Vitamin D might not be the flashiest supplement, but it’s one of the most foundational – especially when it comes to energy, immunity, and overall resilience.
If you’ve been feeling low, tired, or just “off,” checking in on your Vitamin D status is a simple and empowering place to start.
We don’t often think about sunshine as a nutrient—but when it comes to Vitamin D, it kind of is.
Vitamin D is one of those underrated, behind-the-scenes nutrients that quietly supports so many key functions in the body. Most people know it has something to do with bone health. But the truth is, it plays a much bigger role than that—and being low in Vitamin D can affect how you feel every day.
So, let’s
break it down:
What does Vitamin D do, why does it matter, and
how can you make sure you’re getting enough?
Why Is Vitamin D Important?
Vitamin D is actually a hormone, not just a vitamin. And it does a lot of heavy lifting for your body:
Supports strong bones by helping you absorb calcium
Boosts your immune system—which is especially important during cold/flu season (and hello, long Canadian winters!)
Helps regulate mood and mental well-being
Plays a role in hormone balance and inflammation
Supports muscle function and cardiovascular health
When your levels are in a healthy range, you’re more likely to have steady energy, stronger immunity, and even better sleep and mood.
Signs You Might Be Low in Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is incredibly common, especially if you live in a place with long winters, spend a lot of time indoors, or wear sun protective clothing often (which we should, but it does block Vitamin D production).
Here are some common signs you might be running low:
Feeling tired or run down, even after sleeping well
Frequent colds or infections
Muscle weakness or aches
Low mood or seasonal blues
Brain fog or trouble concentrating
Bone or joint pain
Of course, these symptoms can have many causes – but if you’re nodding along to a few of them, it might be worth checking your Vitamin D levels.
How to Get More Vitamin D
There are a few ways to get Vitamin D – but most people don’t get enough from food alone.
1. Sunlight
Your body produces Vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight.
But this depends on a lot of factors: the season, where you live, how much skin is exposed, your skin tone, and even the time of day.
In places like Canada, from fall to spring, it’s really hard to get enough sun exposure to meet your Vitamin D needs.
2. Food Sources
Vitamin D naturally occurs in only a few foods:
Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines
Egg yolks
Beef liver
Fortified foods (some milks, plant-based milks, cereals, etc.)
These are great to include in your diet – but again, it’s hard to meet your daily needs through food alone.
3. Supplements
For many people, especially in colder climates, supplementing is the easiest and most reliable way to maintain healthy Vitamin D levels.
You’ll usually find it as Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is the most effective form. It’s often paired with Vitamin K2 to support calcium absorption into the bones (and not your arteries).
Before starting to take a supplement, it’s always a good idea to get your blood levels tested and speak to a health practitioner (hi! 👋) to find out if you are deficient and figure out the right dose for you.
Need support figuring out your nutrient needs or choosing the right supplements?
I’d love to help you connect the dots and feel your best – naturally. Reach out anytime and let’s get you feeling more like yourself again.
Violet (RHN)
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