Micronutrients & recovery
Vitamin D supplementation produces a small but statistically significant improvement in global muscle strength, particularly in lower limb muscles, in the general population.
If you are deficient in Vitamin D (levels <30 nmol/L), supplementation can provide a small boost to your muscle strength, especially in your legs. This benefit is most pronounced in older adults (65+) and those who are institutionalized. However, Vitamin D alone will not build muscle mass or power; it is a supportive nutrient, not a primary muscle builder.
Results revealed a small but significant positive effect of vitamin D supplementation on global muscle strength with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.17 (p<0.02)... Results on muscle strength were significantly more important with people who presented a 25-hydroxyvitamin D level <30 nmol/L.
Why this rating
High-quality meta-analysis of 29 RCTs with moderate evidence quality per GRADE, despite heterogeneity.
Source
The Effects of Vitamin D on Skeletal Muscle Strength, Muscle Mass, and Muscle Power: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Charlotte Beaudart et al. · The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2014
DOI 10.1210/jc.2014-1742
More from this paper
Related findings · Micronutrients & recovery
- Trans fats (industrial trans-fatty acids) are unequivocally harmful and should be completely avoided as they raise LDL-C, TGs, and Apo B while lowering HDL-C.Strong
- For menopausal women with osteoporosis, first-line pharmacologic therapies include alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid, and denosumab for the prevention of hip, nonvertebral, and vertebral fractures.Strong
- Folic acid fortification of flour prevents neural tube birth defects, and mandatory fortification is more effective than voluntary supplementation alone.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →