Examining the effects of vitamin D on insulin resistance in the obese

A study published in the journal Nutrire looked at the role of vitamin D in insulin resistance in obese people.

• A team of researchers from the Federal University of Piauí in Brazil reviewed previous studies that examined the role of vitamin D in insulin resistance in obese individuals.
• They used the keywords “vitamin D,” “insulin resistance,” and “obesity” for the review.
• The types of studies reviewed were randomized or quasi-randomized controlled clinical trials, double-blind, case-control study, cross-sectional, and review articles.
• The research team found that excess adipose tissue appeared to damage insulin signaling by preventing the phosphorylation of its receptor, which in turn led to insulin resistance.
• They also found in other studies that vitamin D in mechanisms that took part in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance in obesity played a role in enhancing glycemic control.
• Glycemic control improved by increasing hepatic and peripheral glucose uptake, as well as through stimulating the secretion of this hormone.
• The researchers concluded that vitamin D provided a protective effect in the treatment and prevention of insulin resistance in individuals who are obese as it increases peripheral glucose uptake and promotes insulin secretion.
• Vitamin D also protected the body from oxidative stress and chronic inflammation that adds, which contributed to glycemic control.

In conclusion, the findings of the study indicated that vitamin D is an effective treatment and preventive for insulin resistance in people with obesity, and it protects from oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

For the full text of the study, go to this link.

Journal Reference:

Santos LRD, Lima AGA, Braz AF, Melo SRDS, Morais JBS, Severo JS, Oliveira ARSD, Cruz KJC, Marreiro DDN. ROLE OF VITAMIN D IN INSULIN RESISTANCE IN OBESE INDIVIDUALS. Nutrire. 2017;42(1). DOI: 10.1186/s41110-017-0046-x