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# Vitamin D supplements improve insulin sensitivity in obese teens
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/vitamin_d_insulin_sensitivity_0216130931/
- Published: 2013-02-16T10:29:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:09:45.000Z
- Description: In a trial of 35 obese adolescents, those taking 4,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily for six months raised their serum vitamin D and improved fasting insulin, insulin resistance and the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio. BMI, inflammatory markers and blood glucose did not change.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Vitamins, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

By Jimmy Downs

Saturday Feb 16, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- A new study newly released in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that taking vitamin D supplements may help obese adolescents who are vitamin D insufficient to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The study led by A.M. Belenchia from University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri and colleagues found obese teens with vitamin D insufficiency and insulin resistance taking 4000 IU of vitamin D3 per day for six months increased their serum vitamin D levels and improved insulin sensitivity.

Obese adolescents are considered at higher risk vitamin D deficiency because excess adipose tissue is believed to be able to sequester vitamin D leading to vitamin D deficiency. And vitamin D has been associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus in both adults and adolescents.

For the study, 35 obese adolescents at a mean age of 14 years who were visiting the University of Missouri Diabetes and Obesity Clinic were randomly assigned to take 4000 IU vitamin D(3)/day or a place as part of their standard care.

After 6 months, those supplemented with vitamin D3 increased their serum 25(OH)D concentrations and improved fasting insulin, insulin resistance index and leptin to adiponectin ratio whereas taking vitamin D supplements did not have an effect on body mass index, serum inflammatory markers, or plasma glucose concentrations though.

The researchers concluded "The correction of poor vitamin D status through dietary supplementation may be an effective addition to the standard treatment of obesity and its associated insulin resistance."

Insulin resistance is a precursor to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Prediabetics who have insulin resistance may consider taking some dietary supplements in addition to vitamin D to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. Studies found cinnamon and bitter melon and curcumin are effective at preventing type 2 diabetes.