterone rises in proportion to Vitamin D in both men and women.
(women have about 10% of the testosterone of men)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20050857

Testosterone levels help to burn body fat by increasing beta fat cells which burn off fat more easily. Higher testosterone appears to also help reduce stress. Stress in women increases the adrenal stress hormone cortisol which increases belly fat.

https://www.thefactsaboutfitness.com/research/test.htm

This sounds exactly like me. I've always tested a little low in testosterone and for years was only large in the belly...as I get older it's distributed a little more...but my belly is still a problem. I have felt anxious and thought it might be related to cortisol, but need more than a one hour span test that doctors usually order. I had a cat scan of my belly 5 or 6 years ago and the doctor said the muscle sheath was split down the middle of my belly...but nothing was done to fix it.

Before I started using oxygen 24/7 I used to start walking across a long span and wonder if I could make it without getting short of breath half-way there. If I looked at my feet it seemed shorter, but if I looked across the room it seemed too far and I would kinda panic. I assume this has to do with cortisol, adrenalin or the fight or flight response.

This is interesting- I have been taking 5000 IU of D for quite awhile but have not had my levels tested. I have however noticed more body fat, soft feminine fat I've never had before. And I think my testosterone is lower. I was thinking the D was maybe causing this. I am 55 however. And prostate is somewhat swollen too.

The studies associate higher D levels with less fat and more test'e. An association is not necessarily a cause. Could it be that those with more D are people who work outdoors and get more exercise and fresh air, with less stress, all increasing D and test'e?? Is there a study that supplements with D and shows an effect?

However I also get less sleep and am very healthy in general so I'm thinking the lack of sleep is causing the problems. This has also been shown to cause insulin resistance.

And as spring unfolds I seem to be feeling better and better. SAD???

1000iu/daily per 25lbs weight is usually required.
Startling Findings About Vitamin D Levels in Life Extension� Members
This image shows that ON AVERAGE 5000IU/DAILY for 3~9months only achieved levels around 42ng/ml. At that level your body is burning D3 as fast as you take it. You will have NO RESERVES of D3 to deal with infection or cancer.
Ideally you need to get levels up to the 60~80ng/ml level and that means MORE D3 daily than you are taking.
Particularly if you have concerns about prostate the higher end of that range would be better.
The fact you mention SAD is a clear indication your D3 levels are too low.
I would suggest you DOUBLE the amount you are currently taking.
Make sure you take with the largest meal of the day.
These in MCT oil would be well absorbed and quickly metabolised $5 discount code WAB666 if you have already used IHERB then do compare the price including p&p there may be slightly cheaper options depending on the postage charge to where you live.

BIOTECH 50,000IU one of these every 5 days may work out a bit cheaper.