Document Type

Honors Project

First Advisor

Dr. Brian Kelley

Degree Award Date

Spring 2015

Keywords

Vitamin D, weight gain, blood glucose levels, Type II diabeties, mice

Disciplines

Animal Sciences | Biology | Endocrinology

Abstract

Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to increase insulin secretion and impr ove glucose tolerance in Type II diabetic individuals, but it is unclear if Vitamin D has an effect on weight gain. Given this, the effects of Vitamin D supplementation on weight gain and blood glucose levels we re examined in mice fed a high-fat diet. At four weeks of age, mice were fed ad lib a 60 kcal% fat diet and changes in weight and blood glucose were monitored. At six weeks of age, the experimental group (n=7) was administered 300 LU. of Vitamin D3 per week. Their percent weight gain and blood glucose levels were compared to the control group (n=8). Data suggests that Vitamin D supplementation may slow the increase in weight gain a nd help to lower blood glucose levels.

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