Study Shows Vitamin D Intake Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Vitamin D supplements may help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes among those with prediabetes, according to a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine. The research involved 2,097 participants who took vitamin D supplements and 2,093 who received a placebo.[0] Results showed that over a three-year period, there was a 15 percent reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the vitamin D group.
The study also found that 22.7 percent of those who took vitamin D supplements had a new onset of diabetes compared to 25 percent of those who took the placebo.[1] The authors of the study argue that professional societies promoting vitamin D therapy have an obligation to warn physicians about both required vitamin D intake and safe limits.[2]
The dose used in the study was 4,000 IU of vitamin D per day, which is significantly higher than the recommended 600 IU.[3] However, it is considered the upper limit for vitamin D intake.[4] Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin which is abundant in foods such as oily fish, red meat, and egg yolks as well as produced by the body when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin. It is essential for keeping bones, teeth, and muscles healthy, as it helps regulate calcium in the body.[0]
An editorial published in the same issue of Annals of Internal Medicine warns that the highest level of vitamin D intake should not exceed 100 mcg (4,000 IU) as set by most government agencies.[5] Having too much vitamin D can lead to a buildup of calcium in the body, thereby impacting the functioning of important organs like the kidneys and heart.[3]
The exact amount and type of vitamin D that is most beneficial has yet to be determined and requires further research.[6] Some health bodies recommend taking daily vitamin D supplements during autumn and winter to help the body absorb calcium, keep bones and muscles healthy, and to improve the body's sensitivity to insulin.[7]
0. “Type 2 Diabetes: Can High Vitamin D Intake Decrease the Risk?” Sportskeeda, 7 Feb. 2023, https://www.sportskeeda.com/health-and-fitness/type-2-diabetes-can-high-vitamin-d-intake-decrease-risk
1. “Vitamin D Effectively Prevents Type 2 Diabetes In 3 Clinical Trials” Medical Daily, 7 Feb. 2023, https://www.medicaldaily.com/vitamin-d-prevents-type-2-diabetes-clinical-trials-468006
2. “Vitamin D supplements linked with lower diabetes risk: Study” The Federal, 7 Feb. 2023, https://thefederal.com/health/vitamin-d-supplements-linked-with-lower-diabetes-risk-study/
3. “Vitamin D supplements may decrease diabetes risk in people with prediabetes, researchers say” PhillyVoice.com, 7 Feb. 2023, https://www.phillyvoice.com/vitamin-d-supplement-diabetes-prediabetes-prevention/
4. “Vitamin D lowers diabetes risk among adults with prediabetes” Healio, 6 Feb. 2023, https://www.healio.com/news/primary-care/20230206/vitamin-d-lowers-diabetes-risk-among-adults-with-prediabetes
5. “Can High-Dose Vitamin D Prevent Diabetes?” Medpage Today, 6 Feb. 2023, https://www.medpagetoday.com/endocrinology/diabetes/102980
6. “Vitamin D supplements may reduce risk of type 2 diabetes, researchers say” CBS Boston, 9 Feb. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/vitamin-d-type-2-diabetes-risk-tufts-medical-center-dr-mallika-marshall-wbz-tv
7. “Taking vitamin D supplements could drag 17million Americans and Brits back from brink of diabetes” Daily Mail, 6 Feb. 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11719037/Taking-vitamin-D-supplements-drag-17million-Americans-Brits-brink-diabetes.html
