hands holding vitamin D capsules near food

In addition to being a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin D can also be classified as a nutrient and hormone, according to Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health. Scientists associate various benefits with Vitamin D. A 2004 study posted in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition notes that vitamin D as a hormone increases levels of calcium in the blood as well as its absorption, which facilitates bone mineralization.

A 2021 study published in The Nursing Clinics of North America explains that vitamin D has three main sources: sunlight, supplementation, and diet. Some common vitamin D-rich foods include soy milk, mushrooms, tuna, and fortified cereals, per Healthline. While the sun and diet are very potent sources of vitamin D, many people turn to supplementation, especially during the autumn and winter when the sun is not strong (via NHS).

Despite the benefits of supplementation, 35% of adults in the U.S. (and a billion people globally) have vitamin D deficiency (via Cleveland Clinic). Such a deficiency puts you at risk of chronic bone and back aches, impaired wound healing, hair loss, anxiety, and depression, according to Healthline. If you’re thinking of supplementing your vitamin D, it’s crucial to speak to your doctor to understand what dosage is best. As for the question of what’s the best time of the day to take vitamin D, keep reading for more information.