Vitamin D is becoming more and more the focus of dietary supplements. But when should you take vitamin D so that the body can utilize it optimally? A Harvard expert explains.
Vitamin D is also called the sunshine vitamin because we naturally absorb it through UV-B radiation. However, in some situations it may make sense to supplement vitamin D to prevent a deficiency.
There is a large selection and, as with many dietary supplements, it can quickly become confusing as to when and how best to take the vitamin. Ultimately, you want to avoid both deficiency and overdose and ensure that your body absorbs the valuable nutrients optimally.
An expert from Harvard University explains when you should take vitamin D – and the answer is clear.
Morning or evening: When should you take vitamin D?
When asked when it is best to take vitamin D, Harvard University medical professor JoAnn Manson gives a clear answer to the Good Housekeeping platform:
It does not matter. What matters is not the timing – morning, lunch or evening – but rather that you take vitamin D with a meal.
Like Dr. Manson explains, vitamin D is absorbed in the body with fat. So vitamin D is not water-soluble like vitamin C or some B vitamins, but a fat-soluble vitamin. For this reason, vitamin D often comes in fatty drops or oily capsules.
Healthy fats for vitamin D absorption
So it’s not important when you take vitamin D, but how. Many vitamin D supplements are already dissolved in fat to allow better absorption in the body. However, you can also make sure to include some healthy fat in your meal to better absorb vitamin D.
Here are some ideas for healthy fats in your diet:
- Basically, a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids is important. The unsaturated fatty acids may predominate.
- Include foods with essential fatty acids in your diet. These include, for example, avocados, nuts, flax, chia or hemp seeds.
- Use healthy oil for cooking or as a dressing. For example, olive oil, rapeseed oil, linseed oil or hemp oil are good.
- A nut butter for breakfast or cooking can also provide you with valuable fats.
By the way, you can also absorb vitamin D naturally through food. Read here which foods it is found in:
Interesting facts about vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for our body. The sunshine vitamin helps us build strong bones and powerful muscles by supporting calcium and phosphorus absorption. For example, osteoporosis can be prevented. Vitamin D also helps with important metabolic processes and contributes to a healthy immune system.
Since vitamin D is absorbed through UV-B rays, it is usually not necessary to take a supplement in summer. However, there is often a deficiency of vitamin D in winter.
Health information about vitamin D:
- Pay attention to the correct dose and, if in doubt, seek medical advice. It is important to avoid both vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D overdose. Both can have health consequences.
- Even though vitamin D is absorbed through the sun, you should always wear enough sun protection. Otherwise, the risk of skin cancer increases.
Tip: In our detailed guide “Vitamin D: When tablets make sense and when they are a waste of money” you will find an all-round overview of the most important questions.
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