Spoilt for choice: vitamin D drops or vitamin D tablets?

The sun not only shines to make us happy every day, it also provides an essential ingredient for our general health: vitamin D. Known as the 'sunshine vitamin', vitamin D is crucial for bone health, the immune system and a range of other bodily processes. However, although our bodies can produce this vitamin through direct exposure to sunlight, the study "Vitamin D testing and treatment: a narrative review of current evidence" (2019)[1] has shown that a significant portion of the global population has insufficient vitamin D levels, partly due to short-term lifestyle changes, increased time spent indoors or in the office, and varying geographical locations.

In such cases, vitamin D supplements are a valuable resource and are available in various forms, particularly drops and tablets. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of vitamin D drops and tablets.

Vitamin D: An indispensable nutritional wonder
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the blood and is necessary for maintaining healthy bone and muscle structure. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a number of health problems, including osteoporosis, heart disease, certain types of cancer and even depression.

Drops or tablets: A comparison
Dietary supplements, especially vitamin D, can be administered in various forms, the most common being drops and tablets. Both have their advantages and potential disadvantages.

• Absorption Drops:
  Vitamin D dissolved in a carrier oil has higher bioavailability and is absorbed more quickly because it is already dissolved and does not need to be broken down by the body. This is particularly important when a rapid increase in vitamin D levels is required.
  Tablets:
  Absorption may be slower because the body must first break down the tablet before the vitamin can be absorbed.
  
  
• Convenience Drops:
  They are easy to dose and can be taken directly or added to drinks and food. This is particularly convenient for children or people who may have difficulty swallowing tablets, among others.
  Tablets:
  They are convenient for travelling and do not require measuring for dosing.
  
  
• Additives Drops:
  They contain fewer additives, making them a good choice for people who are looking for a pure product without added chemicals.
  Tablets:
  They may contain fillers, binders and other additives that can cause allergic reactions, intolerances or other side effects in some people.
  
  

plantoCAPS VITAMIN D3 PUR | 1,000 IU drops
Due to the fat-soluble properties of vitamin D, the absorption of this essential nutrient in the body is significantly improved when taken together with an oil. The oil promotes the solubility and absorption of vitamin D in the digestive tract, as it is most effective in a high-fat environment. Carrier oils serve as a vehicle that efficiently transports the vitamin through the gastrointestinal mucosa. As a result, its availability in the bloodstream is increased, ensuring optimal use and utilisation by the body.

plantoCAPS VITAMIN D3 PUR drops offer an interesting formulation for those who prefer a liquid supplement. These drops contain 1,000 IU (international units) of vitamin D3 per dose, dissolved in a mixture of rapeseed oil and argan oil.

The choice of rapeseed oil and argan oil offers additional benefits in addition to improved absorption: rapeseed oil contains a low proportion of saturated fatty acids and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for heart health. Argan oil is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that further promote health.

Our product recommendation for this article:

Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6365669
This review provides a comprehensive analysis of current knowledge on vitamin D, discusses its importance in promoting health and in various diseases, emphasises the widespread problem of deficiency and the importance of supplementation, especially in areas with low sunlight, and points to the need for further research to determine optimal vitamin D levels.