Vitamin D - for everything from gum to muscle health

Muscle up

searchers designed a trial to expand on previous research that indicated a possible association between vitamin D deficiency and periodontal disease. Results showed a significant association between low levels of vitamin D and an elevated risk of tooth loss due to periodontal disease. A specific nuclear receptor in muscle tissue may facilitate improved muscle cell growth and muscle strength when vitamin D levels are high. About 4,100 subjects, aged 60 to 90, were recruited for a study to compare levels of vitamin D to lower-extremity function. After taking into account variables, such as age and individual activity levels, researchers found that both active and inactive subjects with the highest levels of vitamin D had better musculoskeletal function in the lower extremities, compared to subjects with the lowest vitamin D levels. Adequate vitamin D intake may be an essential element in keeping muscles strong and gums healthy as we age.

D's lengthy checklist

Here are some of the vitamin D benefits:

Depression during winter months was significantly reduced among study subjects who took high daily doses of vitamin D (4,000 IU) for a period of one year.
In a study that analysed the relation of vitamin D levels to insulin sensitivity in a group of adults with normal glucose-tolerance, those with the lowest levels of D were more prone to develop symptoms of type 2 diabetes, including weaker pancreatic function and greater insulin read more