When to take
In terms of the time of day, this supplement can be taken at any time. It is best to take with a meal or snack that contains a fat source as vitamin D and K are both fat-soluble vitamins and this can increase absorption.
Concerning the time of year it is sensible to supplement during the winter months as this is when sunlight exposure is less and support for the immune system is heightened.
How long until I see benefits?
The time it takes to see benefits from taking a vitamin D supplement can vary. Some factors that can affect how quickly you see benefits include:
- Your initial vitamin D levels
- The dosage of the supplement
- Individual differences in metabolism and absorption
- Presence of conditions that affect absorption (e.g., obesity, Crohn's disease)
Generally, it takes a few weeks of taking daily vitamin D supplements for vitamin D levels in the body to rise. Each 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 taken daily is expected to raise blood levels of 25(OH)D by 10 ng/ml after a few weeks.
Some studies have found that vitamin D insufficiency can be resolved with 12 weeks of weekly high-dose vitamin D supplementation.
If you have a vitamin D deficiency, you may notice improvements within 4-6 weeks of consistent supplementation. However, this timeframe can vary depending on your baseline vitamin D levels.
How to take
Spray once daily into the mouth. Shake well before use.
Common mistakes people make
There are some common mistakes people make with vitamin D supplementation:
- Taking vitamin D without vitamin K2: Vitamin K2 helps ensure calcium is properly directed to bones rather than accumulating in soft tissues and blood vessels.
- Not taking vitamin D with fatty foods: Vitamin D is fat-soluble, so taking it with high-fat foods like eggs, nuts, or avocado can enhance absorption.
- Using synthetic vitamins: Natural vitamin forms may have better bioavailability than synthetic ones. It is best to take the D3 form instead of the D2 form of vitamin D.
- Taking too high doses: Excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D can lead to toxicity. However, vitamin D is an exception where higher doses may be needed and it is quite challenging to become toxic unless you are taking megadoses.
- Irregular intake: Consistent supplementation is important for maintaining optimal vitamin D levels.
- Not considering individual factors: Factors like obesity, age, and skin colour can affect vitamin D needs, with some people requiring higher doses.
- Not getting blood levels tested: Regular testing can help determine if supplementation is adequate or needs adjustment.
- Relying solely on diet: It's difficult to get adequate vitamin D from food alone, especially for those with limited sun exposure.