How long does vitamin d stay in your system
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Duration of Vitamin D in the Human System
Biological Half-life of Vitamin D3
The biological half-life of vitamin D3 in human serum has been a subject of extensive research. Initial estimates based on radio-isotopically labelled cholecalciferol suggested that vitamin D3 has a relatively short half-life in human plasma, not exceeding 50 hours . However, other studies have shown that after the administration of large amounts of vitamin D, the "vitamin D activity" in plasma decreases much more slowly, with a half-life that can exceed three months . This indicates that while the initial breakdown of vitamin D3 might be rapid, its metabolites and overall activity can persist in the body for a significantly longer period.
Longevity of Vitamin D3 After Supplementation
Research has also focused on the longevity of vitamin D3 in the system following supplementation. A study involving postmenopausal women who had taken daily vitamin D3 supplements for one year found that the effects of supplementation could last for years after cessation. Specifically, the proportion of women with sufficient levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) remained higher in those who had taken vitamin D3 compared to those who had taken a placebo, even two years after stopping the supplements . This suggests that vitamin D3 can have a prolonged presence and effect in the body, maintaining higher levels of 25OHD for an extended period post-supplementation.
Factors Influencing Vitamin D Longevity
The study also identified that the longevity of vitamin D3 in the system could be influenced by the levels of vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP). Higher levels of VDBP were associated with longer-lasting circulating 25OHD levels . This indicates that individual variations in VDBP could affect how long vitamin D3 remains effective in the body.
Conclusion
In summary, while the initial half-life of vitamin D3 in plasma may be relatively short, its metabolites and overall activity can persist for much longer, potentially exceeding three months. Furthermore, the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation can last for years, with factors such as VDBP levels influencing its longevity. This extended presence underscores the importance of considering both immediate and long-term effects when evaluating vitamin D3 supplementation and its benefits.
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