Nutrition Communications

• Home
• What we do
• Carrie in the Media
• Gallery
• Publications
• Contact Carrie

It is thought that vitamin D may play a key role in boosting insulin sensitivity and helping to control blood sugars. Now new research has tested whether vitamin D supplementation may help to reduce the risk of diabetes in a population particularly susceptible to this condition – South Asian women.

 

Women (n=81) were randomised to take either 100µg vitamin D daily or a placebo over the course of 6 months. For reference, daily recommendations are around 5-10 µg. Average serum hydroxy-vitamin D levels increased significantly in the group taking the active supplements showing that the supplements were absorbed. Insulin sensitivity significantly also improved in this group. Overall, the authors concluded that vitamin D supplementation was a useful way to reduce the risk of diabetes in an at risk population. Serum hydroxy-vitamin D levels were most protective when between 80-119nmol/l.

 

For more information see: von Hurst PR et al. (2009) British Journal of Nutrition Vol.103: pg 549-55. For a review of vitamin D and health, see Ruxton CHS & Derbyshire E (2009). Health impacts of vitamin D: are we getting enough? Nutrition Bulletin, 34: 185–197.