Type 2 diabetes is a growing concern, affecting almost 5% of the French population. For those with a family history or lifestyle risk factors, it can be especially scary to consider that they might develop this chronic condition. Fortunately, one simple change – taking an important vitamin supplement regularly – can reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and manage other health problems! Read on to learn more regarding how this vitamin works and how to incorporate it into your daily diet.
A vitamin might reduce the risk of developing T2D by 15%.
According to a study published in the scientific journal National Library of Medicine, people with pre-diabetes can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 15% by taking a simple vitamin D supplement. This discovery follows years of research exploring the potential benefits of vitamin D in the prevention of diabetes. The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of available data to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adults with prediabetes. .
The authors found that over a three-year follow-up period, new diabetes developed in 22.7% of adults who received vitamin D and 25% of those who received a placebo. The researchers thus deduced that the relative risk reduction was estimated at 15% for people taking vitamin D supplements. This result suggests that even modest doses of vitamin D can be effective in reducing the risk of progression of diabetes from type 2 from prediabetes in people at risk.
The results of this study therefore suggest that vitamin D supplementation might delay or prevent the development of diabetes in more than 10 million people worldwide over a three-year period. This is an impressive figure, which might save lives and improve the quality of life for many people around the world. Given that more than 374 million adults worldwide currently suffer from prediabetes.
What regarding the recommended dosage?
The authors, from l’University College Dublin et de la Food Safety Authority of Ireland, point out that previous studies have demonstrated the adverse effects of high vitamin D intake. They indicate that professional societies that promote vitamin D supplementation should take responsibility for informing physicians of both the recommended intake vitamin D and safe limits. They suggest that while taking very high doses of vitamin D may benefit some patients, it may also pose potential risks.
Specifically, research has shown that elevated serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in humans can lead to hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia. Which might potentially cause long-term health issues such as bone and kidney damage. Other studies have suggested a higher risk of cardiovascular disease associated with high intakes of vitamin D supplements. In addition, excessive vitamin D intake may also interfere with the body’s absorption of essential minerals such as zinc, magnesium and iron. Therefore, these authors stress the importance of striking a balance between adequate amounts of vitamin D intake and safe limits in order to enjoy its benefits without causing possible harm.
What is the recommended daily intake of Vitamin D?
The recommended daily intake of vitamin D depends on the age of the individual. For children ages 11-17, 2.9 micrograms/day is suggested, while 3.1 micrograms/day is recommended for adults ages 18-79. It is extremely important for people of all ages to make sure they are getting enough vitamin D. This essential micronutrient contributes to healthy and strong bones, teeth and muscles. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a number of health issues such as fatigue, joint pain, brittle bones, and low immunity. Besides supplementation, the best natural sources of vitamin D are foods such as fatty fish (salmon and tuna) or fortified milk, as well as daily exposure to sunlight.