How long does it take for Vitamin D to work? Is it just the time it takes for your body to make enough of this vitamin, or might other factors be involved? This article will break down how long it takes for Vitamin D to work in your body, then explore what else might influence the speed at which you ingest this vitamin.
Table of Contents
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a vitamin that is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. Vitamin D also helps regulate the immune system and promote cell growth.
It takes about two weeks for the body to produce enough vitamin D from sun exposure. However, many people don’t get enough sun exposure because they live in areas with little sunlight or cover their skin to avoid the sun. In addition, some people are deficient in vitamin D because they have dark skin or are obese.
In children, inadequate vitamin D can lead to rickets, a disease that causes bones to become weak and deformed. Insufficient vitamin D has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease in adults.
The best way to get your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin D is to spend at least 10 minutes each day outside in the sunlight. You can also take a supplement if you don’t get enough sun exposure or are deficient in vitamin D.
How Much Vitamin D Do You Need?
There is a lot of confusion about how much vitamin D people need and the optimal dose. A 2008 study in the “Journal of Bone and Mineral Research” found that 50 percent of people aged 18 to 75 do not have enough vitamin D. That’s shocking because most people cannot make their vitamin D from sunlight.
The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin D is 600 IU per day. However, some experts say that most people need up to 3,000 IU daily, especially if they are overweight or have darker skin. Only 10 percent of Americans get the recommended amount of vitamin D from sunlight.
If you don’t have time for sun exposure, you can also take a supplement. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 400 IU per day for children up to age 8 and 600 IU per day for children 9 to 18. Adults should take 1,000 IU per day.
Why is Vitamin D Important?
Vitamin D is important because it helps the body absorb calcium for strong bones and teeth. It also helps the body to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood.
What Happens If You’re Not Getting Enough Vitamin D?
If you’re not getting enough vitamin D, your body can’t produce the calcium it needs to maintain strong bones. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 75% of Americans are not getting enough vitamin D. And if you’re one of those Americans, here are six ways that lack of vitamin D can impact your health:
1. You’re at a higher risk for developing conditions like osteoporosis and some types of cancer.
2. You’re more likely to experience fatigue, mood swings, and autoimmune diseases.
3. Your gut health is also likely to suffer since good gut bacteria help digest food properly and helps regulate our immune system.
4. You’re less able to fight off infections, which can lead to serious health problems like pneumonia or meningitis.
5. Your cognitive function may be impaired since vitamin D is essential for brain function and development.
Symptoms of Low Vitamin D
Low vitamin D levels can lead to various symptoms, including muscle pain, fatigue, and a lack of energy. These symptoms can worsen and lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
Conclusions
Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus. These nutrients are essential for the health of bones and teeth.
Many studies have shown that vitamin D can help reduce the risk of major chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes.
The time it takes for vitamin D to work in the body depends on a person’s skin color, intake of other nutrients, exercise habits, and other factors. Some people take weeks or months to see benefits from vitamin D supplements, while others see improvements within days or weeks. The best way to determine how quickly vitamin D will work for you is to talk to your doctor.
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