Can vitamin D from the sun help you ‘shred faster’, as Hrithik Roshan says?

Taking a cue, we decided to seek out expert opinions to understand if soaking in the sun has any direct benefits for shredding faster.

What is vitamin D?

Vitamin D has many roles in the body, including the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and regulating the immune system. It may also help increase testosterone production and insulin sensitivity. Most people are deficient in vitamin D and can benefit from its supplementation, said Varun Rattan, a nutrition coach certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Agreeing, Dr Girish Parmar, a senior consultant (endocrinology) at the Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, said that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels is important for overall health. “But in terms of ‘shredding faster,’ as in losing body fat while maintaining muscle mass, there is no strong evidence about its link to Vitamin D,” said Dr Parmar.

Some studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation can reduce body weight and lower the risk of obesity. This could be because vitamin D helps to regulate hormones that affect weight, said Rattan. “That being said, don’t get too hung up on one single vitamin. Think of nutrients as the instruments in an orchestra. Each one plays a unique role. When they work together in harmony, they create a beautiful symphony.”

While several studies are underway to explore the potential link between low vitamin D levels and obesity, the data available is merely observational, and fluctuations in vitamin D levels are not directly responsible for weight fluctuations, Dr Parmar said.

Are you getting enough vitamin D? (Source: Pixabay)

A 2014 study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that while vitamin D supplementation did not lead to weight loss in overweight adults, it did enhance the benefits of a reduced-calorie diet. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2015 also found similar results.

“While vitamin D may have potential benefits for weight management and muscle function, its direct impact on “shredding”, or fat loss, is not well established. Vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of obesity and the difficulty losing weight. However, it’s important to note that correlation does not necessarily imply causation. It is not proven that low vitamin D levels contribute to weight gain or if obesity leads to lower vitamin D levels due to factors like reduced sun exposure or altered metabolism,” said Dr Manoj Vithlani, a senior consultant physician and diabetologist at the HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad.

Hence, vitamin D cannot be considered a weight loss supplement, according to Dr Parmar.

Rattan cautioned against obsessing over a particular vitamin. “Eat more nutrient-rich food like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, rather than obsessing over a particular vitamin. Besides, being more physically active and getting adequate sleep can also help you lose fat,” he said.

Dr Parmar said that a healthy, balanced diet and regular physical activity remain the most effective strategies to lose weight. “If you are considering vitamin D supplements, it is ideal to speak with your endocrinologist or nutritionist as excessive vitamin intake can also lead to adverse effects,” he said.

📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!

From the homepage

Bihar SIR: Voter list shrinks by 6% after 3-month revision, about 68.5 lakh names deleted

Stalin’s caution in sparing Vijay backfires, actor issues challenge to CM: ‘Do whatever you want to do with me’

‘Had two options before me after winning elections…’: Omar says he would rather resign than get statehood with BJP as ally