In addition, probiotics might have synergistic effects with vitamin D, through improving the expression of vitamin D receptors [9]. Therefore, modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis by probiotics plus improving vitamin D levels might provide a novel target to treat mental and metabolic disorders.
No interactions were found between Probiotic Formula and Vitamin D3. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Recently probiotics have been shown to be effective supplements for reducing vitamin D deficiency. Studies have reported that probiotics show enhanced vitamin D absorption, increased VDR expression, and have multiple related health benefits15,16.
Some medications that may interact with certain probiotics include: antibiotics, antifungals (such as clotrimazole, ketoconazole, griseofulvin, nystatin).
You might be concerned that taking a probiotic supplement at the same time as your morning vitamins or supplements might make one of the two less effective. Fear not, in most cases, taking probiotics should not affect the effectiveness of other supplements, such as your daily multivitamin or vice versa.
We recommend taking it with a source of quality fat in the morning or when you break your fast. Avoid taking vitamin D in the evening (we'll talk about why below). Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin—meaning it doesn't dissolve in water—your body can most easily absorb it when you take it with food.
Research shows the best time to take a probiotic is first thing in the morning before eating breakfast or before going to sleep at night. Probiotics are most effective when taken on an empty stomach.
The ideal time to take probiotics is right before bed because "the gut is pretty inactive at night. If you think about it, you don't usually wake up in the middle of the night to poop,” says Patricia Raymond, MD, a gastroenterology and internal medicine physician and clinical advisor for Gastro Girl.
Although probiotics are generally safe to use, findings of a review from 2017 suggest that children and adults with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems should avoid using probiotics. Some people with these conditions have experienced bacterial or fungal infections as a result of probiotic use.
Several studies of the effect of vitamin D and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) on the intestinal microbiota have shown essential roles of vitamin D in maintaining a healthy gut microenvironment. Thus, vitamin D may be useful as an adjuvant in prevention and treatment of certain gastrointestinal diseases.
Since vitamin D is fat soluble, it's best not to take it on an empty stomach. For maximum absorption, take it with a substantial meal, and preferably one that includes fat-containing foods like nuts, seeds, and eggs.
Vitamin D is also involved in innate and adaptive immunity, intestinal barrier integrity, and gut homeostasis. Vitamin D regulates the gut microbiota because vitamin D deficiency causes a microbial imbalance in the GIT. Vitamin D's antibacterial effect is linked to the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs).
Some reports have linked probiotics to serious infections and other side effects. The people most likely to have trouble are those with immune system problems, people who've had surgery, and others who are critically ill. Don't take probiotics if you have any of those issues.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that it does not dissolve in water and is absorbed best in your bloodstream when paired with high fat foods ( 1 ). For this reason, it's recommended to take vitamin D supplements with a meal to enhance absorption.
So, if you're taking your Vitamin D supplement at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can pair it with a food containing healthy fat. Try eating avocado, whole eggs, fatty fish, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, or full-fat dairy with your supplement to improve Vitamin D absorption.
"Adequate levels of magnesium in the body are essential for the absorption and metabolism not only of vitamin D but of calcium as well," Dean states. "Magnesium converts vitamin D into its active form so that it can help calcium absorption.
The effect of equivalent oral doses of vitamin D3 600 IU/day, 4200 IU/week and 18,000 IU/month on vitamin D status was compared in a randomized clinical trial in nursing home residents. A daily dose was more effective than a weekly dose, and a monthly dose was the least effective.
Symptoms when vitamin D is low
Fatigue. Not sleeping well. Bone pain or achiness. Depression or feelings of sadness.
Bone and lower back pain may be symptoms of inadequate vitamin D levels ( 17 , 18 ). Vitamin D helps maintain bone health by improving your body's absorption of calcium. One study in 98 adults with lower back pain linked lower levels of vitamin D to more severe pain.