Not only the sun that can help the absorption of vitamin D in the body. A new study indicates, probiotic supplements can also increase the absorption of vitamin D.
The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism states, probiotic supplements can increase blood levels of vitamin D uptake by more than 25 percent. These findings are the first evidence that states probiotics have a role in maintaining bone booster nutrient levels in the body.
Previous studies suggest that certain probiotic strains called Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242 has the effect of reducing cholesterol levels. But the effect is the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D remains unknown.
The researchers looked at the effect of probiotics on a group of adults who were asked to eat them for nine weeks. Next they checked vitamin D levels by measuring levels of 25-D in the blood hidrovitamin participants.
Vitamin D is known is essential micronutrient to prevent health problems such as rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults. Lack of vitamin D can increase the risk of reduction in the absorption of calcium from the bones resulting in fragile bones.
The researchers also found an association between levels of vitamin D with protection against heart disease, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes.
Absorption of vitamin D may have problems because of several factors. Among others, limited sun exposure, dark skin, obesity, and the body's inability to absorb or convert vitamin D into its active form.
Lead researcher dr. Jones said the study adds to the knowledge about the bacterial community in the gut or mikrobium about its benefits for human health.
"Although it has long been known to have an important role in the intestinal absorption of vitamin D, but this finding suggests vitamin D apparently respond better if the probiotics taken orally," he said.