Answered question

Should I take vitamin D with food?

Should I take vitamin D with food?

Yes. Vitamin D is fat-soluble, so taking it with a meal that contains fat increases absorption substantially compared with taking it on an empty stomach. The largest meal of the day is the easiest default. The specific time of day matters less than the presence of dietary fat.

Why fat matters

Fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in dietary lipids and ride along when fats are absorbed in the small intestine. Controlled trials show 30 to 50 percent higher serum vitamin D when the same dose is taken with a fat-containing meal versus on an empty stomach.

What counts as enough fat

You do not need a high-fat meal. Eggs, yogurt, nuts, avocado, fish, olive oil, or cheese on the side of any normal meal are plenty. Coffee with milk alone is borderline. Aim for a real meal rather than a snack.

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