Can Celiacs Take Vitamin D? What You Need to Know

December 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is common in people with untreated celiac disease, with rates ranging significantly depending on the population. This is primarily due to the malabsorption of nutrients caused by intestinal damage. While all individuals should aim for adequate vitamin D, it is a particularly important consideration for those with celiac disease.

Quick Summary

Individuals with celiac disease often experience vitamin D malabsorption, making supplementation necessary, even after starting a gluten-free diet. A healthcare professional can determine the correct dosage for restoring and maintaining healthy levels.

Key Points

Celiac Disease Causes Malabsorption: The intestinal damage from celiac disease can impair the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin D, leading to widespread deficiency.
Supplementation is Often Necessary: Many celiac patients, even those following a strict gluten-free diet, require vitamin D supplements to maintain healthy levels.
Supplements Must Be Gluten-Free: Always choose vitamin D supplements with certified gluten-free labeling to avoid accidental gluten exposure.
Bone Health is a Major Concern: Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of bone density issues like osteopenia and osteoporosis, a common complication of celiac disease.
Monitoring is Key: Regular blood tests to check vitamin D levels are essential for celiacs to determine the right dosage and prevent toxicity.
Immune Function is Affected: Vitamin D has immunomodulatory effects that can help manage the autoimmune aspects of celiac disease.

Celiac Disease and Vitamin D Malabsorption

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage, known as villous atrophy, impairs the body's ability to absorb nutrients effectively. Because vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, its absorption is particularly vulnerable to the fat malabsorption that accompanies intestinal damage in celiac disease. This is why deficiencies are common, especially at the time of diagnosis. Even after starting a gluten-free diet (GFD), which allows the gut to heal, some individuals may continue to have lower than optimal vitamin D levels and still require supplementation. Factors such as the location of intestinal damage and the severity of the disease can affect the degree of malabsorption.

The Role of Vitamin D in Celiac Patients

For celiac patients, ensuring adequate vitamin D levels is critical for several reasons:

Bone Health: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone mineralization. Celiac patients are at an increased risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis due to long-term malabsorption. Proper vitamin D intake is vital for restoring and maintaining bone mineral density, especially after diagnosis.
Immune System Modulation: As an autoimmune condition, celiac disease involves a dysregulated immune response. Vitamin D is known to modulate both the innate and adaptive immune systems, helping to promote a more tolerogenic response. This regulatory effect may play a protective role in managing the disease.
Reducing Inflammation: Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties, and studies have shown it can reduce intestinal inflammation by preserving the epithelial barrier and regulating tight junction proteins. Some research has even linked vitamin D deficiency to more severe disease activity.
Addressing Extra-intestinal Manifestations: In some cases, low vitamin D levels can contribute to extra-intestinal symptoms of celiac disease, such as neurological issues. Treating the deficiency can help address these related health problems.

Can Celiacs Absorb Vitamin D Supplements?

Yes, celiacs can absorb vitamin D from supplements, though the efficiency may vary. The damage to the small intestine in untreated celiac disease can hinder the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. However, once a strict GFD is initiated, the intestinal villi begin to heal, and absorption typically improves significantly. This process can take months to a few years. For those with persistent malabsorption or severe deficiency, a healthcare provider may prescribe higher-dose supplements or different formulations to ensure adequate levels are reached. Monitoring is essential to ensure the treatment is effective and to avoid toxicity from excessive intake.

Types of Vitamin D Supplements

For celiacs, choosing the right supplement is important to avoid gluten contamination and maximize absorption. Two main forms of vitamin D are available: D2 and D3. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is generally considered more effective than D2 (ergocalciferol).

Liquid Drops: These can be particularly beneficial for those with significant gut damage or absorption issues, as they can sometimes be more easily processed than pills or capsules.
Oil-Based Softgels: Since vitamin D is fat-soluble, taking it in an oil-based softgel can aid absorption. Look for softgels made with safe, gluten-free ingredients.
Gluten-Free Certification: Always check for a gluten-free label on any supplement. While most vitamins are naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination during manufacturing can occur.

The Importance of Medical Guidance and Monitoring

Before beginning any supplementation, it is crucial to work with a healthcare provider to determine the right course of action. This includes establishing your current vitamin D status, setting a target level, and monitoring progress. Blood tests can measure your serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, which are the main indicator of vitamin D status.

Comparison Table: Vitamin D Sources for Celiacs


Source	Pros	Cons	Considerations for Celiacs
Sunlight	Natural and efficient source of Vitamin D3.	Exposure can be limited by location, season, and skin tone. Increased skin cancer risk with excess exposure.	May not be sufficient, especially for those in northern climates or with darker skin. Celiac patients may need extra support.
Fortified Foods	Convenient way to increase dietary intake.	Vitamin D content varies. Many fortified foods (like bread) contain gluten.	Only consume fortified foods explicitly labeled or certified as gluten-free.
Naturally Rich Foods	Offers other nutritional benefits (e.g., healthy fats in fish).	Few natural sources exist, and intake is often insufficient to meet daily needs.	Include foods like oily fish, egg yolks, and certain mushrooms regularly as part of a balanced GFD.
Supplements	Allows for precise, high-dose administration if needed.	Requires careful label-checking for gluten and other allergens. Possibility of over-supplementation without monitoring.	Choose certified gluten-free products, preferably liquid drops or oil-based softgels to aid absorption. Consult a doctor for dosage.

Conclusion: A Proactive Approach to Vitamin D

For individuals with celiac disease, the question is not whether they can take vitamin D, but rather that it is often a necessity. The disease-induced malabsorption makes vitamin D deficiency a common and serious concern, affecting bone density and immune function. A lifelong, strict gluten-free diet is the cornerstone of treatment, which allows the intestinal lining to heal and improves nutrient absorption. However, relying solely on diet and sun exposure is often insufficient to correct or prevent vitamin D insufficiency in celiac patients. Therefore, medical professionals highly recommend regular monitoring of vitamin D levels and appropriate supplementation. By taking a proactive approach and choosing certified gluten-free supplements, celiac patients can address this critical nutritional need and support their overall health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Celiac disease causes damage to the small intestine's lining, which impairs the absorption of nutrients, including the fat-soluble vitamin D. This malabsorption is a primary reason for low vitamin D levels in many celiac patients, particularly before treatment.

While a strict gluten-free diet helps the small intestine heal and improves nutrient absorption over time, it may not be enough to fully correct or maintain optimal vitamin D levels. Many celiacs still require ongoing supplementation.

Celiacs should look for supplements certified as gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is often recommended as it is more easily absorbed by the body than D2. Liquid drops or oil-based softgels can also be beneficial for absorption.

Chronic vitamin D deficiency can lead to serious complications for celiacs, including reduced bone mineral density, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and an increased risk of fractures. It can also impact immune function and contribute to other extra-intestinal symptoms.

It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting or changing your vitamin D dosage. They can order a blood test to measure your current vitamin D levels and recommend an appropriate and safe dose for your specific needs.

For many celiacs, especially those with an initial deficiency, supplements are necessary to restore healthy levels. Even with a healed gut, some may require long-term supplementation. Regular monitoring by a doctor will determine if and when supplements are needed.

For celiacs, relying on sun exposure alone is often insufficient, especially during winter months or for those with limited sun exposure or darker skin. The malabsorption caused by celiac disease makes dietary and supplemental sources important.