Vitamin D and Belly Fat

Belly fat, also known as “visceral” fat, is the most dangerous kind of body fat. It surrounds organs, such as the heart, liver, lungs, and pancreas, and, in excess, has been linked to cardiovascular disease, glucose intolerance, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. 

Vitamin D helps to reduce the accumulation of belly fat, and it appears to do this by way of two mechanisms: by producing testosterone, and the neurotransmitter serotonin. 

Research has shown that serotonin may help increase satiety, which can reduce carb cravings, thus decreasing calorie intake, and reducing body weight. Meanwhile, higher levels of testosterone  have been linked to a lower body fat percentage, and long-term weight loss.  (Source)

Further confirmation comes from a recent study titled “A 12-week double-blind randomized clinical trial of vitamin D₃ supplementation on body fat mass in healthy overweight and obese women.” It concluded, “Among healthy overweight and obese women, increasing 25(OH) D concentrations by vitamin D3 supplementation led to body fat mass reduction.”   (Study)