By Schuyler Corrigan

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May 31, 2022

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Here at RNM, high-quality herbal and nutritional supplements are something that we utilize individually for each patient. Often, new patients will come to see us with a bag full of current supplements that we will then tailor to fit their needs. If we introduce new supplements, our intention is that these supplements will be changing and shifting as their health changes. Very rarely are supplements needed every single day for years at a time with no change. Our health is not stagnant, and neither should our healthy routines be. During the summer months, one thing to take note of is your vitamin D dosage, and it’s likely this one will need to be adjusted. 

 

Supplementation & Diet for Vitamin D:

There are two different sources of vitamin D supplementation: Vitamin D3 and Vitamin D2. Vitamin D3 is synthesized from sun-exposed skin and is more bioavailable for humans. Generally, a vitamin D3 supplement is sourced from cholecalciferol or lanolin, derived from sheep wool, and is highly absorbable for humans. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is synthesized by fungi and is plant-sourced often from lichen (many vegans will supplement with D2 instead of D3). Vitamin D2 is not quite as well absorbed by humans, however, there is still benefit to supplementing with this form, as both D2 and D3 supplementation have been shown to increase serum levels of 25(OH)D.

Vitamin D is transported through general circulation to the liver, where enzyme 25 hydroxylase converts it to 25OHD. Through further conversions within the kidneys changes 25OHD into 1, 25 OH2D3 which is the active form of Vitamin D. Dietary sources of Vitamin D are relatively few, but do include cod liver oil and fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, swordfish, sardines, and tuna as well as some mushrooms that are UV-irradiated and eggs. Other foods may be fortified with vitamin D (non-naturally occurring) such as milk, yogurt, and sometimes processed grains and cereals.

Read More: How does vitamin D affect immune health?

Why Adjust Vitamin D Dosing?

Without exposure to sunlight on a daily basis, we become deficient in Vitamin D, and not surprisingly, it’s one of the most common deficiencies in North America today. Vitamin D influences almost every single body system in some way, including the immune system, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, reproductive system, and digestive system. During the darker months, our vitamin D levels drop, while during sunnier months of spring and summer, we are usually getting adequate amounts of vitamin D. Thus, the dose of vitamin D supplementation you were taking in the winter may not be appropriate for summertime. 

 

Before you increase or decrease your vitamin D supplement, have your levels checked so you know if you need to do this, and by how much. Your naturopathic doctor can easily tell you how to do this, and guide you to the appropriate seasonal dosing. 

If you have questions or would like to connect with your ND about adjusting your supplements, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.