As the days get shorter and the temperatures begin to drop here in Minnesota, we start spending a little more time indoors. While cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and evenings at home are wonderful parts of the season, there's something we tend to get less of: sunshine!
And that brings us to an important nutrient—vitamin D.
You may have heard vitamin D referred to as the sunshine vitamin, but do you know why it's so important or whether you're getting enough?
Why Is Vitamin D Important?
- Vitamin D plays several essential roles in keeping our bodies functioning properly.
- Bone health: Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
- Muscle function: Adequate vitamin D supports normal muscle function.
- Immune function: Vitamin D helps regulate the body's normal immune responses.
- Overall health: Maintaining appropriate vitamin D levels is an important part of meeting your nutritional needs.
While vitamin D is important, taking extra vitamin D beyond what your body needs hasn't consistently been shown to prevent everyday illnesses.
Why Is Winter Different in Minnesota?
Our bodies produce vitamin D when sunlight containing UVB rays reaches our skin.
However, during Minnesota's fall and winter months, the sun sits lower in the sky, reducing the UVB radiation available for vitamin D production.
Add shorter days, colder weather, and more time spent indoors, and it's easy to see why vitamin D deserves some attention this time of year.
What About Vitamin D3 and K2?
You may have noticed supplements that combine vitamin D3 with vitamin K2.
These vitamins serve different purposes.
Vitamin D3 helps your body absorb calcium, while vitamin K contributes to the normal functioning of proteins involved in bone health and blood clotting.
Although researchers continue to investigate the potential benefits of combining these nutrients, not everyone necessarily needs a combination supplement.
How Can You Get Enough Vitamin D?
A few ways to support healthy vitamin D intake include:
Eating vitamin D-containing foods, such as salmon, fortified milk, fortified plant-based beverages, and egg yolks.
Maintaining a balanced diet that meets your nutritional needs.
Discussing supplementation with your healthcare provider if your dietary intake is limited or you have risk factors for deficiency.
Vitamin D blood testing isn't routinely recommended for every healthy person, but it may be appropriate in certain medical situations.
November's Wellness Spotlight
This month at Domier Chiropractic, we're featuring Ortho Molecular Products Liquid Vitamin D3 with K2!
The liquid formula offers a convenient supplementation option for individuals who may benefit from additional vitamin D.
November Special: Buy one bottle, get the second 20% off!
Offer available through November 30, 2026.
Remember, more isn't always better. Excessive vitamin D intake can be harmful, and vitamin K may interact with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin. Check with your healthcare provider about appropriate supplementation.
A Little Winter Wellness Goes a Long Way
Minnesota winters may bring less sunshine, but they also give us an opportunity to focus on the basics.
Stay active, enjoy nutritious meals, prioritize sleep, and pay attention to your body's nutritional needs.
Sometimes, it's the little things we do consistently that make the biggest difference.
Stay warm, stay active, and enjoy the season!
— Dr. Brittany Domier
Domier Chiropractic
References
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D — https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin K — https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-Consumer/
Brittany Domier
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