Vitamin D, a group of fat-soluble secosteroids, which aid in the absorption of other minerals, has been proven to increase muscle strength in high amounts, according to researchers from the University of Birmingham.

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The study was published in PLOS ONE and based its findings on previous knowledge that lack of muscle mass was related to levels of inactive vitamin D. The research also assessed both levels of active and inactive vitamin D and their respective functions on the human body.

Zaki Hassan-Smith, a researcher from the University of Birmingham, said that there is still a lot to discover on how vitamin D acts on the muscles. Enhancing the function of muscles continue to spark interest among medical professionals because of increasing health problems such as obesity and aging population.

Over 116 volunteers were selected, falling in the age range of 20 to 74 years old. The volunteers' composition of body fat and lean body mass were measured. Lean body mass can be determined by subtracting total body fat from total body weight. Laboratory tests include the measurement of active and inactive levels of vitamin D.

The research results showed that women who had equal proportions of body fat did not have high levels of inactive vitamin D. Large amounts of inactive vitamin D are a common indicator of vitamin D deficiency.

As for women with more body fat, they have lesser amounts of inactive vitamin D. The levels of vitamin D were directly related with lean mass and its active form was not linked with body fat. The results for men did not provide the same association between active vitamin and muscle bulk.

Hassan-Smith added that even though increased levels of inactive vitamin D is directly linked to fat, lean mass is the main cause of the elevation of active vitamin D.  These mechanisms are important as they can lead to using vitamin as a supplement to enhance muscle strength.