The days are shorter, the skies are grayer, and for many in Wisconsin, the sun feels like a distant memory from summer. While winter brings cozy fires and snow-covered landscapes, it also brings a significant drop in natural vitamin D production. Without enough sunlight, your body struggles to produce this critical nutrient, which plays a role in everything from bone health to immune function, improved energy and mood. In Wisconsin, many residents lack sufficient Vitamin D levels. 

Why Vitamin D Matters More in Winter

Vitamin D helps regulate calcium absorption, supports the immune system, and even plays a role in mood stabilization. Without enough of it, people are more likely to feel sluggish, experience muscle weakness, and even suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In a state where temperatures keep most people indoors for months, maintaining proper vitamin D levels can be a challenge.

How to Get Enough Vitamin D Without Sunlight

Since the body primarily makes vitamin D from UV exposure, Wisconsinites must rely on alternative sources during the winter. The best ways to stay vitamin D-compliant include:

1. Taking a Vitamin D Supplement – Most health experts recommend at least 600–800 IU daily, but those in northern climates may need more. A simple blood test can help determine your ideal dose.
2. Eating Vitamin D-Rich Foods – Fatty fish (like salmon and tuna), fortified dairy or plant-based milk, eggs, and mushrooms can help boost your levels.
3. Considering a UV Lamp – Light therapy, often used for SAD, can also help encourage vitamin D production in some individuals.

The Magnesium Connection

Vitamin D doesn’t work in isolation—it needs magnesium to be activated in the body. Without it, even high doses of vitamin D may not be effective. Magnesium plays a role in enzymatic reactions, including those that convert vitamin D into its usable form.

For the best absorption, consider magnesium-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and whole grains. If supplementing, magnesium glycinate is one of the best options due to its high bioavailability and gentleness on the stomach.

Don’t Forget About Vitamin B12

Another nutrient that’s often overlooked in winter months is vitamin B12. Found mainly in animal products, B12 helps with red blood cell formation, nerve function, and energy production. The recommended intake for men is 2.4 mcg per day, but many struggle to get enough, especially if they follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Final Thoughts

Wisconsin winters don’t have to leave you feeling depleted. By supplementing smartly, eating the right foods, and ensuring your body has the necessary co-factors like magnesium and B12, you can stay energized and healthy all season long. The sun may be scarce, but with the right approach, your vitamin D levels don’t have to be.