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

The ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) in Hyderabad has discovered that vitamin D3 is more effective than vitamin D2 in supporting muscle and heart functions, according to a recent study. While both vitamins are known for their roles in bone health and calcium regulation, they also play crucial roles in skeletal muscles and cardiac function.

The study involved experiments on male Sprague-Dawley rats fed with diets containing vitamin D2, vitamin D3, a mix of both, or a vitamin D-deficient diet. The researchers then assessed the rats' body composition, muscle strength, structure, energy metabolism, and heart function markers. The results showed that rats receiving vitamin D3 had better improvements in muscle mass, fibre size, grip strength, and biological markers linked to muscle growth and energy metabolism compared to those given vitamin D2.

Additionally, vitamin D3 produced stronger effects on cardiac contractility and metabolism, particularly in rats recovering from vitamin D deficiency. The study's corresponding author, Ayesha Ismail, noted that while both vitamins improved calcium-related parameters, vitamin D2 was less effective in certain aspects of muscle and heart structure and energy metabolism.

ICMR-NIN Director Bharati Kulkarni commented that the findings suggest vitamin D3 could be a more suitable option for maintaining and restoring muscle and cardiac functions. However, she emphasized the need for further research to fully understand the implications of these findings for supplementation and food fortification programs.