{"id":65403,"date":"2025-05-01T10:18:15","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T10:18:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/65403\/"},"modified":"2025-05-01T10:18:15","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T10:18:15","slug":"best-time-to-take-vitamin-d-benefits-supplements-expert-advice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/65403\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Time To Take Vitamin D: Benefits, Supplements, Expert Advice"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are many health benefits of vitamin D<\/a>, from reducing inflammation to boosting your mood. But despite its importance, vitamin D deficiency<\/a> is incredibly common around the world. So, when is the best time to take vitamin D if you’re not getting enough, and how can it improve your well-being? <\/p>\n

Research suggests that spending time outdoors<\/a> may be exactly what you need to get your daily dose (which is 600 IU<\/a>, BTW). You can also get the nutrient from certain foods<\/a>. But sometimes, it’s more beneficial and convenient to take a vitamin D supplement<\/a> to get your numbers up. <\/p>\n

Vitamin D is important for reducing the risk of certain health issues, like cardiovascular disease, says Jessica Cording, RD, the author of The Little Book of Game Changers. And in some cases, it may even help with mental health<\/a> (more on that soon).<\/p>\n

If you’re debating taking vitamin D, there are a few factors to consider\u2014including the exact time for optimal absorption. Ahead, nutritionists share everything you need to know about the supp before heading to the pharmacy\u2014and what the tiny, yet mighty capsule can do for your body, both physically and mentally.
<\/p>\n

Meet the experts: <\/strong>Jessica Cording, RD<\/a>, is the author of The Little Book of Game-Changers<\/a>. Keri Gans, RD<\/a>, is the author of The Small Change Diet<\/a>. Sonya Angelone, RD<\/a>, is a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Brigitte Zeitlin, RD<\/a>, is a certified nutritionist and founder of BZ Nutrition<\/a>. <\/p>\n

The Benefits Of Vitamin D <\/strong><\/p>\n

Going for a walk<\/a> on a sunny day can give you a boost of vitamin D, but does a supplement have the same effect? Experts say yes. \u201cVitamin D is an essential nutrient and has powerful antioxidant benefits\u2014having a direct effect on so many of our bodily functions, organs, and overall health,\u201d says Brigitte Zeitlin<\/a>, RD, a certified nutritionist and founder of BZ Nutrition. If you’re feeling low-energy, vitamin D can also give you a boost, Zeitlin says.<\/p>\n

Along with improving immune function and preventing colds and infections<\/a>, vitamin D can also promote healthy bones and teeth by helping our bodies absorb calcium, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels, and even lower the chance of developing certain cancers by lowering body inflammation, Zeitlin says. <\/p>\n

\u201cThere is also research to suggest that vitamin D plays a role in improving mood and mental health by reducing anxiety<\/a> and depression<\/a>, as vitamin D decreases inflammation in the brain,\u201d Zeitlin says, acknowledging a recent study<\/a> from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). All this to say, vitamin D could be a small, but powerful way to help you reach your health goals\u2014both physical and mental. <\/p>\n

When Is The Best Time To Take Vitamin D? <\/strong><\/p>\n

There is no magic, universal time when everyone should take vitamin D. However, experts generally recommend taking it in the morning, ideally with breakfast or your first meal of the day. \u201cFor a lot of people, it\u2019s convenient to take vitamin D\u2014or any vitamin\u2014in the morning,\u201d Cording says. \u201cIt can become a part of your daily getting-ready ritual.\u201d You can keep the supp next to your coffee maker or even have a stash at work so you remember to take one, she adds.<\/p>\n

Taking vitamin D later in the day may not be as effective if you want to reap the full benefits, and some evidence<\/a> suggests that it may negatively impact your sleep. \u201cLimited evidence suggests that it may affect melatonin production,\u201d says Sonya Angelone, RD, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition Dietetics. \u201cI haven\u2019t seen it to be a problem when taken before bed, however, I don\u2019t usually recommend taking supplements before bedtime.”
<\/p>\n

Ultimately, vitamin D works best when taken with food and water, so you may want to plan your supplementation around meal time. \u201cVitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means your body uses what it needs at the moment and then stores the rest in your fat cells\u2014so your body will pull the vitamin D out of your fat cells when it needs it during the day,\u201d Zeitlin explains. <\/p>\n

Related Story<\/p>\n

\u201cResearch<\/a> studies have consistently shown<\/a> that vitamin D increases blood levels better when taken with a fat-containing meal,” Angelone adds. So, take your supp with a scoop of peanut butter\u2014or better yet, a full breakfast\u2014for max impact. <\/p>\n

Who Should Take Vitamin D? <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re considering a vitamin D supplement, it\u2019s a good idea to ask your doctor for a blood test to make sure that your levels are, in fact, low, says Angelone. \u201cIt is important to check your blood level of vitamin D before supplementing so you know just how much to take,\u201d she adds. A circulating level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D greater than 30 ng\/mL is required to maintain a healthy level of vitamin D, per the NIH<\/a>\u2014so if you’re lower than that, your doc may suggest a supplement.<\/p>\n

Vitamin D can also be beneficial if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding (but always get your doc’s approval first). \u201cWomen who are breastfeeding should consider higher doses of like 5,000 units daily, as opposed to the original 600 units, and then you won\u2019t have to supplement baby with vitamin D separately,\u201d Zeitlin says.<\/p>\n

If you deal with frequent mood swings, energy loss, fatigue, anxiety, and\/or depression, vitamin D supplementation may be helpful, Zeitlin says. However, it’s not an overnight fix or substitute for medication. \u201cAdding vitamin D into your routine can help reduce the severity of your symptoms and if you are taking any medication, speak with your doctor before adding in any supplements,” she says. <\/p>\n

How To Get More Vitamin D <\/p>\n

Most people can get vitamin D from food sources like cod liver oil, trout, salmon, and mushrooms, says Keri Gans<\/a>, RD, author of The Small Change Diet. But if you have a lack of vitamin D in your diet, it may be wise to take a daily supplement. This is especially true for vegans, vegetarians, and folks who don’t eat as many animal products, Gans says. <\/p>\n

Another easy way to up your vitamin D levels? Go outdoors. \u201cThe more time you spend in the sun, the more vitamin D you get,\u201d Zeitlin says. \u201cBut also just the act of the sun on your face, breathing in fresh air, can help improve your mood and mental well-being. It\u2019s hard to tease out the difference\u2014is it the sun or is it the vitamin D? Either way, it\u2019s a win-win.\u201d<\/p>\n

Best Vitamin D Supplements \"On\"High<\/a>NOW High Potency Vitamin D-3<\/p>\n

Now 48% Off<\/p>\n

Credit: Amazon<\/p>\n

Over 26,000 customers on Amazon have rated this supplement at 4.8 stars, with some users claiming they saw immediate changes in their overall demeanor and even their appearance. This brand is the perfect choice for someone who is looking to decrease the amount of pills they take each day, says Zeitlin. \u201cYou can find a NOW pill that has both vitamin D and other vitamins and minerals combined into one pill,” she says. “They also make a chewable version, if swallowing is tough.” Another green flag? It\u2019s highly affordable, ringing in at just $8 for a 240-count.<\/p>\n

\"On\"Vitamin<\/a>Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw D3Credit: Amazon<\/p>\n

This once-daily formula contains 5,000 IU of fat-soluble vitamin D3. \u201cWhat I love about Garden of Life is that it also has probiotics mixed in, so you get a boost of gut health with your vitamin D,\u201d Zeitlin says. In addition to being gluten-free and kosher, it’s also “RAW”\u2014meaning it was produced without the high heat, synthetic binders, fillers, artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors, or additives commonly used in tablets. You can even open the capsule and mix it with juice or water for a yummy formula.<\/p>\n

\"On\"Orange<\/a>Nordic Naturals Orange Vitamin D3 <\/p>\n

Now 15% Off<\/p>\n

Credit: Amazon<\/p>\n

Rated at 4.7 stars by over 6,000 happy customers on Amazon, this daily vitamin is a tried-and-true product that’s affordable and even offers a refreshing orange flavor. \u201cThis brand is one of my top go-to\u2019s,\u201d says Zeitlin. \u201cThey use high-quality ingredients and their gel caps make them very easily swallowable.\u201d This supplement also comes in gummy and liquid form, depending on your preferences and comfort.<\/p>\n

\"Vitamin<\/a>Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 SupplementCredit: Amazon<\/p>\n

Marketed as completely hypoallergenic, the Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 product is perfect for those susceptible to stomach upset after digesting medications. \u201cThese are vegetarian and completely allergen-free,\u201d says Zeitlin. \u201cAnother plus is they\u2019re very easy to find as they\u2019re listed in most health food stores as well as Whole Foods.\u201d They\u2019re also the closest to a clinical-grade supplement, Zeitlin adds. <\/p>\n

\"Headshot<\/p>\n

Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men\u2019s Health, Women\u2019s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master\u2019s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.<\/p>\n

\"Headshot<\/p>\n

Meguire Hennes is a freelance lifestyle journalist specializing in fashion news, celebrity style, dating, and wellness (her Libra moon won\u2019t let her settle on one beat). She received a B.A. in fashion studies from Montclair State University, and her words can be found in Bustle, The Zoe Report, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and more. When she\u2019s not debunking a new TikTok wellness trend or praising Zendaya\u2019s latest red carpet look, you can find her in yoga class, reading a cutesy romance novel, or playing Scrabble with her puppy in her lap.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"There are many health benefits of vitamin D, from reducing inflammation to boosting your mood. But despite its…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":65404,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4318],"tags":[33490,105,4434,16,15,33489],"class_list":{"0":"post-65403","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nutrition","8":"tag-best-time-to-take-vitamin-d","9":"tag-health","10":"tag-nutrition","11":"tag-uk","12":"tag-united-kingdom","13":"tag-when-is-the-best-time-to-take-vitamin-d"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114432069171500707","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65403","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=65403"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65403\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/65404"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=65403"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=65403"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=65403"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}