Together, zinc and vitamin D in adequate concentrations help maintain a healthy musculoskeletal system and beyond; however, deficiency in either of these nutrients can result in various disorders affecting almost all body systems. This brief article will focus on the role of zinc in vitamin D functions.
The vitamin D receptor (VDR) binds zinc, and the activity of vitamin D dependent genes in cells is influenced by intracellular zinc concentrations. Zinc help vitamin D to work inside the cells. It is also important to ensure that the calcium from foods or supplements is used in your bones.
Do not take zinc supplements and copper, iron, or phosphorus supplements at the same time. It is best to space doses of these products 2 hours apart, to get the full benefit from each dietary supplement.
Better absorbed with meals
For this reason, it's recommended to take vitamin D supplements with a meal to enhance absorption. According to one older study in 17 people, taking vitamin D with the largest meal of the day increased vitamin D blood levels by about 50% after just 2–3 months ( 7 ).
Steroids. Taking steroid mediations such as prednisone can reduce calcium absorption and impair your body's processing of vitamin D. Stimulant laxatives. Long-term use of high doses of stimulant laxatives can reduce vitamin D and calcium absorption.
You can—but it's probably not a good idea. For some supplements, optimal absorption can depend on the time of day taken. Not only that—taking certain vitamins, minerals, or other supplements together can also reduce absorption and may result in adverse interactions, which can be harmful to your health.
Considering zinc, the supplementation may shorten the duration of colds by approximately 33%. CC patients may be instructed to try zinc within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. As for vitamin D, the supplementation protected against CC overall, considering baseline levels and age.
When taken by mouth: Zinc is likely safe when used in amounts no greater than 40 mg daily. It is possibly safe when taken in larger doses, especially when used only for a short period of time. But taking doses higher than 40 mg daily might decrease how much copper the body absorbs.
Zinc is often part of multivitamins but is also taken alone or in combination with vitamin C. Its absorption is most effective on an empty stomach, but it can cause stomach upsets. In this case it should be taken with a meal and therefore not late at night.
Oral zinc can cause: Indigestion. Diarrhea. Headache.
Zinc helps to regulate the menstrual cycle by nourishing healthy ovarian follicles and therefore promoting ovulation. Premenstrual mood symptoms. According to a 2022 randomized clinical trial, zinc supplementation can improve PMS.
A strong relationship exists between zinc and copper. Too much of one can cause a deficiency in the other. If you take zinc, including zinc in a multivitamin, you should also take copper.
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.
Vitamin D is vital for physical and mental health. A vitamin D deficiency can impact your mood, meaning it may contribute to feeling down or depressed. Research suggests there's a relationship between vitamin D and depression, but there isn't enough evidence to support saying low vitamin D levels cause depression.
How Much Zinc Should I Take? The amount of zinc required to help fight off a cold is not firmly established. However, one study of both zinc acetate and zinc gluconate lozenges found that taking 75 milligrams a day shortened colds between 12%–48%.
Taking vitamin D is not a guaranteed guard against the cold or flu. But vitamin D supplements are inexpensive and might give you a boost. Vitamin D: New studies suggest that people with low blood levels of vitamin D are more likely to get sick. Researchers think that vitamin D may play a role in boosting immunity.
From influenza and the common cold to COVID-19, our immune systems have a lot to contend with these days. While you won't find a single nutrient that can prevent you from getting sick, adequate levels of vitamin D helps your body combat illness.
The short and simple answer is: Yes! Vitamins C and D are commonly found together in multivitamins. They have complementary effects, which means that taking them together can better support your health. They're particularly beneficial to the immune system.
Both magnesium and vitamin D are important to the immune system independently. Together, they may be beneficial in COVID-19 infection because magnesium is necessary to activate vitamin D.
Magnesium assists in the activation of vitamin D, which helps regulate calcium and phosphate homeostasis to influence the growth and maintenance of bones. All of the enzymes that metabolize vitamin D seem to require magnesium, which acts as a cofactor in the enzymatic reactions in the liver and kidneys.
In general, the two main causes of vitamin D deficiency are: Not getting enough vitamin D in your diet and/or through sunlight. Your body isn't properly absorbing or using vitamin D.
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.