The combined benefits of vitamin d and probiotics.

The Synergistic Benefits of Co-Supplementation with Vitamin D and Probiotics

Vitamin D and probiotics. While both supplements are commonly used for their individual health-promoting properties, recent research indicates that their combined use could lead to even greater improvements in various health conditions. In this blog post, we'll explore the promising findings on how co-supplementing vitamin D and probiotics can positively impact your health, based on recent clinical trials.

What the Research Shows

A systematic review of seven randomised controlled trials revealed some exciting findings about co-supplementing vitamin D and probiotics. The studies included conditions like gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), osteopenia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The participants were given daily or bi-monthly doses of vitamin D3 combined with probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, or Streptococcus. In all studies except for one, co-supplementation showed greater health improvements compared to taking probiotic or vitamin D individually.

Key Health Benefits

Here are the main benefits of co-supplementing vitamin D and probiotics that were highlighted in the research:

• Improved Mental Health: Both vitamin D and probiotics have been linked to better mental health outcomes, with co-supplementation showing more significant improvements.

• Better Metabolic Health: Improvements were seen in conditions like type 2 diabetes, particularly insulin sensitivity, and dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol levels).

• Reduced Healthcare Use: Participants who received co-supplementation required fewer healthcare resources, indicating improved general health.
  
  
  

Why They Work Well Together

Vitamin D and probiotics work together to support overall health, particularly when it comes to immunity and balance of bacteria in the gut. Probiotics may enhance vitamin D absorption by increasing the expression of vitamin D receptors in the gut, helping the body make better use of this essential nutrient. Think of the receptors as “doors” that let vitamin D into your system. At the same time, both play a role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome by promoting beneficial bacteria in the gut. They also both have anti-inflammatory effects and are supporting immune health.

What’s Next?

While the current evidence is promising, more research in different diseases and diverse populations will help refine the optimal combination, dosage, and frequency of vitamin D and probiotics to achieve the best health outcomes.

Conclusion

Co-supplementing vitamin D and probiotics shows great potential in improving health across a wide range of conditions. Whether it’s for managing metabolic health, mental well-being, or gut health, this combination might offer a simple yet effective approach to enhancing overall health. 

References

Abboud, M., Rizk, R., AlAnouti, F., Papandreou, D., Haidar, S., & Mahboub, N. (2020). The health effects of vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients, 13(1), 111. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010111