Studies

Explore research connecting ingredients and health goals.

25 ingredient–goal connections

GoalReported findings
SupportiveMixedNo effectAdverseUnclassified

Metabolism SupportandVitamin D

65published studies

SupportiveNot rated

Most research connecting Vitamin D with metabolism examines blood-sugar regulation, insulin function, or blood fats rather than how quickly the body burns calories. Some pooled studies report improvements in people with diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, fatty liver disease, or obesity-related metabolic problems. These effects concern specific conditions and do not demonstrate a universal increase in metabolic rate.

Other controlled studies show that raising vitamin D levels does not necessarily improve insulin sensitivity, glucose control, or body composition, even when initial levels are low. Observational associations between low vitamin D and metabolic problems also cannot establish that deficiency causes those problems or that supplementation will reverse them.

Direct evidence on resting metabolic rate finds no benefit from additional vitamin D in physically active adults whose status was already adequate. Research using active medical derivatives or assessing bone and mineral metabolism addresses different questions. Overall, vitamin D may help selected metabolic measures in some settings, but the supplied evidence does not support it as a dependable calorie-burning or general metabolism booster.

65 linked studies · 26 sampled for detail · Sep 27, 2026

Study types

  • Randomized trial15
  • Cross-sectional study12
  • Meta-analysis11
  • Narrative review9
  • Cohort study5
  • Case-control study4
  • Systematic review3
  • Observational study2
  • Single-arm trial2
  • Clinical trial1
  • Non-randomized trial1

Published by year

  • 2Earlier
  • 02010
  • 32011
  • 02012
  • 12013
  • 42014
  • 32015
  • 12016
  • 62017
  • 72018
  • 12019
  • 52020
  • 42021
  • 52022
  • 52023
  • 52024
  • 42025
  • 92026

Findings over time

Numbers above bars show study counts. Earlier groups years before 2010.

20269 studies

  • Supportive6
  • Mixed2
  • No effect0
  • Adverse1
  • Unclassified0

Population over time

Reported participants by publication year. Select a year to see the total and reporting coverage.

— Participant count not reported. Earlier groups years before 2010.

202610,775 reported participants

Counts reported by 7 of 9 studies. 2 without a reported count.

Totals sum reported counts across studies and reviews; participants may overlap between sources.

Explore this goal

Showing 5 top-ranked studies for Vitamin D and Metabolism Support.

Top studies

Vitamin D · Metabolism SupportHighest ranked first
  1. Effects of vitamin D supplementation on insulin resistance and lipid metabolic profiles in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial.
    2026Randomized trial120 participants

    African journal of reproductive health

    SupportiveView source for Effects of vitamin D supplementation on insulin resistance and lipid metabolic profiles in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial. (opens in a new tab)
  2. Vitamin D3 improves glucose metabolism and attenuates inflammation in prediabetic human and mice.
    2024Randomized trial

    The Journal of nutritional biochemistry

    SupportiveView source for Vitamin D3 improves glucose metabolism and attenuates inflammation in prediabetic human and mice. (opens in a new tab)
  3. Effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on pancreatic β cell function, insulin sensitivity, and glycemia in adults at high risk of diabetes: the Calcium and Vitamin D for Diabetes Mellitus (CaDDM) randomized controlled trial.
    2011Randomized trial92 participants

    The American journal of clinical nutrition

    SupportiveView source for Effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on pancreatic β cell function, insulin sensitivity, and glycemia in adults at high risk of diabetes: the Calcium and Vitamin D for Diabetes Mellitus (CaDDM) randomized controlled trial. (opens in a new tab)
  4. The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Glycemic Control, Lipid Profiles and C-Reactive Protein Among Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
    2020Meta-analysis630 participants8 studies reviewed

    Current pharmaceutical design

    SupportiveView source for The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Glycemic Control, Lipid Profiles and C-Reactive Protein Among Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (opens in a new tab)
  5. The Effect of Improved Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Status on Glycemic Control in Diabetic Patients: A Meta-Analysis.
    2017Meta-analysis1,528 participants24 studies reviewed

    The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism

    SupportiveView source for The Effect of Improved Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Status on Glycemic Control in Diabetic Patients: A Meta-Analysis. (opens in a new tab)

Counts reflect published studies in our database, not the strength of a benefit. A study may appear in more than one connection.