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Posted by u/cuttingseason_2024··Cutting

Is there any solid research on vitamin D and strength gains?

TL;DR: Looking for recent research on vitamin D's impact on strength gains during cutting.

Hey fam, so I've been diving into the whole vitamin D thing lately. I came across some studies, like one by Schoenfeld and colleagues, showing that adequate vitamin D levels can positively impact muscle function and recovery. But like, what's the scoop on how it actually affects strength gains during a cutting phase? Does anyone have insights from recent meta-analyses or anything? im curious if upping my vitamin D could help with lifting while I'm trying to cut! Let's get into the science behind it.

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u/spoonie_lifter·

I get super tired during my cuts, and I've read about vitamin D helping with energy levels. It might be worth looking into. Anyone else feel like their strength drops off a cliff when cutting? Like, I can barely hit my previous PRs.

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u/caffeine_and_lifting·

Lol, maybe just try lifting in the sun? Get that vitamin D while getting swole, multitasking at its finest. But fr, if you're not getting enough sunlight, supplementing can't hurt. Just don't overdo it. Balance is key.

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u/nurseswholift·

Totally feel you on that, cutting can be rough. If you're going to try upping your vitamin D, maybe look into getting some sunlight too? That can really help boost your levels naturally. Also, I found that keeping my protein intake high helps with my lifts during cuts.

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u/never_skiplegday99·

For real though, if you're cutting and feeling weak, check your micronutrient intake too. You can have all the protein in the world, but if you're missing out on stuff like vitamin D, it can mess with your lifts. Plus, who wants to feel sluggish while trying to shred?

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u/calisthenics_nerd·

I get that skepticism, but I think it's important to consider individual variability. Not everyone responds the same way to supplementation. Plus, if a good number of studies show a correlation, it might be worth exploring. We can't just ignore the potential benefits based on a few conflicting results.

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u/bench_press_buddha·

The relationship between vitamin D and strength gains is definitely worth considering, especially in our fitness journeys. Sometimes, it's not just about lifting harder but also about lifting smarter. Think of it like the way a tree grows; it needs sunlight, nutrients, and water to thrive. Similarly, our bodies require various elements to build strength effectively. So if vitamin D plays a role in that, it's at least worth a shot while cutting.

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u/broccoli_and_beard·

Vitamin D is super interesting! I actually started tracking it because I was feeling kinda down during my cut, and I found that my levels were low. I've been trying to get more sun and eating foods like mushrooms and fatty fish. I feel a bit better, but I'm not sure how much it has impacted my strength yet.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

Yesss, I've been cutting too and im trying to find ways to keep my strength. I heard some people say vitamin D rly helps with recovery. Have you noticed a difference since you started supplementing? I'm curious if I should try it

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u/calisthenics_nerd·

I've been digging into vitamin D and its relationship with strength gains too. Research shows that adequate levels can enhance muscle function, which is crucial during a cutting phase when you're already in a caloric deficit. A study by Coyle et al. even highlighted that lower vitamin D levels can lead to reduced muscle strength and performance. For anyone cutting, ensuring you have optimal vitamin D could be a solid way to mitigate strength loss while also promoting recovery. It's not the magic bullet, but it can definitely help.

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u/recipequeen44·

As a registered dietitian, I always recommend checking your vitamin D levels, especially if you're cutting. One study I came across indicated that vitamin D plays a role in muscle protein synthesis. So, if you're lacking it, that might be part of why you're struggling to maintain strength while cutting. Just be careful not to go overboard with supplementation, as too much can lead to other issues. Always aim for balance in your diet, and consider foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy.

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u/whey_addict·

Facts! But honestly, if you're cutting and feeling weak, it might just be that your body is adjusting to the deficit. Like, it's not always just about the vitamins. Still, gotta keep track of everything.

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u/creatine_supremacy·

Honestly, if you're cutting, you might want to focus on the basics first before diving into supplements. Like, hitting your macros and all that. Vitamin D might help, but it's not gonna save you if your nutrition is trash, ya know?

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u/calisthenics_nerd·

That's a fair point, but I think vitamin D has its place, especially if you're deficient. Many people don't realize how common deficiency is. Studies suggest that it can also help with recovery from DOMS, which is crucial when cutting since you want to keep your intensity high without burning out. Just a well-rounded approach is essential, mixing nutrition, supplementation, and training.

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u/recipequeen44·

That's a good approach! Since vitamin D is fat-soluble, pairing it with some healthy fats could help with absorption too. Think avocados or nuts when you're having those fish meals. Just little tweaks can make a big difference.

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u/carbphobia·

I'm a bit skeptical about the hype around vitamin D and muscle gains. While there are studies showing benefits, I've also seen mixed results. We might need more research to see if the gains are truly significant or if it's just placebo for some lifters.

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