Taking vitamin D by oral spray as effective as tablet

Taking vitamin D by oral spray is just as effective as taking a tablet, according to new research from the University of Sheffield in England and published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

The clinical trial compared the rate of change of vitamin D status in response to a vitamin D3, 3000 international units per day, dose, in both capsule and oral spray or sublingual methods of delivery. Healthy volunteers took vitamin D over the course of six weeks in 2017 during the winter, a time when many people's stores from the summer months are depleted.

The study, commissioned by supplement brand BetterYou, concluded that the oral spray method of vitamin D was equally effective as taking a capsule and supported the same rate of improvement in vitamin D levels amongst the trial volunteers.

"All participants achieved adequate levels of vitamin D after just 21 days of using an oral spray, with those individuals who were considered severely deficient at the beginning of the trial experiencing the most effective uptake of the supplement,” said Bernard Corfe, PhD, principal investigator.

A 2016 Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition report, highlighted the need for all United Kingdom adults and children to take a vitamin D supplement throughout the winter months, and the National Institute for Health Care Excellence extended this recommendation for children and young people to take a vitamin D supplement all year round.

"Vitamin D is essential to keep bones, teeth, and muscles healthy, and is especially important for children's development," Corfe said. "It's difficult for people to get enough vitamin D through their diet, and during the winter the sun isn't strong enough to help the body boost its levels.

There is now more awareness of the need for people to supplement their vitamin D, however in the United States 42 percent and 40 percent in the United Kingdom are vitamin D deficient.

“The research is an opportunity to highlight the importance of this essential vitamin in supporting overall health,” Corfe said, “and in providing a valuable alternative source for those who may struggle to, or prefer not, to take tablets."

Editor's note: Photo courtesy of Freepik.