When Should I Start Taking Vitamin D Again?

Getting the most and optimising your Vitamin D

It depends on your needs. Since vitamin D is fat-soluble, your body can store it for longer periods compared to water-soluble nutrients, but regular intake is still important, especially in winter months. Nutritional Therapist, Sally Duffin states "Daily or weekly supplementation is really personal preference. You can take a larger dose once a week, or smaller doses on a daily basis - either option will support your vitamin D levels.”

Several other nutrients improve the action of vitamin D in the body.

Vitamin K is often involved in a lot of vitamin D products due to the proven synergistic effect of vitamin K (specifically K2) and vitamin D in the areas of both cardiovascular health and bone health. What’s more, evidence from studies suggests that regular intake of vitamin K is required in order to achieve optimal calcium regulation. Yet, in some individuals, this isn't always necessary.

Magnesium plays a vital role in helping the body produce vitamin D and is also important in moving it through the bloodstream to where it's needed. Ultimately, without enough magnesium, vitamin D can't be effectively processed or transported.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble (lipophilic) vitamin, meaning it dissolves in fat. Consuming it with dietary fat therefore improves its absorption, which is whyNutritional Therapist, Eleanor Hoath advises clients "take Vitamin D3 supplement in conjunction with their omega-3 or alongside a meal containing fats".

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Vitamin D: Beyond supplements

To keep your vitamin D levels optimal over the darker, winter months, try to work vitamin D into your routine. You can focus on a mix of diet, lifestyle choices, and supplements. Try to get out into the daylight too, as much as possible, as this will allow your circadian rhythmto benefit from natural light. It’s also a good idea to check your blood levels so you can adjust your intake of vitamin D to what works best for you.

It is possible to overdo it. Therefore, it's important to be mindful and test your vitamin D levels at least once a year to keep an eye on them.

“Sustained high levels (upwards of 200 nmol/l can be problematic for some people and start to interfere with calcium metabolism. September is a good time of year to test as the result will tell you what your vitamin D stores are like before we head into the winter months, when there isn't enough strong sunshine available to stimulate vit D production in the skin.”

Sally Duffin, Nutritional Therapist

Further reading: The Vitamin D Sources You Need To Know About

Further reading: An Expert Guide To Fine-Tuning Your Circadian Rhythm For Better Sleep