The key to maintaining Vitamin D levels in winter: Exercise

As warmer months bring increased sunlight and a natural rise in vitamin D, a new study highlights how to maintain those levels through the winter. Research from the Universities of Bath, Birmingham, and Cambridge, published in Advanced Science, shows that consistent, moderate exercise helps preserve vitamin D during darker months—even without supplements or weight loss.

The study involved individuals with overweight or obesity who followed a 10-week indoor workout routine: two treadmill sessions, one steady-state bike ride, and one high-intensity cycling session weekly. Unlike the non-exercising group, participants who exercised saw only a 15% drop in vitamin D levels, compared to 25% in those who didn’t. Crucially, exercisers maintained healthy levels of the biologically active form of vitamin D (1,25(OH)₂D₃), essential for immunity and bone health.

Conducted between October and April, the study avoided sunlight influence and confirmed that exercise alone can counter the seasonal decline in vitamin D.

19-05-2025