6 reasons why taking vitamin D pills doesn't work, even when taken daily?

Although many people take vitamin D supplements (vitamin D pills), they do not see any results even when taken daily. This is because a number of factors can contribute to vitamin D not being effective.

Vitamin D is important for bone growth and development, as well as a healthy immune system. It is produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight and is obtained through certain foods and vitamin D supplements.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so it requires dietary fat for optimal absorption. People on low-fat diets or with conditions that impair fat absorption, such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease, may not absorb vitamin D from supplements effectively.

Here are some reasons why taking vitamin D supplements is not effective:

1. Incorrect dosage of vitamin D can be wasteful and ineffective even if you take it regularly.

Many people assume that any amount of vitamin D is beneficial, but the reality is that dosages can vary significantly between individuals, depending on age, weight, geographic location, and overall health…

The recommendation for most adults is 600 to 800 IU (international units) per day. In some cases, even 1,000 to 2,000 IU per day is not enough to raise vitamin D levels to the desired level. Without monitoring blood vitamin D levels, it is almost impossible to know whether a person is getting enough.

As a result, many people are taking less vitamin D than they need and are required to get tested to get the correct dose for health benefits.

Several factors affect vitamin D absorption, making supplementation of this vitamin ineffective.

2. Due to genetics

Another reason why a person may not get enough benefit from vitamin D is genetics. The VDR gene determines how the body processes and uses vitamin D. It is variations in this gene that cause one individual to react differently than another.

Therefore, for those with a genetic predisposition, regardless of dietary supplementation or adequate sun exposure… there is still a possibility of vitamin D deficiency. In these cases, more vitamin D supplements may be needed to achieve normal levels or treatment with other methods.

Genetic polymorphisms in vitamin D metabolism genes, such as CYP2R1 and CYP24A1, can determine how vitamin D is converted to its active form. Therefore, these genetic variations may prevent supplementation from providing the desired results…

3. Existing health conditions that make it difficult for the body to absorb vitamin D

Certain medical conditions can prevent the body from converting or using vitamin D effectively. For example, people with kidney disease often cannot convert vitamin D into its active form, making supplements less effective.

Liver diseases, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, can impair proper conversion of vitamin D. This can even lead to inadequate levels despite daily supplementation.

Obesity can also impair the normal functioning of vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D is stored in fat tissue, so higher body fat levels sequester more of the vitamin, making it less available to the body. As a result, obese people may need higher doses of vitamin D supplements to achieve the same effect as people with lower body fat levels.

4. Due to drug interactions

One of the reasons why vitamin D supplements are less effective is due to drug interactions. Some drugs, such as glucocorticoids, anticonvulsants, cholesterol-lowering drugs, etc., affect the metabolism of vitamin D, hindering its absorption. In patients taking such drugs, the standard dose of vitamin D is not enough.

Other over-the-counter supplements, including calcium or magnesium, also interfere with vitamin D, affecting absorption.

5. Unrealistic expectations based on false information promoted by the product

Vitamin D supplements are ineffective because many people think of vitamin D as a panacea for a variety of health problems. The truth is that vitamin D plays an important role in bone health and immune function.

However, the use of vitamin D for heart disease prevention, cancer risk reduction, and mood improvement is still being studied. In some cases, people who take vitamin D supplements based on expectations that are not scientifically proven are disappointed when the supplements fail to meet these expectations.

Additionally, symptoms of other deficiencies or illnesses can be mistaken for low vitamin D levels. For example, fatigue, muscle weakness, or joint pain, may be caused by things like lack of sleep, stress, or other nutrient deficiencies. If these symptoms persist even after taking vitamin D supplements, other causes, not vitamin D deficiency, need to be treated.

6. Not getting tested in time

Monitoring vitamin D blood levels is important, but often overlooked, when taking vitamin D supplements. Blood tests help determine whether the body has enough vitamin D so that appropriate doses can be given.

Some people may think that if they just take a vitamin D supplement every day, they are getting enough vitamin D. In many cases, this is not so easy. Regular monitoring, especially for those at risk, can ensure that the supplement is effective and that blood levels remain at optimal levels.

Dr. Bao Phuong

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/6-ly-do-uong-vien-vitamin-d-khong-co-tac-dung-ngay-ca-khi-dung-hang-ngay-172241031225336007.htm