Research
Micronutrients & recovery
Vitamin D supplementation can suppress myostatin expression and stimulate anabolic pathways (Akt/mTOR, IGF-1), potentially aiding muscle preservation in at-risk populations.
If you are elderly or have a chronic condition, ensuring adequate Vitamin D levels may help support muscle health by influencing myostatin and anabolic pathways. Consult your doctor for appropriate dosing, as thresholds are not yet defined.
ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Vitamin D acts as a regression suppressor of myostatin expression and increases anabolic pathways. Vitamin D active form (calcitriol (1,25(OH)2D)) in calcitriol binds to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) present in muscle cells resulting in increases in Akt/mTOR signaling and thereby stimulating IGF- 1 activity and promoting satellite cell proliferation.
Why this rating
Based on mechanistic studies and some clinical observations; more work needed to determine thresholds.
Source
Myostatin-driven muscle hypertrophy: a double-edged sword in muscle physiology
Ghisulal Dewasi et al. · Journal of Rare Diseases · 2025
narrative_reviewCited 3×
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