Dr. Michelle Jorgensen

March 19, 2025

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my vitamin D low?”—you’re not alone. Vitamin D is often called the sunshine vitamin, but despite its importance, most people aren’t getting enough.

And here’s the kicker… low vitamin D levels could be the hidden reason behind fatigue, weak immunity, brittle bones, and even cavities. Yep—your teeth need vitamin D too!

So, what’s really going on? And more importantly, how do you fix it?

Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through:

✅ The real reasons why your vitamin D might be low (hint: it’s not just about sun exposure)

✅ The surprising symptoms of deficiency you may not have connected to vitamin D

✅ Why most people should assume they’re low and how to fix it—fast!

✅ The #1 supplement I recommend for restoring optimal vitamin D levels

Let’s dive in!

Vitamin D isn’t just a vitamin—it’s a hormone that your body must have to function properly. And yet, up to 42% of adults are deficient!

Here’s what vitamin D does for you:

✅ Strengthens Your Immune System – Helps your body fight infections and reduces autoimmune risks. That’s why cold & flu season is often low vitamin D season!

✅ Builds Strong Bones & Teeth – It works with calcium to keep bones and teeth strong, helping prevent osteoporosis, fractures, and cavities!

✅ Lifts Your Mood – Low vitamin D is linked to seasonal depression, brain fog, and low energy.

✅ Supports Heart & Metabolic Health – It helps regulate blood sugar and may reduce heart disease risks.

So why are so many of us still running on empty when it comes to this essential nutrient?

Let’s find out…

We all know that sunlight is the best natural source of vitamin D. But modern life has made it harder than ever to get enough sunshine. Here’s why:

We spend too much time indoors – Between work, school, and Netflix binges, most of us aren’t getting outside nearly enough.

Where you live matters – If you’re in a northern climate, your skin can’t make enough vitamin D for months at a time.

Sunscreen blocks UVB rays – While sunscreen protects against skin damage, it also prevents vitamin D production.

Pollution gets in the way – Air pollution can filter out UV rays before they even reach your skin.

My Favorite Way to Soak Up the Sun: One of the easiest (and most enjoyable) ways to get a little extra vitamin D is by spending time outside in the garden! I love tending to my plants, soaking in the fresh air, and getting my daily dose of sunshine.

Solution: Aim for 10-30 minutes of midday sun (without sunscreen) a few times a week. Roll up your sleeves, put on some shorts, and let your skin do the work!

But what if you can’t get enough sun? Keep reading…

Here’s the deal—getting vitamin D from food alone is tough. Most of the best sources are foods that many people don’t eat every day, like:

🐟 Fatty fish – Salmon, mackerel, and sardines

🥚 Egg yolks – One of the only non-dairy, non-seafood sources

🥛 Fortified dairy products – Milk, cheese, and yogurt (but only if they’re fortified!)

🥩 Beef liver – A great source…but let’s be honest, who eats liver regularly?

Unless you’re consistently eating these foods, your vitamin D intake is probably falling short. That’s why I always recommend supplementation—especially during winter months.

Even if you’re getting enough vitamin D from the sun or your diet, your body still might not be absorbing it properly. Here’s why:

🔹 Leaky gut syndrome – Damaged gut lining reduces nutrient absorption

🔹 Celiac disease & inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – Conditions that disrupt digestion

🔹 Liver or kidney disease – These organs help convert vitamin D into its active form, and if they aren’t working properly, you won’t get the benefits

Low stomach acid can also prevent proper vitamin D absorption! If your stomach acid levels are too low, your body won’t break down nutrients efficiently—including vitamin D. A simple way to check? Try the baking soda stomach acid test! It’s an easy at-home test that can give you clues about your digestion.

As we age, our skin becomes less efficient at producing vitamin D. This means that even if you’re spending time outside, your body might not be making enough.

And if you have darker skin, you naturally have more melanin, which acts as a built-in sunscreen. That means you need more sun exposure to produce the same amount of vitamin D as someone with lighter skin.

High stress and chronic inflammation can increase your body’s demand for vitamin D. If you struggle with:

🔹 Chronic stress or high cortisol levels

🔹 Autoimmune conditions (like Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus)

🔹 Obesity (which can trap vitamin D in fat cells)

…your vitamin D levels may drop faster than normal! Managing stress, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, and supplementing wisely can help.

Now that you know why your vitamin D might be low, let’s talk about how to fix it…

If possible, spend 10-30 minutes outside in the midday sun with your arms and legs exposed. No sunscreen, no hats—just you and the sun.

If you’re like me, that means spending time in the garden, getting my hands dirty, and soaking in that natural vitamin D.

Here’s the truth: Sun & food alone aren’t enough for most people—especially in the colder months.

That’s why I always recommend supplementing with vitamin D3, but here’s the key—you need vitamin K2 too!

Why K2?

• Vitamin D helps absorb calcium, but K2 makes sure it goes to the right place—your bones and teeth!

I personally formulated these supplements to ensure you’re getting the highest-quality vitamin D and K2—without any unnecessary fillers or synthetic additives. I wanted a supplement that would:

✔️ Maximize mineral absorption for better bone and dental health

✔️ Ensure proper calcium utilization (so it strengthens your teeth, not your arteries)

✔️ Support immune health, energy, and mood with the right balance of ingredients

Which supplement should you choose?

• Capsules (10,000 IU + K2) – Perfect for those who want a high-dose, convenient option.

  
  

• Liquid (2000 IU + K2) – Ideal for those who prefer adjustable dosing (great for kids, the elderly, or those who dislike pills).