Why Vitamin D Matters—Especially in Winter

The days are getting shorter and there's less sunlight. Vitamin D, the "sunshine vitamin," becomes even more important! This vitamin plays a vital role in all sorts of bodily functions, such as maintaining strong bones and supporting your immune system. For anyone living in an area with little winter sunshine—such as Belgium or the Netherlands—a supplement is not only helpful but essential, even for adults.

In this blog post, we discuss why vitamin D is important year-round, especially for babies, children, and women in different stages of life. We also explain what to consider when choosing a supplement and why we decided to develop our own vitamin D supplement.

The benefits of vitamin D at every stage of life

For babies and children: a strong foundation

From birth to childhood, vitamin D is essential for healthy growth and development. In babies, vitamin D supports bone health and the developing immune system.

Pediatricians therefore often recommend giving vitamin D daily until at least the age of 6, because young children do not always get enough vitamin D from food or sunlight.

Even for older children, vitamin D remains important as a building block for strong bones – super important for their rapidly growing bodies.

Studies show that adequate vitamin D can help protect children against respiratory infections and contribute to a strong immune system – extra handy with all those germs in daycare!

For women in their reproductive life stage: support for immune function, fertility and mood

Vitamin D is also important for women of childbearing age. It not only helps maintain healthy bones and a strong immune system (just like in children), but research also emphasizes its role in fertility.

Studies suggest that adequate vitamin D can support ovarian health and plays a role in the hormonal balance necessary for conception.

In addition, vitamin D can have a positive effect on your mood and mental well-being. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and mood swings often occur when there is less sunlight and vitamin D levels are lower, especially in winter. Getting enough vitamin D can help keep your mood stable and naturally boost your overall mental health.

For women around (peri)menopause and beyond: protecting bone density and supporting long-term health

As women enter perimenopause and menopause, their bone density decreases, making vitamin D even more important. Vitamin D works with calcium to maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.

In addition, vitamin D supports immune function and helps ward off illness. Because immunity naturally declines with age, vitamin D can be a perfect supplement to support your long-term health.

Choosing the right vitamin D supplement: what to look for

The selection of vitamin D supplements is overwhelming, we know. Here's what we recommend you consider when choosing the right vitamin D:

1. Strength and dosage: The recommended daily intake varies by age and specific needs. For babies, a lower dose per drop (e.g., 400 IU vitamin D/10 micrograms) is often ideal, while adults often require higher doses (e.g., 1000 IU vitamin D/25 micrograms to 3000 IU vitamin D/75 micrograms).
2. Quality: Many supplements contain unnecessary fillers, artificial preservatives, or synthetic carriers. Choose products with minimal ingredients, preferably with a high-quality carrier oil, such as MCT oil from coconut. Avoid palm oil, synthetic carriers, or artificial flavors if possible.
3. Source of vitamin D: Vegan vitamin D3 derived from algae is a good option, especially for those who prefer plant-based supplements. Algae-based vitamin D3 is bioavailable and sustainable – ideal for the whole family.
4. Shelf life: see how long a bottle lasts based on the dosage. You need less of a concentrated product per day, which makes it easier to administer and more cost-effective in the long run.

Does our vitamin D meet these criteria?

Our vitamin D is designed with simplicity, convenience, and quality in mind. When I (Morgane, co-founder of Guud Woman) started searching for the best vitamin D for my daughter, I discovered how difficult it was to find something pure and free of unnecessary additives. Almost everything was full of flavorings and preservatives, and administering it? That was a constant challenge—just try getting 10 drops in your baby's mouth! Half ended up missing, and within two weeks the bottle was empty.

That's why we developed a Vitamin D that contains only two high-quality ingredients: vegan Vitamin D3 from algae (sustainably sourced in the UK) and MCT oil from coconut (sourced in Germany).

Our formula contains 400 IU per drop, meaning it is suitable for both babies and adults (1 drop for babies, 5 drops for adults), and it is free from synthetic carriers, preservatives, or artificial flavors.

Why we are so proud of this vitamin D:

• Only 2 high-quality ingredients : pure D3 from algae in the UK and MCT oil from coconut in Germany.
• No chemical fillers, flavors or added sugars .
• Easy to dose : one drop for babies, two for children, and five for adults. Our formula contains 400 IU per drop, suitable for both babies and adults, and is free of synthetic carriers, preservatives, or artificial flavors.

Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Vitamin D – The Difference

There are two main types of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): vegan and non-vegan. Both forms offer the same benefits, but differ in how they are extracted and whether they fit into your diet.

Vegan Vitamin D3 (from algae)

Vegan vitamin D3 is usually derived from algae. This form of cholecalciferol is sustainably harvested and therefore suitable for people who follow a plant-based lifestyle or want to avoid animal products.

Algae-based D3 is highly bioavailable (meaning the body easily absorbs and uses it) and is as effective as non-vegan D3.

Benefits of Vegan Vitamin D3:

• Sustainability : Algae is a renewable resource, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
• Purity : Algae-based D3 is often produced without animal byproducts and with fewer additives.
• Suitable for all ages : safe for babies, children and adults and a gentle, powerful source of vitamin D.

Non-vegan vitamin D3

Non-vegan vitamin D3 is usually derived from lanolin, a substance found in sheep's wool. The lanolin is processed to isolate the vitamin D, which is then converted into cholecalciferol. This form is widely available and highly bioavailable, but not suitable for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Important considerations for non-vegan vitamin D3:

• Animal Source : Since it is derived from lanolin, this form is not suitable for plant-based diets or those wanting to avoid animal products.
• Concentration : Non-vegan D3 is often the standard in many vitamin D supplements and comes in a variety of strengths.
• Quality and additives : depending on the brand, additional substances may be present.

Why we at Guud Woman choose algae-based D3

At Guud Woman, we've chosen vitamin D3 from algae because it aligns with our commitment to sustainability, purity, and inclusivity. By sourcing our vitamin D3 from algae, we ensure our product is vegan, suitable for everyone, and of the highest quality.

In combination with MCT oil from coconut, we have developed a formula that is simple, effective and accessible for babies, children and adults – without unnecessary ingredients.

The Science Behind Vitamin D: Immunity, Bone Health, Fertility, and Mood

The health benefits of vitamin D are supported by extensive research:

• Bone health: Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption, which helps keep bones strong and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
• Immunity: Vitamin D supports the immune system. Research shows that it can activate certain cells that recognize and destroy pathogens, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of infections.
• Fertility: Studies indicate that vitamin D may play a role in female fertility, particularly in ovarian health. Adequate vitamin D levels are associated with an improved chance of conception.
• Mood support: Vitamin D can help regulate mood by supporting the production of serotonin (the happiness hormone) in the brain. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to seasonal mood swings, especially during the dark winter months.

Conclusion: Why vitamin D is important all year round

While vitamin D is especially important in the winter, this vitamin is important for your health all year round, including your immunity, bone health, and even your mood!

When choosing a vitamin D supplement, it's important to look for quality, ease of use, and a formulation you trust.

At Guud Woman, we're incredibly proud to offer a product that meets these requirements. Our vitamin D is simple, pure, and designed to fit perfectly into your routine, regardless of your age or stage of life.