An interesting study with a Minnesota link was presented at last week’s annual meeting of the Endocrine Society in Washington, D.C. (Endocrinologists specialize in diagnosing and treating hormonal diseases and conditions.)

Researchers at the University of Minnesota reported on a study that suggested a linear relationship between prediet vitamin D levels and postdiet weight loss. Essentially, the study found that the higher people’s baseline vitamin D levels before going on a diet, the greater the amount of weight they eventually lost.

Don’t run out and buy vitamin D supplements yet, however. As the study’s lead author, Shalamar Sibley, MD, an assistant professor of medicine, noted in a press release, much more research is needed. This study was an observational one — and very small. Only 38 overweight men and women participated.

"Our findings need to be followed up by the right kind of controlled clinical trial to determine if there is a role for vitamin D supplementation in helping people lose weight when they attempt to cut back on what they eat," Sibley said.