Vitamin D and Muscle Strength

Vitamin D, also known as ‘Sunshine Vitamin’ has been associated with healthy bones, since it promotes the absorption of calcium, an essential mineral which is required to maintain healthy bones. Besides this, it also plays an important role in prevention of cancers, autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have found that those suffering from type II diabetes also known as NIDDM (non-insulin dependent diabetes) can greatly benefit by maintaining a healthy level of vitamin D in their blood.

But what is not known is that vitamin D supplements can also be very useful in boosting up the muscle strength. Recent research has shown that vitamin D deficiency can cause weakness in the muscles that attach the limbs and neck to our body (proximal muscles), besides causing muscle pain and difficulty in walking. Therefore for those involved in body building, athletics or any other sport where muscle strength is required, vitamin D should be an indispensable part of the nutritional requirement.

There are few known natural food sources of vitamin D, it is found to some extent in fatty fishes such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel. Fish liver oils are among the best sources of vitamin D. It is also found in limited quantities in egg yolk and cheese. There are also many foods fortified with vitamin D available in market such as fortified milk, fortified yogurt, fortified orange juice, etc. But sunlight remains the most effective, most natural and cheapest form of vitamin D, so don’t wait – go for sun bathing, and you will have not only strong bones, but also strong muscles.