ICMR-NIN study finds vitamin D3 better than D2 for muscle and heart health
ICMR-NIN research on rats shows vitamin D3 is more effective than D2 in restoring and maintaining muscle and heart function.
New research from the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) in Hyderabad indicates that vitamin D3 may be significantly more effective than vitamin D2 in supporting muscle and heart health, based on findings from animal studies.
The study, conducted on weaning male Sprague-Dawley rats, compared the effects of diets containing vitamin D2, vitamin D3, a combination of both, and a diet deficient in vitamin D. Researchers assessed body composition, muscle strength, muscle structure, energy metabolism, and markers related to cardiac function.
Results showed that rats given vitamin D3 experienced greater gains in muscle mass, muscle fibre size, and grip strength compared to those receiving vitamin D2. Vitamin D3 also proved more effective in boosting biological markers associated with muscle growth and energy metabolism.
Similar advantages were observed for heart health. Vitamin D3 produced stronger effects on indicators of cardiac contractility and metabolism, particularly in rats recovering from a vitamin D deficiency.
Ayesha Ismail, the corresponding author of the study, noted that while both forms of vitamin D improved calcium-related parameters, vitamin D2 was less effective in several measures concerning muscle and heart structure and energy metabolism.
ICMR-NIN Director Bharati Kulkarni said the findings suggest vitamin D3 may be a better option for maintaining and restoring muscle and cardiac functions. However, she cautioned that further research is necessary to fully understand the implications of these two forms of vitamin D for supplementation and food fortification programmes.