Vitamin D sprays are easily absorbed and convenient to use. (Photo: Bigstock)
October 29, 2019
By a staff writer
Natural Health News
Health News – Taking vitamin D via oral spray is just as effective as taking a tablet, and many users find it easier and more convenient to take pills.
Researchers from the University of Sheffield, in collaboration with industry, conducted a head-to-head clinical trial comparing the rate of change in vitamin D status in response to doses of vitamin D3 (3000 IU per day), in both capsule and oral (sublingual) spray forms.
Healthy volunteers received vitamin D for six weeks in 2017 during the winter, when many people’s stores run out from the summer months.
Published in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition The study concluded that the oral vitamin D spray method was as effective as taking the capsule and supported the same rate of improvement in vitamin D levels among the trial volunteers.
Dr. Bernard Corfe, senior lecturer in molecular gastroenterology at the University of Sheffield and principal investigator of the trial, said: “All participants achieved sufficient levels of vitamin D after just 21 days of using the oral spray, with those who were considered severely deficient at the start of the trial (with effective levels of D) supplemented.”
A report by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition in 2016 highlighted the need for all UK adults and children to get vitamin D during the winter months, and the National Institute for Health Excellence has extended this recommendation for children and young people to take vitamin D supplements all year round.
“Vitamin D is important for maintaining healthy bones, teeth and muscles, and is especially important for children’s development,” added Dr. Corfe. “It’s hard for people to get enough vitamin D through their diet, and in the winter the sun isn’t strong enough to help the body raise its levels.
“There is now more awareness of the need for vitamin D supplementation, but only around 40% of adults in the UK have sufficient levels. Therefore, this study is an opportunity to highlight the importance of this important vitamin in supporting overall health and provide a valuable alternative source for those who may or may not want to take tablets.”
Of the participants who preferred, 70% said they preferred to take vitamin D via oral spray for ease of use and better taste.
Dr. Korf said: “Often people can forget or don’t want to take a daily supplement, especially those who take a lot of medication. Children and people who have problems swallowing due to medical conditions can also have difficulty taking tablets, so we understand that sprays in boosting vitamin D levels in people provide a real alternative for those with low vitamin D levels.”
