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How Long Does Vitamin D Stay in the Body?

how long does vitamin d stay in the body

How long does vitamin D stay in the body? 

As per our expertise, vitamin D typically stays in the body between 7-21 days, which is known as its 'half-life'. This means that after this period, about half of the vitamin D you've consumed will still be present in your system.

In this blog post, we at Vitamart will explore what vitamin D does in your body, its absorption and digestion processes, and how long it remains active for optimal well-being.

Let's dive in and uncover the secrets of this essential vitamin!

What this article covers:

What Does Vitamin D Do in Your Body?

Often referred to as the 'sunshine vitamin', vitamin D is vital for various bodily functions:

  • absorbs calcium and phosphorus to promote strong bones and teeth
  • supports your immune system to fight off infections and diseases
  • contributes to muscle function
  • reduces inflammation in the body
  • regulates mood to promote mental health
vitamin d stay in the body

Whether you take vitamin D in morning or night, your body will reap numerous benefits from consistently taking the recommended amount, which is roughly 600-800 IU per day for adults.

Given its importance, it's no wonder many people are curious about ‘How quickly does vitamin D work for fatigue?' as well as other ailments.

Our investigation demonstrated that people with a severe deficiency usually start feeling better after a few days of taking vitamin D.

In contrast, individuals with higher vitamin D levels who only needed to increase their intake slightly reported feeling more energised within a few weeks of starting vitamin D supplementation.

How Long Does It Take for Your Body to Absorb and Digest Vitamin D?

Whether you're getting your vitamin D from sunlight, food sources, or through vitamin D supplements, the absorption and digestion processes begin almost immediately.

Let's take a closer look at what this process entails.

Table: Absorption And Digestion Rates And Processes Of Vitamin D Sources

Vitamin D Source

Absorption And Digestion Rates

Process

Sun Exposure

  • 15-30 minutes
  • Absorbed through the skin after exposure to UV-B rays
  • Skin synthesises vitamin D3
  • Synthesis speed is ultimately dependent on skin pigmentation

Diet

  • 12-24 hours
  • Absorbed into the small intestine and digested
  • Transported to the liver
  • Converted into a usable form
  • Requires regular consumption of foods that are rich in vitamin D

Supplements

  • Up to 24 hours
  • Absorbed and digested by small intestine
  • Gets stored in the body's fat cells for future use

It's important to know how to take vitamin D correctly to maximise absorption.

For example, taking vitamin D with a meal that contains some dietary fats can help improve absorption and digestion rates.

How Long Does Vitamin D Stay in Your Body After You Take It?

Once vitamin D is absorbed and processed by your body, it doesn't disappear immediately.

As mentioned earlier, the half-life of vitamin D in the body is about 2-3 weeks. After this period, roughly 50% of the vitamin D you've consumed and which gets stored in your body's fat cells will still be present in your system.

It's important to note that the amount of vitamin D left in your body can be influenced by various factors, such as:

  • your initial vitamin D levels
  • how much you've consumed
  • your body composition
  • the time of year

It's worth noting that it may take a few weeks or even months of consistent vitamin D supplement use to see significant changes in your overall well-being.

vitamin d

Conclusion

In this blog post, our findings have shown that vitamin D typically stays in the body for 7-21 days during what's known as its ‘half-life'.

Now that you know how vitamin D works in your body, find the perfect vitamin D Canada supplements for your needs and take a step towards better health today with us at Vitamart!

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