Researchers test vitamin D effects on muscle recovery and growth

Researchers at The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital (TOSH) in Murray, and USANA Health Sciences are teaming up to conduct a new Vitamin D study. They hope to prove that using a Vitamin D supplement will shorten recovery time, minimize muscle weakness, and possilby even relieve the pain felt with muscle overuse.

"It's really unclear if Vitamin D influences muscular strength or inflammatory markers in young active individuals," says TOSH Physiologist, Tyler Barker. "We're giving subjects either a placebo or Vitamin D in different doses and seeing if Vitamin D influences the recovery from intense physical activity."


Testing will enter phase two this winter.

"The reason why we're only collecting data during the winter months is that's when Vitamin D levels are at their lowest compared to the summertime," Barker says.

Other studies have shown that even in the summer months, residents of Utah are Vitamin D deficient. Researchers believe many would benefit from taking a supplement.

"Vitamin D supplements are fairly inexpensive, they're readily available, over the counter and it could be used as a preventative treatment."