How Vitamin D and Retinoic Acid Quiet Down Fat Signals
Retinoic acid and vitamin D(3) powerfully inhibit in vitro leptin secretion by human adipose tissue.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Scientists tested if certain vitamins and chemicals can stop fat cells from sending out a signal called leptin. They found two of them—vitamin D and retinoic acid—strongly turned down the signal, especially when used together.
Surprising Findings
All-trans-retinoic acid was a potent inhibitor of leptin, while 9-cis-retinoic acid had only a slight effect.
Both are forms of vitamin A derivatives, but only one strongly suppressed leptin—suggesting molecular specificity that contradicts assumptions that all retinoids act similarly.
Practical Takeaways
Consider maintaining adequate vitamin D levels and consuming vitamin A-rich foods (like sweet potatoes or carrots) for potential metabolic support.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Scientists tested if certain vitamins and chemicals can stop fat cells from sending out a signal called leptin. They found two of them—vitamin D and retinoic acid—strongly turned down the signal, especially when used together.
Surprising Findings
All-trans-retinoic acid was a potent inhibitor of leptin, while 9-cis-retinoic acid had only a slight effect.
Both are forms of vitamin A derivatives, but only one strongly suppressed leptin—suggesting molecular specificity that contradicts assumptions that all retinoids act similarly.
Practical Takeaways
Consider maintaining adequate vitamin D levels and consuming vitamin A-rich foods (like sweet potatoes or carrots) for potential metabolic support.
Publication
Journal
The Journal of endocrinology
Year
2001
Authors
C. Menendez, M. Lage, R. Peinó, R. Baldelli, P. Concheiro, C. Diéguez, F. Casanueva
Related Content
Claims (4)
Two vitamins—retinoic acid and vitamin D3—can reduce the amount of a hormone called leptin that fat tissue releases, and when used together, they work even better than alone.
Two vitamins—retinoic acid and vitamin D3—can reduce the amount of a fat hormone called leptin in human fat tissue in a lab dish, and when used together, they work even better than alone.
Taking vitamin D might help your body release a hormone that tells you when you're full and also stop a protein that blocks muscle growth, so you could feel more energized and build muscle more easily.
When you have more vitamin D in your body, your fat cells send out more of a signal called leptin, which tells your brain you’re full and don’t need to store more fat—so you might gain less fat over time.