Vitamin D and Obesity

Does obesity affect Vitamin D needs?

Obesity is associated with vitamin D deficiency as vitamin D, a fat soluble substance, is quickly sequestered and stored in the fat cells. Research shared by Dr. Michael F Holick (an expert in vitamin D) states that persons who are obese need 2-3 times the amount of vitamin D than a normal weight individual. This might explain my continued "deficiency" despite significant supplementation.

In September 2008, I measured severely deficient in vitamin D at 7.8 ng/mL. Last month's test results came back at 36 ng/mL which is "sufficient."

Good, right? Well, not really. Both my neurologist and rheumatologist would prefer that my vitamin D levels measure between 50-80 ng/mL (125-200 nmol/L), a range which conforms nicely to the recommendation of the Vitamin D Council.

Please know that the numbers used above are taken from my personal situation and do not represent general recommendations. However, the Vitamin D Council states that daily intake of 5000-10,000 IU vitamin D from all sources is safe in adults, 1000 IU for infants.

Read this post in its entirety:

Vitamin D and Obesity: Is there a connection and greater need for supplementation?