Can taking vitamin D raise your cholesterol?

January 2, 2026 •

5 min read

According to the CDC, approximately 86 million U.S. adults have high or borderline high cholesterol levels. While observational studies have found a link between low vitamin D levels and poor lipid profiles, the question of whether taking vitamin D can raise your cholesterol remains complex due to conflicting evidence from various clinical trials.

Quick Summary

The link between vitamin D supplementation and cholesterol levels is complex and not fully understood. Research presents conflicting findings, with some studies showing improvement in lipid profiles while others show no significant effect or even a modest increase.

Key Points

Conflicting Evidence: Research on whether vitamin D supplementation impacts cholesterol levels is inconclusive, with different studies showing no effect, a beneficial effect, or even a short-term increase in LDL.
Observational vs. Clinical: While many observational studies show an association between low vitamin D and high cholesterol, this does not prove that supplementation will correct the issue.
Not a Cholesterol Treatment: Health experts advise against using vitamin D supplements as a primary treatment for high cholesterol, as more reliable methods like diet and exercise are proven to be effective.
Biological Link: Cholesterol is a precursor for vitamin D synthesis in the skin, which shows their close relationship within the body.
Influencing Factors: Study outcomes can be affected by baseline vitamin D levels, concurrent use of other supplements (e.g., calcium), and interactions with medications like statins.
Focus on Proven Methods: The most reliable way to manage cholesterol is through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and professional medical guidance.

The Natural Connection Between Vitamin D and Cholesterol

To understand the relationship between vitamin D and cholesterol, it's essential to know their biological connection. The human body produces vitamin D in a process that requires cholesterol. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, a cholesterol-based compound called 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) is converted into vitamin D3. This process highlights that cholesterol is not merely a risk factor for disease but also a critical component for several vital bodily functions, including synthesizing the "sunshine vitamin."

Observational Studies: The Initial Link

For years, observational studies have shown a clear association between low vitamin D levels and an unhealthy lipid profile. This often includes elevated total cholesterol, high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and high triglycerides. These findings led to the hypothesis that correcting a vitamin D deficiency could, in turn, improve a person's cholesterol levels. A 2023 study involving over 15,600 people confirmed this association, noting that individuals with lower vitamin D levels were more likely to have high cholesterol. However, such observational data can only identify an association, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

Clinical Trials: The Conflicting Results

When researchers have conducted randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to test whether vitamin D supplementation can lower cholesterol, the results have been inconsistent and, in some cases, surprising. Here is a closer look at the different outcomes observed across various studies:

Studies Showing Improvement: A 2019 meta-analysis of 41 RCTs concluded that vitamin D supplementation appeared to have a beneficial effect, reducing serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, particularly in participants with baseline vitamin D deficiency. Other reviews have also found that supplementation could help manage cholesterol, especially as a complementary therapy. For instance, one study found that calcium and vitamin D supplements improved cholesterol levels in postmenopausal, overweight, or obese women.
Studies Showing No Effect or Potential Increase: Conversely, some trials have yielded different results. An 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving vitamin D-deficient adults at risk for cardiovascular disease found that supplementation did not improve their lipid profile. In fact, the physiological response to supplementation was correlated with an increase in LDL cholesterol. Similarly, a 2012 study referenced by the Rockefeller University found that supplements did not improve cholesterol as previous research had suggested. This study even found that raising vitamin D levels to sufficient ranges had no statistically significant effect on LDL or triglycerides and only a minimal impact on total and HDL cholesterol.

Factors Influencing the Outcome

The varied outcomes of studies on vitamin D and cholesterol can be attributed to several factors:

Baseline Status: The effect of supplementation may differ depending on a person's initial vitamin D status. Improvements are more commonly seen in individuals who were vitamin D deficient at the start of the study.
Combination Therapies: Some studies involved combined supplementation, such as vitamin D and calcium, which may influence the results.
Medication Interactions: There is evidence that vitamin D may affect the function of statins, common cholesterol-lowering medications. Some research found that vitamin D's lipid-lowering effects were more pronounced in patients already taking statins.
Study Duration: The length of the study plays a role. Short-term effects might not reflect long-term outcomes, and the duration required for vitamin D repletion to influence lipid metabolism is still under investigation.
Dosage: The amount of vitamin D supplemented and the resultant increase in serum levels could affect the outcome. A study showed that higher doses (even in combination with calcium) in overweight or obese individuals could raise blood pressure, a different cardiovascular risk factor.

Comparing Study Outcomes on Vitamin D and Cholesterol


Study Type & Year	Population	Duration	Key Findings on Cholesterol	Result Consistency	Confirmatory Source
RCT, 2012	Vitamin D-deficient adults	8 weeks	No improvement in lipid profile; observed a rise in LDL.	Inconsistent with observational data; suggests caution.	Rockefeller University
Meta-analysis, 2019	Various, from 41 RCTs	Mixed	Reduced total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides.	Consistent with hypothesis but contrasts other RCTs.	PubMed
Observational, 2023	Over 15,600 people	Cross-sectional	Lower vitamin D levels correlated with higher cholesterol.	Consistent with observational trends but not cause-effect.	Healthline
RCT, 2014	Postmenopausal women	5 years	Calcium and D combo lowered LDL and raised HDL.	Consistent with benefit, but influenced by calcium.	Harvard Health
RCT, 2013	Statin vs. Non-statin users	12 weeks	Lowered cholesterol absorption markers in statin users; no effect in non-users.	Highly specific context; confirms statin interaction.	NCBI

The Takeaway: What Should You Do?

Given the mixed evidence, a simple, definitive answer to whether vitamin D supplementation affects cholesterol levels isn't possible. The strong association seen in observational studies has not been consistently replicated in randomized controlled trials, especially when considering different study populations, durations, and dosages. What is clear is that vitamin D is crucial for overall health, including bone density and immune function. Therefore, ensuring adequate vitamin D intake through sunlight exposure, fortified foods, or supplements is important for general well-being.

However, it is best not to view vitamin D supplementation as a primary tool for managing high cholesterol. A balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight remain the most proven and effective strategies for controlling cholesterol levels. If you are concerned about your vitamin D or cholesterol levels, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure any supplementation is done safely, particularly if you are on other medications like statins.

For more information on vitamin D and overall health, consider consulting the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Conclusion: Conflicting Evidence Persists

The question of "Can taking vitamin D raise your cholesterol?" does not have a simple "yes" or "no" answer. While some research points toward a beneficial effect on lipid profiles, other high-quality trials show no impact or even a slight increase in LDL cholesterol, particularly in the short term. The disparity in results highlights the complexity of nutritional science and the many factors that influence individual health outcomes. For now, focus on proven methods for cholesterol management and use vitamin D supplements for their established benefits in supporting overall health, not as a shortcut to lower cholesterol.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is a statistical association between low vitamin D levels and high cholesterol found in observational studies. However, this is a correlation, not a confirmed cause-and-effect relationship, and correcting the deficiency does not guarantee improved cholesterol levels.

Some studies, particularly short-term trials, have shown a correlation between vitamin D repletion and a rise in LDL cholesterol. This suggests a potential adverse effect for some individuals, though more research is needed to understand the long-term impact.

Some meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials have reported beneficial effects, including a reduction in total and LDL cholesterol, especially in individuals who were vitamin D deficient at the start. Results often vary based on study population, dosage, and duration.

If you are taking statins or other cholesterol medications, it is crucial to consult your doctor before starting high-dose vitamin D supplements. Some studies suggest vitamin D may affect how statins work, and excessive supplementation could lead to complications.

Beyond cholesterol, vitamin D is involved in regulating blood pressure and inflammation, both of which are related to cardiovascular health. However, as with cholesterol, results on the direct impact of supplementation are mixed.

Some studies involving combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation have shown a beneficial effect on cholesterol, particularly in postmenopausal women. This suggests that the combined effect may differ from that of vitamin D alone.

Cholesterol serves as a precursor molecule for the production of vitamin D. A form of cholesterol is converted into vitamin D when the skin is exposed to UV radiation from sunlight.