Vitamin D supplements
Who’s at risk of low vitamin D levels?
If people spend too little time outdoors or have dark skin, they belong to the risk group for vitamin D3 deficiency. Since older people particularly also do not tend to go outdoors as often and our bodies produce less vitamin D with age they are also at risk. For people in these risk group, vitamin D3 supplements are an important source of the vitamin we call the sunshine vitamin.
Babies should always stay in the shade – this unfortunately means they have a high risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency. To prevent rickets, paediatricians prescribe vitamin D3 for babies who are less than one year old. This is because if their bones are not sufficiently mineralised, their skeleton can become deformed.
In addition, a vitamin D3 deficiency can lead to osteoporosis later on in life. Your paediatrician will decide how long your baby needs vitamin D supplements; as a guideline, children born in winter usually receive vitamin D supplements for 1.5 years.
How can I boost my vitamin D levels naturally?
Experts recommend you briefly expose your bare face, hands and arms without suncream two to three times a week between March and October exposure to the sun with bare face, hands and arms without sunscreen two to three times a week between the months of March and October to ensure a sufficient supply of vitamin D3. People with sensitive skin should only soak up UV light for five minutes; for dark skin types, up to 15 minutes is considered safe.
Should I use vitamin D supplements?
If you do not belong to the risk group, you should have your vitamin D levels checked before taking food supplements. You can easily order a Vitamin D Test at cerascreen®. You should note that seasonal fluctuations are normal. For all those who cannot increase their body’s production of vitamin D naturally, capsules, oils or drops are a great alternative way to boost vitamin D levels if there is a deficiency. The form in which you buy your vitamin D supplements is up to your personal taste.
Capsules are dissolved in a teaspoon of water, while drops can be taken directly. However, make sure you pay attention to the dosage you require because even one more drop than necessary means you are taking twice the amount needed. You might find it easier to serve the vitamin D drop on a tablespoon before consuming.
Which form of vitamin D is best?
Our vitamin D supplements that contain vitamin D in its active form can be absorbed by the body faster and better in order to boost its effects. The active form of vitamin D3 is cholecalciferol.
Ideally, vitamin D supplements should be suitable for use for many groups of people. The ingredients should ideally be lactose-free, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan. Among our range of vegan supplements, you will find a great range of further dietary supplements to take if you are on a vegan diet.
Only substances that positively influence vitamin D’s absorption in our bodies should be added to vitamin D supplements. Adding fats to fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, K) helps – olive oil, coconut oil or peanut oil help our intestine absorb the vitamin. We recommend fairly neutral-tasting supplements that don’t contain any added flavourings.
