Regular exercise has always been touted as a key component of a healthy lifestyle, but a recent study has shed new light on its benefits during the winter months. Research conducted by the University of Bath, University of Birmingham, University of Cambridge, and other institutions has revealed that consistent, moderate-intensity exercise can help maintain essential vitamin D levels, even when sunlight is scarce.
Published in the journal Advanced Science, the study focused on individuals with overweight and obesity who participated in a 10-week indoor exercise program over the winter season. The participants engaged in four weekly sessions, including treadmill walks, steady-state bike rides, and high-intensity interval bike sessions. Surprisingly, the researchers found that those who exercised experienced smaller declines in vitamin D levels compared to those who did not exercise, despite no changes in body weight.
One of the key findings of the study was that exercise helped preserve the active form of vitamin D (1,25(OH)₂D₃), which is crucial for supporting bone health, the immune system, and overall organ function. This active form of vitamin D is not effectively maintained by supplements alone, making exercise a valuable tool in winter months when natural sunlight exposure is limited.
Lead author Dr. Oly Perkin emphasized the significance of the findings, stating, “This is the first study to show that exercise alone can protect against the winter dip in vitamin D. It’s a powerful reminder that we still have lots to learn about how exercise benefits our health.”
The study also highlighted the following key findings:
– Participants who exercised experienced a 15% decrease in overall vitamin D levels, compared to a 25% decrease in non-exercisers.
– The active form of vitamin D was preserved in those who exercised, while it decreased by 15% in the non-exercising group.
– The maintenance of vitamin D levels was attributed to exercise, not weight loss, as participants’ weight remained stable throughout the study.
Importantly, the study was conducted during the winter months in the UK when natural vitamin D production from sunlight is minimal. Participants were instructed to avoid supplements to ensure that the results were solely influenced by exercise.
The study’s principal investigator, Prof. Dylan Thompson, highlighted the dual benefits of exercise on vitamin D levels, stating, “Exercise increases the concentrations of vitamin D metabolites each time you are active and helps maintain your basal resting levels of vitamin D during winter. This means exercise gives you a double benefit to your vitamin D.”
With over 50 adults participating in the randomized controlled trial, the study provides compelling evidence that exercise can be an effective strategy for maintaining vitamin D levels during the winter, particularly for individuals with overweight or obesity. Participant Liam Kilawee shared his positive experience, stating, “I was impressed by how thorough the process was and how the team engaged with me during the research period. The results were pleasing as I could see that my actions had a positive reaction.”
In conclusion, the study suggests that regular exercise is not only beneficial for overall health but also plays a crucial role in maintaining vitamin D levels during the winter months. Dr. Perkin advised, “If you’re worried about your vitamin D levels in the winter, keeping up regular exercise every week will help and offer a load of health benefits that vitamin D supplements cannot provide.” Prof. Thompson added, “These findings have implications for policymakers and healthcare professionals, as exercise should be considered in strategies to improve vitamin D status and metabolism during winter.”
