Studies conducted at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research demonstrated that mice subjected to diets deficient in Vitamin D demonstrate decreased mitochondrial activity in muscle tissue.  The mouse model was developed to study the possible effect of vitamin D deficiency in the elderly who suffer from compromised muscle function. It has yet to be established how vitamin D deficiency decreases mitochondrial function, but studies are in progress to determine the possible involvement of vitamin D-related signaling. 

Vitamin D enriched egg

A 40 percent prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is estimated in the European population and especially among the elderly predisposing to a range of skeletal and muscle conditions. 

Increasing vitamin D intake can be achieved by consuming eggs enriched with vitamin D. Supplementing the diet of hens with levels exceeding conventional specifications surplus to the requirements for maintenance and egg production are transferred to the egg. The leading specialty branded egg contains 120 IU., approximately six times the level in conventional eggs and about one third of the recommended daily requirement.

Ashcroft, S.P. et al. Diet-induced vitamin D deficiency reduces skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration.  Endocrinology doi.org/10.1530/JOE-20-0233