Vitamin D deficiency can compromise muscle health and lead to weakness

A new study links vitamin D deficiency with a 78% increased chance of developing dynapenia (muscle weakness). The research was jointly conducted by the Federal University of São Carlos. University College London🇧🇷

The condition of muscle weakness due to aging is called dynapenia. In part, this process is explained by the natural loss of muscle strength caused by atrophy.

However, in a study of 3,205 Brits, researchers observed that vitamin D also plays an important role in this muscle loss process. The study was published in the scientific journal Calcified Tissue International and Musculoskeletal Research.

Vitamin D is a hormone that is activated in our body by exposure to the sun. Among its various functions, calcium is responsible for aiding phosphorus absorption and aiding in muscle repair.

The international study followed people over the age of 50 without muscle weakness, osteoporosis, or who were given vitamin D replacement for four years.

At the end of the study, the scientists observed that people with vitamin D deficiency or inefficiency were 78% and 77% more likely to develop dynapenia, respectively.

Because of the risks associated with dynapenia, such as a higher risk of falls and even premature death, researchers warn about the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels in the body.

For them, in addition to dietary habits and physical exercise, supplementation with vitamin D and longer safe sun exposure can be important tools for healthy aging.