Taking a daily vitamin or supplement is required to lead a healthy lifestyle, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. Experts say that stubborn belly fat could potentially be the result of a vitamin D deficiency and urge those with low vitamin D levels to consider supplementation.
A study conducted by the Luisella Vigna of the University of Milan shows that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of obesity, highlighting that “vitamin D supplementation aids weight loss and enhances the beneficial effects of a reduced-calorie diet.”
Toni Marinucci, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Staten Island University Hospital in New York City, says that the study does hold muster and notes that having a vitamin D deficiency could potentially undermine efforts to maintain a healthy weight, according to WebMD.
Christopher Ochner, an expert in nutrition, weight loss and obesity at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, stresses that taking a vitamin D supplement will only aid in weight loss if you are deficient in the essential vitamin.
"It is very important to note that the effect of vitamin D appears limited to only those people who are vitamin D-deficient," he says. "This study does not suggest that everyone looking to lose weight should start taking large doses of vitamin D -- or any other supplement."
Check with your doctor to see if you are deficient in vitamin D and if taking the supplement will help assist your weight loss efforts.
