Study shows necessary levels of vitamin D3 needed to ward off diabetes

Previous studies have suggested a connection between vitamin D deficiency and diabetes.

But new research shows that this relationship could be even stronger than previously thought. The study, published in the journal Diabetologia, showed that there is a link between type 1 diabetes and vitamin D3 serum levels.

Proper serum levels lower risk for diabetes

The researchers studied 2,000 serum samples from the US Department of Defense Serum Repository--half of which were from people that had developed type 1 diabetes later in life. By looking at the serum levels for the people who developed diabetes compared to the levels of those who did not, researchers were able to pinpoint an "optimal serum level"--the level needed to reduce a person's risk for developing the disease.

"This is the first time that the [vitamin D and diabetes] theory has been tested in a way that provides the dose-response relationship," said Dr. Cedric Garland, lead author of the study and professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of California, San Diego.

Getting proper dosage

Based on the findings, about 4,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day should be an effective dose for lowering your risk of diabetes. People with other health conditions that might affect their vitamin D levels should talk to a doctor about the proper dosage they need.

However, Garland points out that super high doses of other forms of vitamin D should be avoided unless medically necessary.

"This beneficial effect is present at these intakes only for vitamin D3. Reliance should not be placed on different forms of vitamin D and mega doses should be avoided, as most of the benefits for prevention of disease are for doses less than 10,000 IU/day."

Source: Web Pro News