How long does it take for Vitamin D to work: Introduction

Vitamin D can often be referred to as the "sunshine" Vitamin. It’s commonly known that our biggest and best source of Vitamin D is the sun. It is an essential nutrient that plays a pivotal role in maintaining our health & daily wellbeing. Surprisingly, deficiency of this vitamin is one of the most common in the world.

While the importance of Vitamin D is widely recognised, those hoping for Vitamin D supplementation to be a quick fix for improved wellbeing often end up asking "How long does it take for vitamin D to work?". In this article, we take a look at the significance of vitamin D, including numerous benefits, and explore the factors that influence how quickly it can start making a difference to your daily wellbeing.

The Importance of Vitamin D 

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that behaves similarly to our hormones. It has a high duty of importance due to the various functions it carries out to critical areas within our body. Some of the more notable areas include:

Bone Health

Vitamin D helps us absorb calcium and phosphorus. Both are essential that we maintain strong and healthy bones. Without the adequate amount of vitamin D, our bodies struggle to use the calcium that it gathers from food sources (like milk) or supplements. This can lead to weak bones and increased likelihood of injuries such as fractures or osteoporosis.

Immune System Support

Research now suggests that Vitamin D is a key player in the body’s response to microbial threat. In other words its immune-boosting properties. It helps the body defend against infections and diseases by enhancing the production and function of immune cells.

Mood Regulation

Further research suggests that vitamin D may have an influence on mood and mental health. Some studies have suggested that low levels of vitamin D have been closely associated with diseases such as depression. These studies await further verification.

Cardiovascular Health

Adequate vitamin D levels are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. Studies suggest it helps regulate blood pressure and maintains healthy blood vessel function, linking vitamin D deficiencies with hypertension & heart failure.

How Long Does It Take for Vitamin D to Work?

The time it takes for vitamin D to work in your body can vary depending on several factors, including your current level of vitamin D, the type of vitamin D that you are consuming, and the general status of your health. Here are some important considerations:

Personal Vitamin D Level

It is good to understand your own Vitamin D levels. If you have deficient levels of vitamin D then it may take longer to see noticeable improvements in your health. You can find out your Vitamin D through taking blood tests with your local doctor or pharmacy.

Type of Vitamin D

The two most common are Vitamin D2 & Vitamin D3. The most commonly supplemented is Vitamin D3 as its’ more effective at raising blood levels.

Dosage

The amount of vitamin D you take also affects how long it takes to work. Higher doses may lead to quicker results, but it's essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your specific needs.

Sun Exposure

As we mentioned before, the most common source of Vitamin D is the sun. If you regularly get sunlight, you may already get optimal levels of vitamin D. Although another factor to consider is skin type & your skins sensitivity to sunlight. If you’re not regularly in sunlight, it can take a few weeks of regular sun exposure to see a noticeable improvement in levels.

Overall Health

Your overall health and individual response to vitamin D supplementation play a role in how it can impact your bodily functions. There are various factors to consider like age, genetics, and medical conditions that may all impact how your body absorbs & administers vitamin D.

As a general guideline, it can take several weeks to a few months of consistent vitamin D supplementation to raise your blood levels and start experiencing the benefits associated with optimal vitamin D status. However, it's crucial to be patient and consistent with your supplementation or sun exposure to reap the full advantages of this essential nutrient.

Main Sources of Vitamin D

Here are some of the main ways you can obtain this vital nutrient.

Sunlight

As we’ve touched on before. Sunlight is our most natural source of vitamin D. This takes place when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays from sunlight. If it’s possible, we recommend spending between 15-30 minutes in the sunlight, several times a week.

Fatty fish

Fish are often filled with healthy fats. Some of the best fish for Vitamin D include Salmon, Sardines & Mackerel.

Eggs

The yolks within eggs provide a small dose of Vitamin D.

Fortified foods

Fortified foods such as low-processed breakfast cereals, orange juice and milk are a great source of vitamin D.

Conclusion

So, how long does it take for vitamin D to work?

By now you should realise that this can vary due many factors. One thing for sure is that Vitamin D is essential to various aspects of health, from bone strength to immune system support and mood regulation. If you have concerns over Vitamin D levels then we recommend going to your local doctor or pharmacist to get a blood test. From there you can seek professional advice on next steps.

If you’d like to know more about our Boosted Berries (that contains vitamin D), then please click here.

If you’d like to receive more valuable information like this article, then subscribe below and we’ll do all the work for you.