DMSO and Vitamin D3: Can It Improve Absorption?

A Real-World Curiosity about DMSO and Vitamin D3

When Martin, a 52-year-old office worker from Manchester, found out he was vitamin D deficient despite taking supplements, he started researching alternatives. He stumbled across online forums where people claimed that mixing vitamin D3 with DMSO could boost absorption. Intrigued, he wondered: could this be the solution to his persistent deficiency? Or was he risking his health with an unproven method?

🔬 What the Science Says

Vitamin D3 is fat-soluble, meaning it’s best absorbed with dietary fat. DMSO, on the other hand, is a powerful carrier that transports substances through the skin and into tissues. The idea is that combining the two might bypass digestion and improve uptake.

However, no clinical studies currently support this practice. While vitamin D3 is essential for bone health, immunity, and hormone regulation, introducing it via DMSO has unknown safety implications.

🧴 Dermatologist’s View

From a dermatological perspective, topical vitamin D analogues (like calcipotriol) are already used in medicine for certain skin conditions. But these are tightly controlled, pharmaceutical-grade formulations. Mixing over-the-counter vitamin D3 with DMSO lacks the same safety data, and risks skin irritation or uncontrolled dosing.

🥗 Nutritionist’s View

A nutritionist would emphasise proven ways to optimise vitamin D3:

• Take supplements with healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts).

• Pair with vitamin K2 and magnesium for synergy.

• Get safe sun exposure to trigger natural production.

DMSO is unnecessary for these proven strategies, and may actually complicate absorption rather than help it.

🌀 TCM Perspective

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, sunlight is considered a vital source of life force, aligning with the concept of Yang energy. Deficiency is often seen as imbalance between Yin and Yang. Rather than chemical carriers like DMSO, TCM would encourage lifestyle balance, diet, and herbs to restore energy and immune resilience.

⚠️ Safety Considerations

• No established dose of vitamin D3 exists for DMSO-based delivery.

• Risk of overdosing is high, since vitamin D3 is fat-soluble and accumulates in the body.

• Skin irritation or systemic toxicity may occur.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not experiment with this method.

✨ The Bigger Picture

Martin’s story reflects a common frustration: doing “everything right” but still struggling with nutrient deficiencies. While DMSO may look like a shortcut, it isn’t the safe or effective solution for vitamin D3. The better path is personalised testing, proper supplementation, and, when needed, medical supervision.

🔗 Where to Learn More

• Related: DMSO Safety Precautions

• Related: DMSO and Vitamin C

• Foundation: What is DMSO and How Does It Work?