Vitamin D is all the buzz these days. We hear it everywhere: get more sunlight to get your Vitamin D, take a Vitamin D supplement daily, and more.
If you’re a health coach, you’ve definitely worked to improve your own or your clients’ Vitamin D levels. But with so much information out there, what is truly the best way to provide guidance to clients when they express a desire to work on their Vitamin D? Here’s everything health coaches need to know about Vitamin D so you can effectively support and educate your clients to point them in the right direction of improving their health and quality of life.
What is Vitamin D and Why Does It Matter?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in bone health, immune function, mood, and inflammation regulation. It acts more like a hormone than a classic vitamin. Receptors for Vitamin D are found throughout the body, which is why low levels may impact multiple systems.
Vitamin D works closely with calcium to support bone strength. Without adequate Vitamin D, the body cannot effectively absorb calcium, which may contribute to weakened bone integrity over time. It also contributes to muscle strength and coordination, which is important for balance and mobility, particularly in older adults.
Research continues to show Vitamin D’s role in:
- Bone mineralization and calcium absorption
- Immune system modulation
- Muscle function
- Mental health and mood regulation
Common Signs of Low Vitamin D
While coaches cannot diagnose deficiency, they can help clients recognize patterns and encourage discussion with their healthcare provider. Possible signs may include:
- Fatigue or low energy
- Frequent colds or slow recovery
- Muscle aches or weakness
- Low mood or irritability
- Bone or joint discomfort
Clients with autoimmune conditions, limited outdoor time, darker skin tones, gastric bypass history, or malabsorption disorders (such as Crohn’s or celiac disease) may be more likely to experience low Vitamin D levels. This can be a helpful awareness point for coaching conversations.
If a client is concerned about deficiency, the next step is laboratory testing ordered by their healthcare provider, typically measuring 25(OH)D levels.
Testing for Vitamin D While Staying Within Scope
Health coaches do not diagnose or prescribe treatments, but they can:
- Help clients understand what Vitamin D labs represent
- Encourage clients to speak with their practitioner about results
- Support health-promoting lifestyle behaviors related to Vitamin D
A typical blood test is the 25-hydroxyvitamin D test. Many practitioners aim for levels between 30–60 ng/mL, although optimal ranges can vary, and recommendations differ by organization. Clients should always consult their healthcare provider for individualized guidance.
Where Do We Get Vitamin D?
There are three primary sources of Vitamin D:
| Source | Details | Notes for Coaching |
| Sunlight | UVB rays trigger Vitamin D synthesis in the skin. | Time of day, skin tone, latitude, season, and sunscreen use all affect production. |
| Food | Few foods contain Vitamin D naturally. | Help clients identify dietary sources they enjoy regularly. |
| Supplementation | Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is commonly used. | Recommend clients discuss dose with their provider before starting, and educate about the difference between D2 and D3 and about different delivery methods (capsule, liquid, drops, etc.) |
Foods Rich in Vitamin D:
- Salmon and sardines
- Cod liver oil
- Egg yolks
Sunlight and Vitamin D
Sunlight is a free and natural source of Vitamin D, but production varies greatly. Factors such as season, cloud coverage, pollution, time of day, and skin pigmentation influence synthesis.
Coaching approach: Ask open-ended questions like:
- How much time do you currently spend outdoors during the week?
- Are there ways to build enjoyable outdoor movement or breaks into your routine?
This invites exploration rather than telling clients what to do.
Supplementation: Guiding Clients Safely
Health coaches do not recommend dosages, but they can guide clients to ask informed questions like:
- What is the appropriate form of Vitamin D for me?
- Should I take Vitamin D with Vitamin K2?
- How often should my levels be retested?
- Is this a reputable brand?
Encourage clients to review supplement decisions with their:
- Primary care provider
- Registered dietitian
- Functional medicine practitioner
Coaching Strategies to Support Clients
Health coaches help clients:
Identify realistic habits: outdoor time, food choices, or supplement follow-through
Explore the why behind the goal (ex: more energy, improved mood, better sleep)
Create accountability and emotional support, and track progress gently over time
Key coaching questions:
- What feels doable for you right now?
- What would improving your Vitamin D help you be able to do in your daily life?
- How can we work together to help you build a new routine that feels supportive?
Bringing It All Together
Vitamin D plays a powerful role in health and well-being, and as a health coach, you are uniquely positioned to support clients by providing education, encouragement, and accountability. By helping clients understand their options, connect the dots between habits and how they feel, and work collaboratively with their healthcare providers, you empower them to take meaningful steps toward better health.
Supporting clients with Vitamin D is just one example of how health coaches make a meaningful difference. When you help someone understand their body, explore their habits, and build routines that support their well-being, you empower them to take ownership of their health in a way that lasts. If this kind of work feels aligned with your purpose and you’re ready to guide others toward healthier, more vibrant lives, it may be time to become a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach.
