Vitamin D & Epilepsy: How the Sunshine Vitamin Supports Seizure Control, Bone Health, and Overall Wellness
Vitamin D, often called the ‘sunshine vitamin,’ is essential for your overall health. It’s more than just a vitamin. it acts like a hormone in your body and plays a role in everything from strong bones to a healthy brain and immune system. Here’s everything you need to know in simple terms.
☀️What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D (also called calciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that your body can get from:
Sunlight – your skin makes vitamin D when UV rays hit it.
Food – certain foods naturally contain it, and some are fortified.
Supplements – an easy way to boost levels if you’re not getting enough.
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and phosphate from food, which are essential for strong bones and teeth. Without enough vitamin D, bones can become weak and brittle leading to higher risk of fractures and injuries in the event of a fall during a seizure.
But vitamin D does more than just support bones. It also:
Reduces inflammation
Supports immune function
Helps with muscle function and nerve signaling ⚠️
Affects glucose metabolism
Influences the activity of many genes that control cell growth and repair
⚡Vitamin D and Epilepsy
Vitamin D plays a role in epilepsy. People with epilepsy often have low vitamin D levels, especially if they take antiepileptic drugs. Research shows:
Correcting vitamin D deficiency can improve seizure control.
Studies in animals suggest vitamin D3 may reduce seizures.
People with epilepsy have a sixfold higher risk of bone fractures, partly due to low vitamin D.
In one study of patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy, vitamin D supplementation reduced seizures by 40% on average. This suggests maintaining healthy vitamin D levels may have benefits beyond bones, potentially helping with neurological health as well.
🐟Food Sources of Vitamin D
You can get vitamin D from foods such as:
Oily fish (SMASH) – Salmon, Mackerel, Anchovies, Sardines, Herring
Egg yolks
Red meat
Liver (avoid during pregnancy)
Fortified foods – some breakfast cereals and spreads
⚖️How Much Vitamin D Do You Need?
Recommended daily intake for the average person:
Adults under 70 years of age: 600 IU
Adults over 70 years of age: 800 IU
If you’re vitamin D deficient, higher doses may be needed to restore levels, such as 1,500–2,000 IU per day, or short-term higher doses under medical supervision. Avoid extremely high doses (>40,000 IU), which can be toxic.
💊Vitamin D3 and K2: A Powerful Duo:
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) helps your body absorb calcium, while vitamin K2 ensures calcium gets to your bones and teeth instead of accumulating in your arteries. Together, they:
Vitamin K2 is found in some animal and fermented foods, but many people don’t get enough from diet alone. Supplements can help bridge the gap, and taking D3 and K2 together is often more effective.
🧪Testing Your Vitamin D Levels
It’s easy to check your vitamin D levels:
Local pharmacies like Boots or Superdrug offer simple tests.
Home kits from companies like Medichecks or Randox provide a finger-prick test.
Testing is important before supplementing, so you don’t risk taking too much.
❗Risks of Over-Supplementing
Too much vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood), which may lead to:
Weak bones
Kidney damage
Heart problems
Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or cognitive issues
A safe approach is to aim for moderate supplementation (e.g., 1,000 IU/day in winter) and get most of your vitamin D from sunlight and food. Always consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
☀️For those living with epilepsy, maintaining the right balance of sunlight, diet, and supplementation can help keep vitamin D levels in check, supporting bone strength, muscle health, and even improving seizure control and overall well-being.