Are you lacking Vitamin D? It has been a very common deficiency nowadays.
The Vitamin D deficiency contributes to calcium deficiency & many more.
Karetrip is here to help you explore Vitamin D deficiency & best supplements available.
Importance of Vitamin D
Vitamin D are important vitamins that help with the absorption of calcium & maintaining good bone health.
It also helps in boosting your immune system protecting against bacterias & viruses.
Factors Leading to Vitamin D Deficiency
There are many other factors leading to the lack of Vitamin D. These include:
Dietary preferences
Vitamin D is naturally found in a few foods, which are mostly animal products like fatty fish, egg yolk, cheese & beef liver. Hence pure vegetarian/vegans may not acquire sufficient Vitamin D throughout their diet.
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Skin Color: Darker skin tones have higher melanin, which reduce Vitamin D absorption rate.
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Geographic Location: Some regions have very little sun exposure, these can make the inhabitants prone to Vitamin D deficiency.
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Age
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Limited sun exposure and more indoor stay
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Medications etc.
What happens if You Don’t Get Enough Vitamin D ?
Lack of Vitamin D can lead to extreme coldness, fatigue & reduced immunity. They can also help with your bone health & healthy hearts.
In Children:
Causes rickets, a disease where bones become:
- Soft
- Weak
- Deformed
- Painful
In Teens & Adults:
Causes osteomalacia, a disorder leading to:
- Bone pain
- Muscle weakness
8 Vitamin D Dietary Supplements
Vitamin D is available in various supplements. It can be either Vitamin D tablets or those that come with other vitamins like K2 or calcium. It comes in two forms:
- D2 (ergocalciferol)
- D3 (cholecalciferol)
Both these forms raise the level of Vitamin D in your blood. However D3 might do so more effectively for longer periods.
Taking Vitamin D with fatty foods can help optimize the absorption rate of these supplements.
Some vitamin supplements are given below:
1. Form of Vitamin D
Top-Pick: NatureWise Vitamin D3
Type: Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
Pros:
- D3 is more effective than D2 at raising & maintaining blood Vitamin D levels.
- Comes in a softgel form & is easy to swallow & well-absorbed.
Cons:
- Must be taken with a meal containing fat for optimal absorption.
- Some users may prefer a non-capsule form.
2. Bioavailability
Top-Pick: Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3
Type: D3 with Olive Oil
Pros:
- It has olive oil content, improving absorption capacity
- High-quality ingredients
- Third-party Testing for purity.
Cons:
- It can be very expensive
- Not suitable for those with olive oil allergies.
3. Dosage & Potency
Top-Pick: Thorne Research Vitamin D/K2
Type: Vitamin D3 with Vitamin K2 Pros:
- High potency with 5,000 IU of D3, ideal for those with significant deficiencies.
- Vitamin K2 supports bone health by directing calcium to the bones.
Cons:
- The high dosage may not be suitable for everyone without medical supervision.
- Expensive compared to other options.
4. Quality & Purity
Top-Pick: Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3
Type: D3 (1,000 IU)
Pros:
- Known for rigorous third-party testing for purity standards.
- Hypoallergenic
- Free from gluten, soy, & dairy.
Cons:
- Available in smaller doses, which may not be sufficient for those with severe deficiencies.
- It can be very costly.
5. Additional Ingredients
Top-Pick: Sports Research Vegan Vitamin D3 + K2
Type: D3 + K2
Pros:
- Vitamin D3 + K2 can increase calcium absorption & bone health. -Vegan-friendly formula made from lichen.
Cons:
- Slightly higher price for a vegan supplement.
- The addition of K2 may not be necessary for everyone.
6. Dietary Restrictions & Allergies
Top-Pick: Garden of Life Vitamin D3
Type: Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free
Pros:
Suitable for vegans, vegetarians, & those with gluten or dairy allergies. Sourced from whole foods with additional probiotics for gut health.
Cons:
Lower bioavailability compared to animal-based D3 supplements. May contain more fillers than other supplements.
7. Brand Reputation
Top-Pick: NOW Foods Vitamin D3
Type: D3 Softgels
Pros:
- Well-regarded brand with a reputation for quality & affordability.
- Available in various dosages to suit different needs.
- Chewable
Cons:
- Some users might experience fishy aftertaste due to gelatin capsule.
- Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
8. Price & Value
Top-Pick: Nature Made Vitamin D3
Type: D3 (1,000 IU)
Pros:
- Affordable & widely available
- USP verified for quality & potency.
Cons:
- Basic formulation without additional nutrients or premium ingredients.
- Some may find the lower dosage insufficient for correcting severe deficiencies.
Vitamin D & Medication Interactions: What to Know
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Orlistat (Xenical & alli): Orlistat reduces how much Vitamin D is absorbed from the intestines, which can lead to lower Vitamin D levels in your body.
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Statins (Cholesterol-lowering drugs): High doses of Vitamin D can potentially decrease the effectiveness of statins, which are used to manage cholesterol levels.
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Steroids (e.g., Prednisone): Steroids like prednisone can lower the levels of Vitamin D in your blood, potentially affecting bone health & the immune system.
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Thiazide Diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide): When taken with Vitamin D supplements, thiazide diuretics can increase calcium levels in the blood, which might lead to hypercalcemia.
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin. Most of the people however suffer from lack of vitamin D.
The prolonged indoor stay, dietary preferences and many other factors lead to vitamin D deficiency.
There are many supplements available in the market which don't require a doctor prescription for this. But it is highly advised to consult a doctor before starting any prescription. Make sure to convey any history of medications and other illnesses.
Everything is a boon when you know what moderation is.