A ground-breaking study published in the March 2010 Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found an astonishing 59 per cent of study subjects had too little Vitamin D in their blood.

Almost a quarter of the group had serious deficiencies (less than 20 ng/ml) of this important vitamin. Since Vitamin D insufficiency is linked to increased body fat, decreased muscle strength and a range of disorders, this is a serious health issue.

“Vitamin D insufficiency is a risk factor for other diseases. Because it is linked to increased body fat, it may affect many different parts of the body.” explains principal investigator, Dr Richard Kremer, of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal

“Abnormal levels of Vitamin D are associated with a whole spectrum of diseases, including cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes, as well as cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders.”

The study by Dr Kremer and co-investigator Dr Vincente Gilsanz, of the University of Southern California, is the first to show a clear link between Vitamin D levels and the accumulation of fat in muscle tissue – a factor in muscle strength and overall health.

Scientists have known for years that Vitamin D is essential for muscle strength. Studies in the elderly have shown bedridden patients quickly gain strength when given Vitamin D.

Source: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism