Research Links Low Vitamin D Levels to Excess Body Fat

According to data presented by the European Society of Endocrinology, low levels of vitamin D are connected to the liver and abdominal fat in men, and abdominal fat in women. In order to decrease belly fat, it has been recommended that vitamin D levels are checked and corrected to avoid potential health risks.

It is possible that either low vitamin D levels are causing individuals to store fat, or that increasing fat levels are causing vitamin D levels to diminish.

About 1 in 10 Americans right now has a vitamin D deficiency. Because recent evidence proposes a correlation between cancer, heart health, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and weight gain, to a vitamin D deficiency, further research is being conducted to discover the missing link.

Due to the importance of this nutrient, manufacturers have been adding vitamin D to their products for decades. Cereal products, plant-based milk, and vegan yogurts typically have been fortified with vitamin D, after the approval of the Food and Drug Administration back in 2016.

Recent label changes to nutrition labels have also addressed the concern for worldwide vitamin D deficiency, as it now recommends a daily vitamin D intake to consumers. These revisions will hopefully inspire consumers to make the appropriate adjustments to ensure they are receiving enough vitamin D on a daily basis, especially if they are aware of the dangers of a deficiency.

The best way to up your D intake on a plant-based diet is to consume mushrooms, fortified cereals, plant-based milks, and yogurts, absorb vitamin D from the sun, or by taking a vegan vitamin D supplement!

Looking for ways to add more vitamin D to your life to stay fit? 

Maintaining regular vitamin D levels can be super easy, especially if you are getting an adequate amount of sunlight exposure, but it can also be incorporated into your diet! Try some of these recipes from our Food Monster App!

Bahn Mi Portobello Burgers

Getting your vitamin D has never been more delicious with these Bahn Mi Portobello Burgers! This sandwich is spicy, sour, and sweet at the same time with a spicy mayo made from silken tofu.

Black Charcoal Smoothie Bowl

This Black Charcoal Smoothie Bowl is filled with nutrients that detoxify the body! If you add a spritz of vitamin D supplemental spray to it, you’re only increasing the healing effects.

Berry and Fennel Salad with Coconut Yogurt

Try adding a vegan yogurt fortified with vitamin D to this Berry and Fennel Salad with Coconut Yogurt, and you are ready to go! It is also loaded with antioxidants from the fresh berries.

We also recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 10,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!

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