Are You Taking Your Vitamin D Wrong? A Doctor’s Perspective on Getting It Right

Vitamin D isn’t just another supplement to take; it’s a vital component of your overall health. Many patients assume that a bit of sunshine is sufficient, yet there is much more to consider.

In this article, we will explore why Vitamin D is so important, how you might be falling short, and what practical steps you can take to optimise your health. At Optimal Health, we take a proactive, science-based approach to support your long-term health and well-being.

In this article

• What is Vitamin D?
• Why You Should Really Care About Vitamin D
• Which Foods Are High In Vitamin D?
• Rethinking Your Supplement Routine: Are You Taking Your Vitamin D Wrong?
• Why Do Blood Tests Matter?
• Ready to Take Charge of Your Health?

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is unique among vitamins because it acts like a hormone in your body. While it’s best known as a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates calcium and phosphate – key to maintaining strong bones and healthy muscles – its impact goes far beyond this, as we explore further in this article. 

Despite South Africa’s abundant sunshine, factors like indoor lifestyles and regular sunscreen use can limit Vitamin D production. Even variations in skin pigmentation can limit the natural production of Vitamin D. This means that many individuals may not achieve the levels needed for optimal health through sun exposure alone.

Why You Should Really Care About Vitamin D

The benefits of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels extend far beyond bone health. It’s not just about avoiding brittle bones. Adequate Vitamin D levels are linked to several aspects of good health:

• Bone and Muscle Health: Adequate vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium. Without it, your bones can become brittle and your muscles weak, increasing the risk of falls and fractures.
• Immune Function: Vitamin D plays a role in modulating your immune response. Research suggests that sufficient levels may help reduce the risk of infections and support overall immune resilience.
• Chronic Disease Prevention: Emerging evidence links vitamin D deficiency to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and even mood disorders. However, while studies support these associations, further research is needed to fully understand these links.
• Overall Vitality: For many, vitamin D is synonymous with vitality. By ensuring that your levels are within an optimal range, you may experience improved energy levels and a greater sense of well‐being.

Research is ongoing, but many studies suggest that proactive Vitamin D intake is a sensible part of a healthy lifestyle.

Which Foods Are High In Vitamin D?

While sunlight is the most effective way to activate Vitamin D, your diet also plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal levels. However, only a handful of foods are naturally rich in Vitamin D. Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines top the list as some of the best natural sources. Cod liver oil is another potent option, offering a concentrated dose of this essential nutrient.

Egg yolks and certain types of mushrooms, especially those exposed to sunlight, also contribute small amounts of Vitamin D. In addition, many foods like cereals, and even orange juice, are designed to boost your Vitamin D intake.

While incorporating vitamin D-rich foods into your daily routine is an important step, modern lifestyles and dietary limitations often mean that food sources alone may not deliver enough of this essential nutrient. 

That’s where supplementation comes in. However, not all supplements are created equal, and finding the best method for you is important.

Rethinking Your Supplement Routine: Are You Taking Your Vitamin D Wrong?

A topic of much discussion these days is the method of supplementation. Traditionally, Vitamin D is taken in pill form and swallowed, but some research insights point towards sublingual administration – that is, placing a small dose under your tongue. The idea is that this method may lead to better absorption, as it bypasses some of the digestive processes that can reduce efficacy.

Individual responses can vary, so if you are considering a switch in your supplementation method, book an Optimal Health consultation, where we can advise you based on your specific needs. 

Why Do Blood Tests Matter?

Determining your Vitamin D status is straightforward with a simple blood test that measures the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. 

At Optimal Health, we ask that you complete a series of pre-consultation blood tests. These tests cover not only Vitamin D but also other vital parameters. Parameters such as pH balance, inflammation markers, organ function, hormone levels, metabolic function, and nutritional status. This comprehensive snapshot of your health is essential, as our bodily systems are intricately linked. Changes in one area can have ripple effects throughout your body.

Regular monitoring allows us to tailor advice to your unique needs rather than relying on a generic, one-size-fits-all recommendation. Book an Optimal Health consultation with us to get started.

Ready to Take Charge of Your Health?

If you’re curious about your Vitamin D levels, or if you’ve been wondering whether a different supplementation method might be right for you, now is the time to find out. Our team of experts is here to guide you through your personalised blood test results and work with you to create a health plan that aligns with your unique needs.

Take the first step towards a more active, healthier life. Book your Optimal Health consultation today and discover how a balanced, informed approach to Vitamin D can make a real difference to your overall well-being.

We’re available via call, email, and WhatsApp – get in touch today to begin your journey towards Optimal Health.

About the Author

Dr. Mohamed Moti is a dedicated medical doctor from Johannesburg, South Africa, and the founder of Optimal Health. Through years of practice, Dr. Moti has recognised that the leading causes of morbidity and mortality stem from modifiable illnesses or non-communicable diseases. He has seen first hand that these conditions can be prevented, effectively managed, or even reversed when addressed early. 

Frustrated with a traditional medical model that focuses solely on symptom treatment and damage control, Dr. Moti sought a better way to help his patients achieve and maintain long-term health and wellness. His search led him to the concept of integrative medicine, and from there, Optimal Health was born.