Last Updated:February 14, 2026, 13:03 IST
Vitamin D is vital for several bodily functions. A physician explains the most frequently asked questions regarding its benefits and consumption.
Boost bone strength and immunity with smarter vitamin D habits.
Vitamin D plays a vital role in maintaining strong bones, boosting immunity and supporting overall health. However, many people are unaware that when and how you take vitamin D can significantly affect how well your body absorbs it.
In an Instagram post, Dr Priyanka Sehrawat, Neurologist and General Physician, based in Gurugram, Haryana, shared expert insights on the ideal way to consume Vitamin D supplements.
When Is The Right Time To Take Vitamin D?
“Vitamin D supplements come in various forms, capsules, vials, syrups, and sachets (powder that you dissolve). Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means its absorption is maximum when there is fat present in the gut,” Dr Sehrawat explains.
She further adds, “I usually tell my patients that since it is a fat-soluble vitamin, the best time to take it is when your gut contains fat, typically during your largest meal of the day. For example, if you have a good breakfast or a substantial lunch with rice, curd, and vegetables, which include carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, your gut has the right composition to absorb Vitamin D effectively.”
In simple terms, taking vitamin D with a balanced, hearty meal, rather than on an empty stomach, helps your body make the most of the supplement.
How To Consume Vitamin D For Better Results?
For those using powdered or sachet forms, Dr Sehrawat offers a specific recommendation: “Take it with milk instead of water. First, milk contains good, healthy fats. Second, milk is a rich source of calcium, and calcium and Vitamin D work hand in hand. When your body has adequate Vitamin D, it helps calcium get absorbed into your bones. Similarly, if calcium intake is good, Vitamin D absorption from the intestine into the bloodstream is also improved.”
This combination supports bone strength and enhances overall effectiveness.
What Science Says About Vitamin D
According to a 2019 fact sheet from the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralisation. While the vitamin is biologically inactive until processed by the body, adequate levels help prevent conditions such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, while supporting healthy calcium metabolism.
Vitamin D-Rich Foods To Add To Your Diet
Including Vitamin D–rich foods can complement supplementation. Common Indian kitchen staples include fatty fish like salmon, egg yolks, paneer, ghee and buttermilk, especially when fortified.
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Location :
Delhi, India, India
First Published:
February 14, 2026, 13:03 IST
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