{"id":153194,"date":"2025-06-02T22:20:20","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T22:20:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/153194\/"},"modified":"2025-06-02T22:20:20","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T22:20:20","slug":"the-best-time-to-take-vitamin-d-for-maximum-absorption-according-to-health-experts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/153194\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Time to Take Vitamin D for Maximum Absorption, According to Health Experts"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Reviewed by Dietitian Sarah Pflugradt, Ph.D., RDN, CSCS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Getty Images\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cb0449ce4631c97c33a68a1185143398.jpeg\"\/>Key Points<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">It can be challenging to meet your vitamin D needs through diet alone.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">It doesn&#8217;t matter whether you take vitamin D in the morning or evening.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Take vitamin D with a meal or snack containing fat to enhance absorption.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">When it comes to the supplement aisle, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/article\/8024998\/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-take-a-multivitamin-every-day\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:multivitamins;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">multivitamins<\/a>, omega-3s and probiotics might score the most real estate on the shelf. However, if that multi doesn\u2019t come with a dose of vitamin D, your doctor might recommend adding another pill to your routine.\u00a0Known as the &#8220;sunshine vitamin,&#8221; vitamin D is something most of us aren&#8217;t getting enough of, and if you&#8217;re wondering what time of day you should take it, we&#8217;re here with the answer.<\/p>\n<p>What Is Vitamin D?<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/author\/roxana-ehsani\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Roxana Ehsani, M.S., RD, CSSD;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Roxana Ehsani, M.S., RD, CSSD<\/a>, explains that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/article\/8034163\/benefits-vitamin-d\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:vitamin D;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">vitamin D<\/a> is one of four fat-soluble vitamins (A, E and K are the others). Our bodies make vitamin D after being exposed to the sun, and we can also get it through our diet. It plays \u201cmany important roles in our body,\u201d adds Ehsani. These include <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/best-supplements-for-immune-health-8781386\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:supporting your immune system;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\">supporting your immune system<\/a>, muscle and nerve function, your body\u2019s ability to absorb calcium and more.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Even though vitamin D is critical for overall health, research suggests that an estimated 25% of Americans are deficient in it. This could be because there are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/foods-with-more-vitamin-d-than-an-egg-8732396\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:few food sources of vitamin D;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">few food sources of vitamin D<\/a>, and many people don\u2019t see sunshine during winter, live in regions with limited sunlight, and\/or keep their skin covered while al fresco.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The average older adult\u2019s recommended Daily Value of vitamin D is 20 micrograms, which is equal to 800 international units (IU). For reference, one egg and a 3-ounce can of tuna each have above 1 mcg, 3 ounces of sockeye salmon delivers around 12 mcg, and 3 ounces of trout offers around 14 mcg. Unless you\u2019re taking a spoonful of cod liver oil (34 mcg) or eating salmon or trout daily, it can be challenging to meet that mark through food alone, since most food sources of vitamin D offer small amounts.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In the U.S., people get most of their <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/2024-vitamin-d-recommendations-8659678\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:dietary vitamin D from fortified milk;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\">dietary vitamin D from fortified milk<\/a>, which contains around 100 IU per 8-ounce serving. But you&#8217;d need to drink a quart or more of milk daily to reach the DV\u2014and milk consumption has been declining in recent years, a factor that some experts cite when discussing increased vitamin D deficiency.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">That\u2019s why many people take a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/best-vitamin-d-supplements-8656101\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:vitamin D supplement;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">vitamin D supplement<\/a>. However, you want to make sure not only that you\u2019re taking the right amount but also that your body is absorbing it properly. Read along to learn when to take your vitamin D supplement and what factors you should consider.<\/p>\n<p>Morning vs. Evening<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">We\u2019ll cut to the chase: According to the current scientific consensus, our experts agree that it doesn\u2019t matter what time of the day you take your vitamin D supplement.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Many people find it handy to take supplements in the morning before the day sweeps them away. Others like to store them in a drawer near the kitchen cleaning supplies to pop after tidying up after dinner. It shouldn\u2019t make a substantial difference in absorption rates whether you swing to one side or the other, although it\u2019s easiest to remember if you pick one time and stick with it.<\/p>\n<p>Factors to Consider When Deciding to Supplement<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">There are many factors to consider when taking any supplement, not just a vitamin D supplement; here&#8217;s what you should keep in mind.<\/p>\n<p>Health Conditions<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">First, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/conditions-when-you-need-vitamin-d-supplement-8576496\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:several conditions;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">several conditions<\/a> can influence an individual&#8217;s vitamin D levels (or needs). These include osteoporosis or osteopenia, depression, kidney or liver disease and having a family history of neurological conditions, to name a few.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.northshore.org\/apps\/findadoctor\/physicians\/david-jeremy-davidson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:David Davidson, M.D.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">David Davidson, M.D.<\/a>, it\u2019s especially important for \u201cpeople with absorption issues, like inflammatory bowel disease or post-gastric bypass surgery\u201d to work with their doctors to dial in their dose and receive personalized guidance about when to take vitamin D.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Body size can also alter absorbency and dosing, so be sure to ask your doctor for an individual recommendation before you set off to shop for supplements.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">If you notice any nausea, constipation, noticeable appetite shifts or other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/how-much-vitamin-d-per-day-is-too-much-8605769\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:adverse symptoms;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">adverse symptoms<\/a> after taking your supplement, be sure to chat with your doctor.<\/p>\n<p>Individual Preference<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Regardless of why you\u2019re including a vitamin D supplement in your regimen, it\u2019s important to consider your routine. It\u2019s difficult to reap the health benefits of vitamin D if you forget to take it most of the time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Many people do well with \u201chabit stacking\u201d or pairing the routine of taking vitamin D with something else they do daily on autopilot. Keep this in mind as you consider when to take your supplements.\u00a0 Ehsani shows how to put this into practice: \u201cIf you always brush your teeth in the morning after breakfast, for instance, can you place your vitamin D supplements next to your toothbrush to remind you to take it each day?\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">As with any new medication or supplement, it\u2019s important to check with a health care professional to determine the best time for you. As a general rule, though, \u201cthe \u2018best\u2019 time is what works best for you,\u201d Ehsani says.<\/p>\n<p>With or Without Meals<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cThe timing of when to take the vitamin D supplement shouldn\u2019t matter, but it should be taken with food,\u201d Davidson says. \u201cBecause it\u2019s a fat-soluble vitamin, food, specifically healthy fats, will help with the absorption of vitamin D.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">For example, if you tend to have almond-butter toast each morning, \u201cconsider taking it with that meal, as almond butter contains healthy fats,\u201d Ehsani advises. Or, if you like to serve dinner with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/recipe\/275930\/pear-gorgonzola-walnut-salad\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:side salad topped with a handful of walnuts;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">side salad topped with a handful of walnuts<\/a> and drizzled with a vinaigrette, take your vitamin D before you sit down to dig in. You could also choose to take your vitamin D with a glass of whole milk or a yogurt drink\u2014you&#8217;ll get the addition of calcium from the dairy and the vitamin D will help your body absorb the calcium.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cIt may be impractical for you to take it with meals if you eat a majority of your meals away from home and can\u2019t realistically carry the vitamin D supplement with you everywhere you go,\u201d Ehsani acknowledges.\u00a0So, if that\u2019s not a realistic proposition, tell a health care professional about your schedule and when you think it might better fit, and ask for their runner-up recommendation.<\/p>\n<p>Type of Vitamin D<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">There are two types of vitamin D: D2 and D3. UV-grown plants, fungi and fortified foods deliver D2, while we get D3 from sunlight and animal-based ingredients. While both are important and beneficial, <a class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/best-time-to-take-vitamin-d-supplement-8620841\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:vitamin D3 is more bioavailable;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\">vitamin D3 is more bioavailable<\/a> than vitamin D2. This means that your body uses vitamin D3 more efficiently, so you might need a higher dose of vitamin D2 to achieve the same effects as you might with a supplement that includes just D3.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Before starting any new supplement regimen, talk to a health care professional about the best form of vitamin D for you. And if you already take a vitamin D supplement, confirm with them that you\u2019re taking the right form.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/what-to-look-for-in-a-supplement-8645052\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:7 Things You Should Look for When Buying a Supplement, According to Dietitians;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">7 Things You Should Look for When Buying a Supplement, According to Dietitians<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Our Expert Take<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The best time to take a vitamin D supplement is when it fits well into your day\u2014and when you can remember to take it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">When choosing a vitamin D supplement, consider opting for vitamin D3 over D2 so your body can use it more efficiently. Additionally, Ehsani and Davidson confirm that, ideally, you should take your vitamin D supplement with a meal that contains fat to help with absorption. For instance, if you like to take vitamin D first thing in the morning, well before you typically eat breakfast, or prefer to pop your supplements just before bed, think about doing so with a handful of nuts or a spoonful of nut butter, Ehsani says. That way, you\u2019ll enjoy two wellness wins in one: better vitamin D absorption and all the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/article\/8027688\/are-nuts-good-for-you\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:health benefits of nuts;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">health benefits of nuts<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/supplements-not-to-take-dietitian-11735821\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:5 Supplements You Shouldn&#039;t Be Taking, According to a Dietitian;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">5 Supplements You Shouldn&#8217;t Be Taking, According to a Dietitian<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Read the original article on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/best-time-to-take-vitamin-d-for-maximum-absorption-11743667\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:EATINGWELL;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">EATINGWELL<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Reviewed by Dietitian Sarah Pflugradt, Ph.D., RDN, CSCS Key Points It can be challenging to meet your vitamin&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":153195,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4318],"tags":[105,4434,16,15,4448],"class_list":{"0":"post-153194","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nutrition","8":"tag-health","9":"tag-nutrition","10":"tag-uk","11":"tag-united-kingdom","12":"tag-vitamin-d"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114616102433196118","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/153194","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=153194"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/153194\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/153195"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=153194"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=153194"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=153194"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}