Does Vitamin D Increase Growth Hormones? Understanding the Nuanced Link

October 4, 2025 •

3 min read

Approximately 1 billion people worldwide have insufficient vitamin D levels. This widespread deficiency raises a critical question in nutrition and endocrinology: does vitamin D increase growth hormones? While not a direct trigger, the evidence reveals a complex and critical interplay between vitamin D and the hormones that govern growth.

Quick Summary

The relationship between vitamin D and growth hormone (GH) is indirect yet vital for proper development. Vitamin D influences the activity of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a primary mediator of GH action, especially in individuals with a deficiency. Sufficient vitamin D supports the entire growth axis, particularly promoting bone and cartilage growth.

Key Points

Indirect Relationship: Vitamin D does not directly stimulate growth hormone (GH) secretion but supports its primary mediator, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).
Mediator of Growth: Most growth effects from the GH axis are mediated by IGF-1, which is produced in the liver and other tissues.
Effect of Deficiency: In individuals with vitamin D deficiency, supplementation can significantly increase IGF-1 and improve growth outcomes, especially in children.
Factors Influencing Effect: The effect of vitamin D on IGF-1 can depend on baseline vitamin D levels, and there may be an optimal range, with diminishing returns beyond sufficiency.
Improved Efficacy for GHD: Combining vitamin D supplementation with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in children with Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) can lead to more effective growth and bone metabolism improvements.
Bidirectional Connection: The growth hormone axis also influences vitamin D metabolism; IGF-1 stimulates the renal enzyme that produces the active form of vitamin D.
Nutritional Strategy: For optimal growth, ensure adequate vitamin D through a combination of sunlight exposure, diet (fatty fish, fortified foods), and supplements if needed.

The Growth Hormone-IGF-1 Axis: A Primer

Growth hormone (GH) is secreted by the pituitary gland and primarily stimulates the liver and other tissues to produce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is the main mediator of growth, influencing bone and cartilage cell proliferation. This system relies on multiple factors for proper function.

The Indirect Influence of Vitamin D

Vitamin D does not directly stimulate GH release. However, studies indicate a positive correlation between vitamin D levels and IGF-1, particularly in deficient individuals. This influence occurs through two main avenues:

Hepatic IGF-1 production: The active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, may stimulate the liver's production of IGF-1 and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP-3), impacting systemic growth promotion.
Increased growth plate sensitivity: Vitamin D deficiency, as seen in rickets, is linked to impaired growth plates and lower IGF-1 levels. Correcting this deficiency with vitamin D can increase IGF-1 and IGFBP-3, improving growth velocity and potentially making growth plate cells more responsive to GH and IGF-1.

The Bidirectional Relationship: GH's Effect on Vitamin D

The GH/IGF-1 axis also affects vitamin D metabolism. IGF-1 stimulates the renal enzyme 1α-hydroxylase, which produces the active form of vitamin D, highlighting a reciprocal relationship.

The Complexities of Supplementation

The effect of vitamin D supplementation on IGF-1 is complex and can vary based on baseline levels. Some research suggests an optimal range, with potential diminishing or negative effects at very high levels. This variability underscores the need for personalized approaches to supplementation.

Combining Vitamin D and GH for Enhanced Growth

Children with Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) often have low levels of both GH and vitamin D. Studies show that combining recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) with vitamin D supplementation can lead to better outcomes than rhGH alone, suggesting a synergistic effect on bone metabolism and IGF-1 regulation.

Practical Dietary Considerations for Optimal Growth

A nutrition diet and lifestyle are crucial for supporting growth. Adequate vitamin D can be obtained from diet and sun exposure.

Vitamin D in Food and Sun Exposure

Dietary Sources: Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) and fortified foods (milk, cereal) are good sources.
Sunlight Exposure: The body produces vitamin D from UVB exposure, though supplementation may be needed in certain locations or seasons.

The Broader Nutritional Picture

Optimal growth requires vitamin D alongside other essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. A balanced diet supports overall endocrine function and healthy development.


Feature	Vitamin D-Deficient Individuals	Vitamin D-Sufficient Individuals
Effect of Supplementation on IGF-1	Significant increase in IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels	Less pronounced or no significant change in IGF-1 levels
Growth Rate Improvement	Can experience a significant increase in growth velocity, especially in cases of rickets	No or minimal impact on linear growth from supplementation alone
Vitamin D and GH Axis	Deficiency can impair the GH/IGF-1 axis, potentially leading to suboptimal growth	Functions as a crucial supportive hormone to the overall growth axis
Optimal Intervention	Supplementation is strongly recommended to correct low levels and support growth	A balanced diet, sufficient sun exposure, and maintaining healthy levels is the focus

Conclusion

Vitamin D's influence on the growth axis is indirect, primarily through regulating IGF-1 production and activity. Correcting a vitamin D deficiency is vital for growth potential, especially in cases of rickets or GHD. Supplementing a healthy individual is unlikely to significantly boost growth hormones. A balanced nutrition diet, sun exposure, and maintaining optimal vitamin D status support the hormonal network governing healthy growth.

Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

While vitamin D is crucial for bone health and proper growth during developmental years, taking supplements won't increase your height if you already have sufficient levels. The effect is most pronounced in those with a deficiency or a hormonal imbalance like Growth Hormone Deficiency. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Vitamin D appears to stimulate the liver to produce IGF-1 and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP-3). In children, vitamin D deficiency is associated with lower IGF-1, and correcting the deficiency leads to increased levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3, which are essential for bone and cartilage growth.

Adequate vitamin D can be obtained through a combination of sunlight exposure, dietary sources like fatty fish and fortified foods, and supplementation if recommended by a healthcare professional. Factors like geographic location, skin tone, and time of year can influence how much vitamin D your body produces from sun exposure.

Yes, severe vitamin D deficiency in children can cause rickets, a condition characterized by poor bone mineralization and stunted growth. Correcting the deficiency with supplementation, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, is necessary to improve growth.

While sun exposure is the primary source, and certain foods like fatty fish and fortified products provide vitamin D, it can be difficult to get sufficient amounts from diet alone. Factors like location, skin pigmentation, age, and seasonality can impact production, making supplements necessary for many, especially during winter months. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine if supplementation is right for you.

Yes, excessive intake of vitamin D, particularly from supplements, can lead to vitamin D toxicity and hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood). Some research suggests that beyond a certain threshold, the positive correlation with IGF-1 may even become negative. It's important to discuss appropriate vitamin D intake with a healthcare professional to avoid potential adverse effects.

Children and adults with GHD often have low vitamin D levels. Studies have shown that adding vitamin D supplementation to rhGH therapy improves bone metabolism and IGF-1 levels better than rhGH alone, indicating vitamin D can help optimize treatment outcomes. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding GHD treatment and supplementation.