Investigating the link between vitamin D and better exercise capacity
A recent study has found a correlation between higher levels of vitamin D and better cardiorespiratory fitness. The study was conducted by scientists from Virginia Commonwealth University and was reported by NutraIngredients-USA in the article “Higher vitamin D blood levels linked to cardiorespiratory fitness”.
While the researchers were clear that the study showed a correlation and not causation, they were confident that the association was strong, incremental and consistent across groups. Lead author, Dr Amr Marawan, said “This suggests that there is a robust connection and provides further impetus for having adequate vitamin D levels,” adding, “Make sure your vitamin D levels are normal to high. You can do this with diet, supplements, and a sensible amount of sun exposure.”
Evidence based analysis on the connection between vitamin D and depression
An evidence based analysis from Examine.com entitled ”Can Vitamin D Cure Depression?” has explored the impact vitamin D can have on depression. Using 28 unique references to scientific papers the analysis looked to use evidence to shed light on the popular belief that vitamin D can cure depression.
Many of the studies appear to contradict one another and while low levels of vitamin D have been associated with depression, it is not proven as a cause of depression. The article suggests that low levels of vitamin D is likely to be a factor in seasonal depression (SAD) but so is the decrease in illumination.
The study concluded that supplementation is more likely to help major depression if your vitamin D levels are low but, if they’re not, it isn’t likely to affect your mood.
Increased vitamin C during pregnancy associated with foetal and infant growth
Data from a Nutrition Journal published study suggests that increased vitamin C or fruit and vegetable consumption during pregnancy is associated with increased foetal and infant growth up to six months of age.
The study looked at data from 1,138 pregnant women at 12-28 weeks gestation who participated in the mothers and Children’s Environmental Health (MOCEH) study in South Korea. From the data, the researchers gathered that the foetuses of mothers who had a fruit and vegetable or vitamin C intake above the median value for those in the study had a larger biparietal diameter. This association continued with infant growth at birth and up to six months.
Share your thoughts
We’d love for you to share your thoughts on these studies with us on the Metabolics Facebook and Twitter pages.
Alison is Director and Founder of Metabolics who writes about Metabolics updates, events and natural healthcare. Her experience and passion for natural supplements and healthcare comes from her years of experience as a practising osteopath, having founded Metabolics in her search for high quality, natural products in her own work. Alison has been a qualified and practising Osteopath since 1981 and regularly gives seminars on a range of healthcare subjects to the wider practitioner community helping share her knowledge and experience.