Not getting enough sunlight this fall? Try vitamin D oil

Here’s how to get this essential nutrient during the fall season

When fall weather arrives, we slowly spend less time outdoors. In the summer, as few as 8 to 10 minutes a day of sun exposure can give you enough vitamin D, an essential nutrient our body needs. However, people may need extra support to meet the daily recommended amount of vitamin D since there’s little sunlight in the fall. 

To maintain vitamin D levels to support health, vitamin D oil is a great alternative.

Shop this article: Premier Research Labs D3 Serum, Nordic Naturals Plant-Based Vitamin D3 Liquid and Thorne Vitamin D and K2 Liquid

Benefits of vitamin D supplements

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin D, or calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin found in certain foods, taken as a dietary supplement or produced in ultraviolet rays from the sunlight. In the spring and summer, 25% of the human body is exposed to the sun. Yet, this rate decreases when less time is spent outdoors and the sun isn’t coming out as often.

Here are the benefits of vitamin D, according to the Mayo Clinic:

• Prevent osteoporosis: Diets packed with vitamin D and calcium may slow the loss of bone minerals, prevent osteoporosis and reduce bone fractures.  
• Reduce multiple sclerosis: Taking vitamin D supplements for an extended period can reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis.
• Treat certain bone disorders: Vitamin D supplements may help treat inherited bone conditions where the body cannot absorb or process vitamin D.
• Improve brain health: This vitamin may slow cognitive decline, but additional research is needed to confirm this potential benefit. 
• Reduce the risk of certain cancers: While more research is needed to confirm this benefit, vitamin D may help prevent specific cancer growth.
• Prevent or treat osteomalacia: Adults with severe vitamin D deficiency may take supplements to treat symptoms such as loss of bone minerals, bone pain, muscle weakness and soft bones.
• Treat certain types of psoriasis: Using a liquid form of vitamin D supplements or a topical cream containing a vitamin D compound called calcipotriene on the skin may help treat plaque-type psoriasis.
• Prevent or treat rickets. Vitamin D supplements may help prevent or treat this rare condition diagnosed among children. 

How to increase your vitamin D levels 

There are several ways to increase vitamin D levels during the colder months.

Here’s how people can increase their vitamin D intake, according to the Cleveland Clinic:

• Get sun exposure.
• Eat certain foods, such as fatty fish, egg yolks, mushrooms and soy milk. 
• Take nutritional supplements, such as multivitamins or liquid drops.

Using vitamin D oils

Aside from taking vitamin D as a multivitamin or liquid drop, the nutrient can be applied as a topical oil. 

Applying vitamin D oil to your skin can:

• Reduce inflammation.
• Protect the skin.
• Improve acne.
• Improve cell turnover. 
• Treat certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis.

Side effects of too much vitamin D

Although vitamin D is good for your health, getting too much of this nutrient can have negative health effects.

Potential side effects of consuming too much vitamin D include:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Weakness.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Constipation.
• Confusion and disorientation.
• Increased thirst and frequent urination.
• Problems with heart rhythm.
• Kidney problems, such as kidney stones and kidney damage. 

Typically, vitamin D supplements are safe for your health, but like any nutrient, take precautions when using them. Speak with your doctor to determine how much vitamin D is safe to take daily based on your health. 

Best vitamin D oil drops

Premier Research Labs D3 Serum

This serum supports the cardiovascular, bone and immune systems. It has a high absorption, ensuring you get a healthy dose of vitamin D. It contains high-quality ingredients such as extra-virgin olive oil and d-alpha tocopherol.

Nusava Organic Vitamin D3 K2 Drops with MCT Oil

This two-pack of vitamin D3 drops provides fast absorption and supports the immune system. They also include other nutrients, such as K2, omega-3 and MCT oil. They are offered in flavors such as strawberry, vanilla or flavorless. 

Nordic Naturals Plant-Based Vitamin D3 Liquid

These liquid drops contain 1,000 international units of vitamin D3 and deliver 60 servings in each bottle. They contain enough vitamin D to meet the daily recommendations. They have a plant-based formula designed for vegans and vegetarians. 

Now Liquid Vitamin D-3 

These drops provide 100 IU of vitamin D3 each. They are non-GMO, halal, kosher and soy-free. Adults can take up to four drops five times each day, while children can take four drops once a day.

Thorne Vitamin D and K2 Liquid

These unflavored and gluten-free liquid drops support bone, muscle, cardiovascular and immune health. They come with a self-dispensing top that meters individual drops to ensure you get the right amount of daily vitamin D. They can provide 600 servings of both vitamins.

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Taneia Surles writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.