Obesity and Vitamin D Link to Bone Disease

A report published today by the University College London Institute of Child Health has found a link between obesity and vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D is stored in fatty tissue and the authors suggest that the larger storage capacity of obese individuals prevents the Vitamin from circulating in the bloodstream. The research shows that a 10% increase in BMI, Body Mass Index results in a drop of 4% of available vitamin D in the body.

Dr. Helena Hypponen from UCL said the study “highlights the importance of monitoring and treating vitamin D deficiency in people who are overweight or obese.”

Vitamin D is made in the skin after exposure to sunlight but can be taken as a dietary supplement. Healthy levels are about  50 nanomol per litre, but low levels of less than 30 nanomol per litre can cause major softening and weakening of the bones and this can result in rickets and osteomalacia.

Osteomalacia can cause weakening of the muscles and spontaneous fracturing of bones even though injury has not occurred.

Professor David Haslam of the National Obesity Forum (UK) said:

“Food intake and genetics all play a part in obesity-but this research is a reminder that physical activity, like walking the dog or going for a run in out in the sunshine shouldn’t be forgotten and can help correct both weight and lack of vitamin D.”