St. Louis Park Chiropractor Best Practices
Research Commentary;
Effects of Vitamin D on Muscle Function
A research review by
Laukkanen, J. A., Laukkanen, T., & Kunutsor, S. K. (2018). Cardiovascular and other health benefits of Sauna Bathing: A review of the evidence. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 93(8), 1111–1121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2018.04.008
Research Reviewed by Dr. Erik Waldeland
Summarized review of conclusion:
Throughout the research over the last 50-75 years, there is a large amount of evidence that supports vitamin D’s role in how our muscles function and recover. However, there are also a significant number of studies performed that support sufficient vitamin D levels having a positive impact on strength and reduction of falls in the older population. With us being in Minnesota, the winters restrict our ability to naturally obtain vitamin D through sunlight, thus supplementation to the proper levels is essential. A study in 2011 found an incidence of 41% of American’s being deficient in Vitamin D, so the need for supplementation is very important to allow our bodies to not only properly recover from a muscle standpoint, but it also affects how our immune systems function as well.
Below I have referenced key quotes from this research to help summarize the results.
Quotes from the Article:
“In a prospective, longitudinal study of 1600 elderly women living in assisted care, Flicker and colleagues found a 20% reduction in falls risk over ≈150 days with a doubling of 25OHD levels”
“In a larger study including 61 male athletes and 30 healthy male nonathletes in the UK, cholecalciferol (5000 IU/day) led to significant improvements in 10-m sprint times and vertical jump over the 8-week period, with no improvement in the placebo group”
“Vitamin D deficiency was reported in 93% of individuals with persistent, nonspecific musculoskeletal pain”
“Amongst 69 adolescent females, those randomized to receive 150 000 IU ergocalciferol orally every 3 months for 1 year demonstrated significant improvements in movement efficiency”
Introduction to the Research
This review summarizes dozens of studies which focused on the effectiveness of vitamin D on muscle recovery, reduction of falls among older population, myalgia, and insulin sensitivity.
Research Methodology
After various exclusions, the research review investigated dozens different research articles which sought to find links between vitamin deficiency, and the effect on falls, strength, athletic performance, and insulin sensitivity. The review looked at a wide range of research including observational studies, intervention studies, and various meta-analyses.
Research Findings
Based on the evidence, there is a significant correlation between the deficiency in vitamin D and the conditions mentioned above. This solidifies the need for a majority of the population to get a sufficient amount of sunlight daily, or supplement, especially if you live in colder climates for part of the year.
Research References
As always with these reviews, these are my takeaways from the article and I encourage you to read the article in its entirety. The references used in this article by the authors of this article are listed here.
Our Message
We know how important it is to find a Chiropractor near you that you can trust. The Chiropractic Care team in McKinney, near the corner of MN-100 S & Lake Rd./Westside Dr., not only relieve back pain, neck pain and headaches, but also teach how reducing stress has been shown to support good health in the research literature. We want to help you know how to be healthy by making good choices on diet, movement and mental health.