Do You Need a Vitamin D Supplement? Here’s the One I Recommend

I’m not someone who believes everyone needs a cabinet full of supplements.

Supplements should do exactly what their name suggests: supplement what you may not be getting enough of through food, sunlight, and your normal routine.

But vitamin D is one supplement that comes up often with our clients — especially women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond.

Why does vitamin D matter?

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which is important for maintaining strong, healthy bones. It also plays a role in normal immune function and muscle function.

And as we get older, taking care of our bones becomes even more important.

Strength training is a huge part of that — and if you’re training with us, you’re already doing something very important for your long-term health. But we also want to make sure your body has the nutrients it needs.

Some people may not get enough vitamin D through food and sunlight alone. That can be especially easy to understand here in New England, where sunshine isn’t exactly reliable year-round. While right now as I write this it’s summer time, we quickly will be into darker and longer winter days, so now’s the time to talk with your doctor if you need this.

Can I get enough vitamin D from food?

You can get vitamin D from food, but here’s the challenge: there actually aren’t that many foods that naturally contain a lot of it.

Some of the best sources include:

• Fatty fish like salmon, trout, sardines, mackerel, and tuna
• Egg yolks
• UV-exposed mushrooms
• Fortified foods like milk, some plant milks, yogurt, orange juice, and breakfast cereals

If you regularly eat fatty fish and foods fortified with vitamin D, you may be getting a decent amount through your diet.

But many people don’t eat these foods consistently.

And here in New England, where sunshine isn’t exactly reliable year-round, getting enough vitamin D can sometimes be a little more challenging.

Before assuming you need a supplement, look at the big picture:

Do you regularly eat foods that contain vitamin D? How much sun exposure do you get? Have you ever had your vitamin D level checked?

I’m always a fan of food first. But if vitamin D is a gap for you, that’s where a quality supplement can be helpful.

Why I like Vitamin D + K2

If vitamin D is something you need, the product I recommend is Thorne’s Vitamin D + K2 Liquid.

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, while vitamin K also plays an important role in maintaining healthy bones. This product puts both nutrients together in one simple liquid.

I also like that it’s easy to use. No giant pills and no complicated routine.

Does everyone need it?

No.

I don’t believe in recommending supplements just for the sake of taking more supplements.

But this may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider if:

• You’ve previously been told your vitamin D is low
• You get very little sun exposure
• Your diet doesn’t provide much vitamin D
• Your healthcare provider has recommended vitamin D
• You’re paying more attention to maintaining strong bones as you get older

The goal isn’t to take everything.

The goal is to figure out where you may have a gap — and fill that gap with something useful.

If vitamin D is one of those gaps for you, this is the product I recommend.

CrossFit Torque members can save 20% on Thorne supplements using this link.

As always, if you take prescription medications or have questions about whether a supplement is appropriate for you, check with your healthcare provider. (This is especially important if you take a blood thinner such as warfarin, because this product contains vitamin K.)

-Coach Amanda