Is this study on Vitamin D3 in softgels legit or biased?
Hey guys, just read this study (PMID: 34567890) claiming that high-dose Vitamin D3 in softgels improves mood and immune function way more than tablets. But it was funded by a supplement company. Thoughts on whether it's biased? I've been taking softgels for a while and feel great, but maybe it's placebo?
Tbh most supplement studies are funded by industry, doesn't automatically make them trash. But look at the sample size and if they disclosed conflicts. I've used D3 softgels after my marathon training and my levels went up faster than with tablets. Also, absorption is better with oils, so softgels make sense.
As a med student, I'd check if it's peer-reviewed and if the funding source was involved in data interpretation. Softgels do have better bioavailability because of the fat-soluble nature of D3. But a single study isn't definitive. I'd look for a meta-analysis. Still, I take softgels myself.
Thanks! The sample size was 200, which seems decent. It didn't say if the funder influenced results tho. Maybe I'll stick with my softgels since they work for me. Anyone else feel a difference between forms?