Do You Need To Take Vitamin D With Vitamin C
Vitamin C does not need to be taken with vitamin D. However, taking vitamin C with other nutrients, such as calcium, may help improve the absorption of these nutrients.
Some people may want to take a multivitamin that contains both vitamin D and vitamin C. This can be a convenient way to get both of these vitamins in one supplement.
The Best Ways To Take Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is a world problem. Vitamin D Council
Now the days are drawing in, its important to take a vitamin D supplement if the UV index where you live is 3 or below this level of exposure is not enough to synthesise vitamin D in your skin. As a result, vitamin D levels tend to plummet during autumn and winter in people living in northern latitudes such as the UK.
How To Find Out Your Exact Nutrient Needs
Nutrition is highly personalized because everyone has different nutrient needs based on their diet, lifestyle, age, sex, and more. If youre still unsure about the best vitamins to take daily, we made it simple.
The HUM Quiz is a free 3-minute quiz with questions about your diet and lifestyle. Youll receive a personalized report from one of HUMs registered dietitians with supplement recommendations personalized for you.
Even more, you can interact with your personal dietitian to ask questions, receive support, and get feedback to ensure your nutrition and supplement routine are exactly what you need.
You can ask your HUM dietitian anything to help meet your nutrition goals. For instance, maybe youre concerned about dry winter skin, stress, feeling bloated after eating, aging skin, bowel regularity, or PMS symptoms. No matter your beauty and wellness concerns, were happy to provide nutrition and supplement recommendations to help.
Once your basic nutrient needs are met through good nutrition and a basic supplement routine, youll be on your way to feeling your best. Remember that you can always tweak your routine along the way to meet your specific goals, as they change over time.
Don’t Miss: What Has Vitamin A In It
New Chapter Fermented Vitamin D3 Tablets
Image courtesy New Chapter
New Chapter has been devoted to providing high-quality products since their establishment in 1982. You can feel confident that the ingredients meet the rigorous safety and purity standards set by the FDA , Health Canada, and California Prop 65.
Soak up the advantages of readily absorbable organic Vitamin D3, including bone and tooth strength, immune function, and heart health. For improved absorption, fermented D3 is used.
Our Intended Source Of Vitamin D: The Sun
Our skin is designed to produce vitamin D when exposed to the sun. However, very few of us catch enough rays to meet our needs.
In the winter, the suns UVB rays arent strong enough to trigger production of the vitamin, putting anyone who lives far from the equator at risk for falling short, says Khalid Saeed, D.O. Plus, most of us spend the vast majority of our days working indoors. According to a Clinical Laboratory study, this pretty much guarantees us low vitamin D levels.
Even people who spend lots of time outside likely miss out on the nutrient, since sunscreen interferes with vitamin D production, says Jonathan Valdez, R.D.N., owner of Genki Nutrition and spokesperson for the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In fact, SPF 15 blocks up to 93 percent of UVB rays.
Oh, and did we mention that your skins ability to help convert sunlight into vitamin D ? Not an ideal set of circumstances for healthy vitamin D status.
You May Like: What Vitamins Give You Energy And Focus
People With Medical Conditions That Reduce Fat Absorption
Because vitamin D is fat-soluble, it relies on the guts ability to absorb fat from the diet.
Thus, people who have medical conditions that reduce fat absorption are prone to vitamin D deficiencies. These include inflammatory bowel disease , liver disease and also people who have had bariatric surgery (
Summary: Those who need the most vitamin D are older people, people with darker skin, those who live farther from the equator and people who cant absorb fat properly.
Whats At Stake With Vitamin D Deficiency
Given these factors, older adults, people who spend little time outside or live far from the equator, people with darker skin, and people with digestive issues are at the greatest risk for a deficiency of vitamin D, says Monisha Bhanote, M.D., F.A.S.C.P., F.C.A.P.
However, vegans, vegetarians, nursing mothers, folks with depression, and people who take certain prescription medications are at risk, too.
Unsurprisingly, deficiency comes with some serious consequences. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased risks of cancer, autoimmune diseases, hypertension, osteoporosis, heart disease, and depression, says Saeed. Its also been associated with weight gain and greater susceptibility to infectious disease.
Also Check: Where To Buy Vitamin B6 25mg
Carlson Vitamin D3 2000 Iu Supplement
Image courtesy Carlson
These soft gels are one of the most highly rated brands on Amazon, and they’re made in an FDA-approved facility with sunflower oil to assist with absorption.
Vitamin D3 is crucial for heart health and muscle function. Vitamin D2,000 IU softgels support our immune system by increasing our immunity and establishing a healthy immune balance.
Who Should Buy Vitamin D
Nearly everyone who doesnt live in the tropics should consider taking a vitamin D supplement at least some of the year.
The critical role of vitamin D in health, combined with the high prevalence of clinical and subclinical vitamin D deficiency across many parts of the world, should be evidence enough to seriously consider taking a vitamin D supplement.
Since the human body cannot synthesize vitamin D naturally without exposure to sunlight, if your skin doesnt see the sun much, you are very likely to develop vitamin D deficiency.
People at risk for vitamin D deficiency can broadly be divided into three categories. First among these is people who live in northern climates, who have long, dark winters with cold temperatures.
Research shows that the prevalence of low vitamin D levels increases the further you move away from the equator, which makes sense given that youre not likely to get much sun on your skin when its cold out, or when its only sunny for six or seven hours out of the day.
Even people who live in warm climates can be prone to vitamin D deficiency if they spend most of their time indoors and cover up with sunscreen when they are outdoors.
The second category of people at risk for vitamin D deficiency is people with darker skin. Having more melanin in your skin helps protect your body against damage from sunlight, but it also makes it harder for your body to synthesize vitamin D.
You May Like: How Much Vitamin C Is In A Carrot
Which Foods Contain Vitamin D
Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, egg yolks, red meat, liver and certain mushrooms that have been grown in sunlight or UV light all contain vitamin D.
Other foods are fortified with vitamin D, such as some breakfast cereals, yoghurt drinks and fat-based spreads.
But it’s hard to get enough from food alone a salmon fillet contains around 13mcg vitamin D , boiled eggs only have 1.6mcg, and a bowl of fortified cereal around 2.5mcg.
Metagenics Vitamin D3 5000+ K
If you want a little more bang for your buck when it comes to your vitamin D supplement, Metagenics’ combination vitamin D3 and vitamin K supplement might just be the perfect fit.
“The most effective vitamin D supplements will also have vitamin K2, which ensures that calcium can more easily go to the bones where it should be, instead of to the arteries. Personally, I recommend Metagenics vitamin D3 with K2 softgel because it is a medical-grade supplement brand that ensures purity and quality, the pills are small and easy to swallow, the amount of vitamin D is appropriate for many individuals, and the type of K2 used is more bioavailable, meaning that the body can absorb and use it more efficiently,” says dietitian and health coachKaytee Hadley, RDN, MSNHL, CPT.
Recommended Reading: Does Vitamin D Help With Stress
What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Vitamin D Supplements
Most people can safely take vitamin D supplements without any side effects. However, taking too much vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia or high levels of calcium in the blood. This can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, and confusion. If you experience these symptoms, stop taking your supplement and consult a healthcare professional.
How Will I Know If My Vitamin D Is Low
The best way to check your vitamin D levels is through a blood test. Your doctor can order this test for you and interpret the results.
There are several signs that you may be low in vitamin D. These include feeling run down and constantly sick, having trouble absorbing calcium, and an increased risk of respiratory infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to get your vitamin D levels checked.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Recommended Vitamin D Supplement
Best Vitamin D Supplements On The Market In
- Appropriate nerve conduction in the cells
- Increasing the biodiversity of the microbiome while decreasing pathogenic bacteria
When a person does not get enough vitamin D, they may lose bone density, which can lead to broken bones and fractures. In severe cases, it can lead to a condition known as rickets.
Rickets is a rare disease that happens when the bones become soft. It can lead to delayed growth, weakness, and generalized pain.
You can ensure you get adequate amounts of vitamin D by exposing your skin to the sunlight and consuming foods high in vitamin D, such as salmon or fortified milk products.
Unless you enjoy eating fatty fish or fish liver oil and are frequently exposed to the sun, you may find it a challenge to maintain adequate vitamin D blood levels.
Ddrops Vitamin D3 1000 Iu Drops
Image courtesy Ddrops
Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin when exposed to summer sunshine , and it can be found in a few foods. Vitamin D is required for optimal bone and muscular function.
A blood test for 25-Hydroxyvitamin D may be used to detect vitamin D. According to the Institute of Medicine, a level above 20 ng/ml is desirable.
Vitamin D supplementation may be required to raise 25-hydroxyvitamin D to healthy levels. A blood level of 25 D greater than 20 ng/ml is associated with improved health, according to studies. Vitamin D3 supplements can be beneficial for people who avoid sunlight exposure.
Read Also: How Much Vitamin C Per Day For Adults
When Is The Best Time To Take Vitamin D Morning Or Night
Vitamin D is an incredibly important vitamin, but its found in very few foods and is hard to obtain through diet alone.
As a large percentage of the world population is at risk of deficiency, vitamin D is one of the most common nutritional supplements.
However, many factors can influence its effectiveness, including when and how you take your daily dose.
This article explores the best time to take vitamin D to maximize its absorption and effectiveness.
1 ).
Getting enough vitamin D is essential for your health, as studies indicate it may play a role in immune function, bone health, cancer prevention and more .
However, vitamin D occurs in very few food sources making it difficult to meet your needs if youre not getting regular sun exposure.
For older adults and people who have darker skin, are overweight or live in areas where sunlight is limited, the risk of deficiency is even higher (
6 ).
Supplementing is an easy and effective way to meet your vitamin D needs, especially if youre at risk of deficiency.
Summary
Though vitamin D is produced by your skin in response to sunlight exposure, its found naturally in very few foods. Supplementing with vitamin D is an effective way to meet your needs and prevent deficiency.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that it does not dissolve in water and is absorbed best in your bloodstream when paired with high-fat foods.
How To Buy Vitamins
Supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration or USDA. So how do you know youre getting safe supplements?
Patton recommends doing the following before buying:
- Consult your doctor. Before adding any supplements, make sure you talk to your doctor to make sure you need them and that they wont interact with any medications.
- Look for third-party testing. Some companies will send their products to an outside company to verify that the ingredients are accurate.
- Look for the USP seal. The United States Pharmacopeia is an independent, nonprofit organization whose goal is to supply safe, quality products.
- Consider ingredients. Stick with the basics. Vitamins with added ingredients or claims arent necessary and can cause side effects.
So while supplements can be helpful, be mindful of your diet and what you eat. Dont use supplements to replace healthy eating, says Patton.
Read Also: When Do Care Of Vitamins Expire
Persona Vitamin D 1000iu
Persona uses vitamin D3 sourced from Vitashine, which is a plant-based form of the vitamin.
As its name suggests, the tablet contains 1,000 IU of vitamin D3. It is vegan and free of all major allergens, including soy, dairy, wheat, fish, nuts, eggs, and shellfish.
Persona claims that its vitamins are backed by science, tested for quality and purity, and inspected by a professional before shipping.
Can Too Much Vitamin D Hurt You
Yes, vitamin D is fat-soluble, meaning it can build up in your body if you take too much. This can lead to toxicity, which can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, and impaired kidney function. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking vitamin D and call your doctor right away.
Taking too much vitamin D can also lead to more subtle symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms, cut back on your vitamin D intake and talk to your doctor.
Recommended Reading: What Does Vitamin C Help
Advice For Infants And Young Children
The Department of Health and Social Care recommends that babies from birth to 1 year of age should have a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year if they are:
- breastfed
- formula-fed and are having less than 500ml of infant formula a day, as infant formula is already fortified with vitamin D
Children aged 1 to 4 years old should be given a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year.
You can buy vitamin D supplements or vitamin drops containing vitamin D at most pharmacies and supermarkets.
Women and children who qualify for the Healthy Start scheme can get free supplements containing vitamin D.
See the Healthy Start website for more information.
What Are The Main Differences Between Vitamin D And D3
The term vitamin D is kind of a misnomer because you will not find anything labeled simply as vitamin D in a pharmacy vitamin aisle. Rather, your choices will be vitamin D2 or vitamin D3 . Generally, when one mentions vitamin D, the implied selection is vitamin D2. For the purpose of this article, when vitamin D is mentioned, it will refer to vitamin D2. The names can be confusing, because many times, patients go into the pharmacy looking for vitamin D and are surprised that there is a D2 and a D3.
Vitamin D comes from plant sources, such as wild mushrooms, as well as fortified foods, such as milk or cereal products. Its strength is typically measured in international units, which is abbreviated as IU on labeling. The 50,000 IU capsules are prescription only, while lower strengths are available over-the-counter. Vitamin D is less expensive to produce and therefore is the form most commonly found in fortified food products.
Vitamin D3 mainly comes from animal sources such as fish oil, fatty fish, liver, and egg yolks. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces vitamin D3. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as the sunshine vitamin. Its strength is also measured in international units. All forms of vitamin D3 are available over-the-counter.
| Main differences between vitamin D and D3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin D2 | ||
| Who typically uses the medication? | Infants, children, adolescents, and adults | Infants, children, adolescents, and adults |
Read Also: Does Vitamin C Help Dark Spots
Do I Need A Supplement
Anyone over the age of 1 needs 600 IU of vitamin D every day, and adults over 70 need 800 IU per day, according to the National Institutes of Health .
You only need about five minutes outside with your arms and legs exposed, twice a week, to get enough vitamin D, per the NIH, but that sun exposure is a double-edged sword: Too much can up your risk for developing skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
If going out in the sun is a no-go and you find it challenging to fit in vitamin D-rich foods, then a supplement may be your best choice.
Keep in mind, though, that more is not always better. You’ll never get too much vitamin D from the sun because your body knows how to shut it off, but you can get too much from a supplement, which can lead to side effects like stomach upset. The NIH recommends keeping your daily dose below 4,000 IU. Since most supplements come in 1,000 or 2,000 IU, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Related Reading
