Can i take vitamin d and c together
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Can You Take Vitamin D and C Together?
Introduction to Vitamin D and C Supplementation
Vitamin D and vitamin C are essential nutrients that play crucial roles in maintaining overall health. Vitamin D is vital for bone health, immune function, and inflammation reduction, while vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties and its role in collagen synthesis and immune support. Given their individual benefits, many people wonder if taking these vitamins together is safe and effective.
Combined Effects on Metabolic Syndrome
Research indicates that both vitamin D and vitamin C can positively impact metabolic syndrome components, such as fasting plasma glucose, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. A randomized controlled trial involving 180 participants found that while vitamin D had a more significant influence on fasting plasma glucose and cholesterol levels, vitamin C was more effective in reducing waist circumference, triglycerides, and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels2. This suggests that taking both vitamins together could provide complementary benefits for individuals with metabolic syndrome.
Impact on Insulin Sensitivity and Diabetes Risk
A study examining the effects of combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation on insulin sensitivity and β-cell function in adults at risk for type 2 diabetes found no significant changes in insulin sensitivity or secretion overall. However, in participants with prediabetes, there was a notable improvement in insulin sensitivity3. This indicates that vitamin D, potentially in combination with other nutrients like calcium, may benefit those at higher risk for diabetes, although the specific role of vitamin C in this context was not directly studied.
Safety and Efficacy in Chronic Conditions
In the context of chronic hepatitis C, vitamin D supplementation has been shown to enhance the efficacy of conventional antiviral therapies, improving viral response rates1. While this study did not specifically address the combination of vitamin D and vitamin C, it highlights the potential for vitamin D to play a supportive role in managing chronic conditions.
Conclusion
Taking vitamin D and vitamin C together appears to be safe and may offer complementary health benefits, particularly for individuals with metabolic syndrome or those at risk for type 2 diabetes. While vitamin D has shown efficacy in improving insulin sensitivity and supporting antiviral therapies, vitamin C contributes significantly to cardiovascular health markers. Therefore, combining these vitamins could be a strategic approach to enhancing overall health, especially when paired with physical activity. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in combination with conventional antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection: a meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Vitamin D supplementation combined with conventional antiviral therapy significantly increased viral response rates in chronic hepatitis C patients, but its efficacy remains unclear due to heterogeneity, small sample size, and low methodological quality.
Meta-AnalysisComparative effects of vitamin D and vitamin C supplementations with and without endurance physical activity on metabolic syndrome patients: a randomized controlled trial
Combining vitamin D or vitamin C supplements with endurance physical activity may improve the life of metabolic syndrome patients, but weight loss is not affected.
RCT
Rigorous JournalEffects of Combined Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation on Insulin Secretion, Insulin Sensitivity and β-Cell Function in Multi-Ethnic Vitamin D-Deficient Adults at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Daily vitamin D and calcium supplementation for 6 months may not improve insulin sensitivity, secretion, and -cell function in multi-ethnic adults at risk for type 2 diabetes, but may improve insulin sensitivity in those with prediabetes.
RCTRigorous Journal
Highly CitedEffects of combined vitamin D--calcium supplements on the cardiovascular system: should we be cautious?
Combined calcium and vitamin D supplements do not show beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, and guidelines should not change unless well-conducted randomized controlled trials indicate otherwise.
Systematic ReviewCombined Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Vitamin D3 on Oxidized LDL-C and Non–HDL-C Levels in People With Vitamin D Deficiency: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The combination of vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acid supplements effectively increases non-HDL-C levels but decreases oxidized LDL-C levels in people with vitamin D deficiency.
RCTEffect of Vitamin D Supplementation on the Level of Circulating High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Vitamin D supplementation reduces circulating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, potentially protecting against cardiovascular disease, but the results should be interpreted with caution due to heterogeneity in the evidence.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedEffects of the combination of vitamins C and E supplementation on oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle soreness, and muscle strength following acute physical exercise: meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials
Combined vitamin C and E supplementation reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, cortisol levels, and muscle damage after exercise.
Meta-AnalysisVitamin C and vitamin D3 alleviate metabolic-associated fatty liver disease by regulating the gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism via the gut-liver axis
Vitamin C and vitamin D3 effectively treat metabolic-associated fatty liver disease by regulating gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism through the gut-liver axis.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyEffects of vitamin C and vitamin D administration on mood and distress in acutely hospitalized patients.
Short-term vitamin C therapy improves mood and reduces psychological distress in acutely hospitalized patients with hypovitaminosis C and D, while high-dose vitamin D has insignificant effects.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalVitamin D supplementation improves sustained virologic response in chronic hepatitis C (genotype 1)-naïve patients.
Adding vitamin D to conventional Peg--2b/ribavirin therapy significantly improves the viral response in treatment-nave patients with chronic HCV genotype 1.
RCTRigorous JournalHighly Cited