How long it takes for vitamin D to work can depend on various factors, including body weight, skin pigmentation, and current vitamin D levels. It can also depend on the type and strength of supplement you’ve been taking – if any at all. On average, it can take up to 10 days to raise your vitamin D intake to sufficient levels.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand how quickly vitamin D supplements work and explain how to supplement vitamin D effectively, so you can take the right amount.
In this guide:
- How Long Does It Take for Vitamin D to Work?
- The Importance of Vitamin D Supplements
- Who is Most at Risk of Low Vitamin D Levels?
- How Much Vitamin D Do You Need?
- How to Test Your Vitamin D Levels at Home
- Types of Vitamin D Supplements
How Long Does It Take for Vitamin D to Work?
How quickly vitamin D works can depend on the method of supplementation. How long it takes to raise your vitamin D to a sufficient level can also vary depending on your age, body weight and baseline level.
We carried out thousands of tests in partnership with the Sandwell and Birmingham NHS Trust to find out how much vitamin D we should be getting per day. According to our research, the average adult usually requires 2000 to 3000 IU daily (50-75 micrograms (μg)) to maintain healthy serum levels of vitamin D. Your serum levels indicate the amount of vitamin D in your blood.
How Quickly Does Vitamin D Work with BetterYou Oral Sprays?
So, how quickly do vitamin D supplements work when you take them every day? We tested our oral spray technology to see how fast vitamin D works. Our results found that the spray increased vitamin D serum levels within 3 days for both replete and deplete participants, with a significant increase within 10 days.
Using a daily spray supplement, vitamin D deficiency can be easily turned into an optimal level within 10 weeks.
Vitamin D oral sprays from BetterYou offer a fast-absorbing, fast-acting and easy-to-use alternative to tablets and capsules, helping you improve your daily intake of vital nutrients. Our supplements can help to raise your vitamin D levels and avoid the side effects of vitamin D deficiency.
The Importance of Vitamin D Supplements
Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because our bodies make it from sunlight. Ultraviolet light (UVB) converts 7-dehydrocholesterol in our skin into vitamin D. This is our primary source of vitamin D, so naturally, it can be difficult to rely on this method of synthesising vitamin D.
In the UK, it can be challenging to get enough sunlight exposure during the winter months, particularly between October and March. That’s why it’s often recommended to take dietary supplements to help improve your intake of winter vitamins.
BetterYou Know
The reason why we can’t produce vitamin D from sunlight during winter is due to the sun’s shallow angle. This prevents UVB rays from penetrating the Earth’s atmosphere effectively – even on bright, sunny days.
Not only that, but our modern lives keep us increasingly indoors. Whether you’re at the office or working from home, we may not be exposed to enough sunlight during the summer months to synthesise enough vitamin D either.
Who is Most at Risk of Low Vitamin D Levels?
Those in the ‘at-risk’ groups may consider taking supplements to help raise their levels, as they are more likely to suffer low levels of vitamin D. These people may include:
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Infants and young children under 5 years of age
- Older people aged 65 years and over
- People who have low or no exposure to the sun
- People who have darker skin
Those who follow a vegan or plant-based diet, or exclude certain food groups due to allergies, intolerances or lifestyle, may miss also out on the nutrients in their diet. Vegan supplements can help to bridge the gaps left in diets which exclude animal products.
Once you know how long it takes for vitamin D to work and whether you should take supplements, it’s important to know your recommended amount. That way, you can see the essential benefits of vitamin D for yourself.
How Much Vitamin D Do You Need?
Vitamin D has many health benefits. It may be best known for supporting a healthy immune system, but it also plays a vital role in maintaining normal bone and teeth health and muscle function.
The NHS provides a minimum amount of vitamin D we should be getting every day, known as a Nutrient Reference Value (NRV). This level ensures the body can maintain its fundamental functions.
|
Group |
How Much Vitamin D Per Day? (μg - micrograms) |
|
Infants (Up to 12 months) |
8.5 |
|
Children (1-17 years) |
10 |
|
Adults (18+ years) |
10 |
However, these are recommended as the minimum dosages. To maximise the benefits of vitamin D, we recommend an optimal dose of 1000 IU per 25kg of body weight. Meaning, the typical adult should be taking around 3000 IU per day.
Learn more about how much vitamin D you should take per day with our guide, including optimal and maximum doses. Always read the NRV guidelines for vital nutrients.
How to Test Your Vitamin D Levels at Home
You can test your vitamin D levels with our at-home vitamin D test. Find out your baseline level, if your supplements are working for you, or whether you need to increase your intake. If you’re concerned about your nutritional intake, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor who may arrange a test for you.
The UK Department of Health advises the following measurement guidelines:
- ≥50 nmol/L = adequate
- 25 - 50 nmol/L = insufficient
- <25nmol/L = deficient
BetterYou’s vitamin D test identifies the stored D3 and D2 levels in your blood to identify your risk of deficiency.
Our at-home health test kits are simple to follow. Check your dosage in five easy steps:
Order your vitamin D test online.
- Once received, place four spots of blood onto the collection card with a quick and simple prick of the finger.
- Use the prepaid envelope to send the collection card to City Assays, who will analyse the sample for Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.
- Receive your results via email within two weeks of the lab receiving your sample.
- We will provide a bespoke supplementation plan to help increase or maintain your vitamin D levels, including a free Vitamin D oral spray (worth up to £10.95) to get you started.
Types of Vitamin D Supplements
At BetterYou, our vitamin D supplements are formulated to provide effective and hassle-free nutritional support without the need for tablets.
Our vitamin supplements provide different strengths for different ages and needs. Discover which one is right for you:
|
Type of spray |
Image |
Benefits |
|---|---|---|
|
Vitamin D 4000 IU |
 |
|
|
Vitamin D3+K2 |
 |
|
|
Vitamin D 3000 IU |
 |
|
|
Vitamin D 1000 IU |
 |
|
|
Vitamin D 400 IU Junior |
 |
|
|
Vitamin D 400 IU Infant |
 |
|
The Government advises that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during autumn and winter to help maintain healthy nutrient levels.
Supplementing your vitamin D intake to the recommended daily amount can help support essential functions such as encouraging stronger bones and teeth and a healthy immune system. This means you’ll be in a better position to fend off common coughs, colds, and symptoms of fatigue.
Support Your Health with BetterYou
Discover a better way to a BetterYou with our pioneering oral spray vitamins and transdermal magnesium products, designed for fast, effective nutrient absorption.
Our products are also palm oil-free and use plant-based packaging, all with sustainability in mind. Browse our range for men, women, and kids, and support your health with BetterYou.
