Vitamin D supplementation is particularly important in winter, as boosting levels is not easy during longer periods of little sunshine.
In winter, when sunshine hours are significantly reduced, vitamin D supplementation is particularly important as it is basically triggered by sunlight – this is why it is called the sunshine vitamin.
Vitamin D is in fact a prohormone involved in many metabolic processes, which regulates levels of the hormones serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline, supports the immune system and even promotes weight loss.
The best winter sources of vitamin D
As an adult, the National Institutes of Health recommends a daily intake of 600 IU, or 15 mcg, to maintain optimal vitamin D levels in the body. Its health benefits are indisputable, but research even suggests that it can work against obesity.
A 2004 study found a link between vitamin D deficiency and obesity. Participants who were overweight had lower levels of vitamin D, which increased as soon as they have lost only after a few kilos.
Another comprehensive study also looked at the effect of vitamin D on body fat percentage, and found that study subjects who were careful to meet their daily vitamin D requirements during the study period lost an average of 3.2 kilograms more weight than those who were not.
Its anti-obesity properties have also been noted, so there is evidence that vitamin D intake can help weight loss, but more research is being done to understand its effects on the body. Fortunately, there are several ways to maintain its levels.