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 proves more effective than vitamin D2 in maintaining and restoring muscle and heart function in animal studies. Vitamin D, known for its role in bone health and calcium regulation, comes in two forms: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3, both used in supplements and food fortification.

The scientists conducted experiments on male Sprague-Dawley rats, feeding them diets with different levels of vitamin D2, vitamin D3, both, or none. They assessed body composition, muscle strength, structure, energy metabolism, and heart function markers. Results showed that rats consuming vitamin D3 had greater improvements in muscle mass, fiber size, and grip strength compared to those on vitamin D2.

Vitamin D3 also enhanced biological markers related to muscle growth and energy metabolism more effectively. The same benefits were observed in heart health, with vitamin D3 yielding stronger effects on cardiac contractility and metabolism, particularly in rats recovering from vitamin D deficiency. Study author Ayesha Ismail, along with ICMR-NIN Director Bharati Kulkarni, noted that while both vitamins improve calcium-related parameters, vitamin D2 is less effective in several aspects related to muscle and heart structure and energy metabolism.

Kulkarni emphasized the need for further studies to fully understand the implications of these findings for supplementation and fortification programs.