ICMR-NIN study shows Vitamin D3 outperforms D2 in supporting muscles and heart

Researchers from the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad have discovered that vitamin D3 outperforms vitamin D2 in maintaining and restoring muscle and heart function in animal studies. Vitamin D, well-known for its role in bone health, also impacts skeletal muscle function and heart performance. It is mainly available in two forms: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3, both utilized in supplements and food fortification programs.

To compare their effects, researchers conducted experiments on young male Sprague-Dawley rats, feeding them diets with vitamin D2, vitamin D3, both combined, or a vitamin D-deficient diet. They evaluated body composition, muscle strength, muscle structure, energy metabolism, and cardiac function markers. The findings revealed that rats consuming vitamin D3 experienced greater improvements in muscle mass, muscle fiber size, and grip strength compared to those on vitamin D2.

Vitamin D3 also proved more effective in boosting biological markers associated with muscle growth and energy metabolism. Similar advantages were observed in heart health, as vitamin D3 generated stronger effects on cardiac contractility and metabolism, particularly in rats recovering from vitamin D deficiency. Lead researcher Ayesha Ismail, who is also the corresponding author of the study, stated that while both forms of vitamin D enhance calcium-related parameters, vitamin D2 is less effective in several measures related to muscle and heart structure and energy metabolism.

ICMR-NIN Director Bharati Kulkarni suggested that vitamin D3 might be a better choice for sustaining and restoring muscle and cardiac functions. However, she cautioned that further research is needed to fully understand the effects of both vitamin D forms and their implications for supplements and food fortification programs.