Vitamin D-Taking It With Bigger Meals

Make your vitamin D supplement work even harder. Taking it with your biggest meal of the day boosts the vitamin’s absorption.

Not getting enough vitamin D? Instead of taking it on an empty stomach or with a light meal, down your vitamin D supplement with the biggest meal of the day. According to a recent study at the Cleveland Clinic, taking vitamin D with large meals can significantly boost its absorption. Researchers selected 17 men and women who had low levels of vitamin D, despite taking supplements, and instructed them to take their pill with their biggest meal. After two to three months, participants’ vitamin D levels had increased by 50%.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis and some autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosis. Clinical trials of vitamin D with calcium supplementation have demonstrated a benefit by reducing fractures related to osteoporosis.

This is an evolving field of study with many more trials needed to show benefit or lack thereof as it relates to other conditions and diseases. Check with your doctor to find out if you should consider taking vitamin D supplements.