New research by University of Minnesota assistant professor of medicine Shalamar Sibley, MD, MPH, showed an increased intake of Vitamin D may improve weight loss.

Sibley announced the results of the study on June 11 at an annual meeting of the Endocrine Society in Washington, D.C.

The study measured the initial vitamin D levels of 38 obese individuals before dieting, and their total postdiet weight loss. Those with higher original levels of vitamin D generally lost more weight.

"Vitamin D deficiency is associated with obesity, but it is not clear if inadequate vitamin D causes obesity or the other way around," Sibley said in a press release.

At a press conference, Sibley said the research should be followed up by a "controlled clinical trial to determine if there is a role for vitamin D supplementation in helping people lose weight."

Sibley added that further studies should be conducted with larger groups of people with closely controlled dietary intake.