{"id":785000,"date":"2026-09-28T06:18:10","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T06:18:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/785000\/"},"modified":"2026-09-28T06:18:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T06:18:10","slug":"when-to-take-vitamin-d-this-fall-according-to-the-experts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/785000\/","title":{"rendered":"When to Take Vitamin D This Fall, According to the Experts"},"content":{"rendered":"

The days of sweat-soaked tank tops are behind us. And, honestly? Good riddance. Fall\u2019s brisk weather brings with it the promise of cozy knitwear, cashmere socks, and roaring fires\u2014perhaps the only downside is that the grey skies exacerbate the our considerable vitamin D deficiency.<\/a> An estimated 35% people who live in the United States have a below optimal level of vitamin D, so taking supplements is recommended<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cVitamin D becomes rather crucial to optimising overall health and wellbeing in autumn and winter,\u201d says Jessica Shand<\/a>, naturopathic nutritionist and author of The Hormone Balance Handbook. \u201cWe simply do not get enough UVB exposure [in many places across the world] during these months to reliably make adequate vitamin D through the skin.\u201d Low vitamin D is nothing to shrug off, either: Aside from being key to supporting the immune system, bones and muscle health, insufficient levels could contribute to low mood, according to a National Health Institute<\/a> study.<\/p>\n

While certainly not a cure-all, taking supplements could even help to stave off seasonal affective disorder (SAD)<\/a> at this time of year. \u201cSeasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a form of depression caused by reduced light exposure,\u201d Kaywaan Khan, MD previously explained to Vogue<\/a>. \u201cWhen there is less natural daylight, the body\u2019s melatonin and serotonin levels change, which affects our mood, sleep, and energy levels.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clinical nutritionist Lucy Miller<\/a> adds: \u201cAdvice from the NHS is that everyone should consider a 10 microgram (400 IU) daily supplement during fall and winter because of how little usable sunlight we get.\u201d No prescription needed, then. But Miller and Shand both agree that some might consider taking it year-round, including those with darker skin tones (melanin reduces vitamin D synthesis), people who have reduced contact with sunlight, and women.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom a women\u2019s health perspective, vitamin D is much more than a bone nutrient,\u201d explains Shand. \u201cVitamin D receptors are found in reproductive tissues, too, and vitamin D has been studied in relation to ovarian function, fertility, insulin sensitivity, and conditions such as PMOS [polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome].\u201d Shand notes that while that doesn\u2019t make vitamin D some kind of magical, hormone balancing supplement, it does play an important role in creating a healthier hormonal and metabolic environment.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re unsure where you stand, Miller recommends checking your levels with a doctor or with a private test from a provider like Function Health. But for those planning to introduce it for cooler months, the question is, when is best to start? \u201cIf you have had adequate sun exposure over the summer, then starting in September or October and taking it through early March covers the low-sunlight window,\u201d Miller says. She recommends taking the supplement in its D3 form, along with K2 and magnesium glycinate in order to support absorption.<\/p>\n

Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Send\u00a0Vogue’s senior beauty & wellness editor an email at\u00a0beauty@vogue.com.<\/p>\n