In the time of the Prophet ﷺ the word vitamin did not exist, yet people used plants and natural remedies to heal themselves.
As we know, vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin, and the Prophet ﷺ and his companions lived close to the sun, so vitamin D deficiency was not a common problem. Indeed, they were in the habit of doing outdoor activities, in the desert, which allowed them to get their fill of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important in particular for the absorption of calcium by the bones, and it is found in plant or animal matter. What we would recommend to a person with a vitamin D deficiency is to consume dairy products, and the Sunnah teaches us that camel milk is very beneficial. Indeed, camel milk contains lactoferrins that help fight the spread of cancerous cells, and it also contains minerals and vitamins, notably vitamin D. It is therefore recommended, to make up for this deficiency, to drink a glass of camel milk in the morning on an empty stomach. Among dairy products we also find cheese, and Ibn al-Qayyim devoted a chapter to it; moreover it is a food rich in calcium and vitamin D, and it also contains lactic bacteria that are likewise beneficial for the body.
Ibn al-Qayyim also spoke about eggs, and for vitamin D the yolk is best. It is also preferable to choose organic eggs, and olive oil can be added to them.
Spirulina is an ally in fighting deficiencies. This spiral-shaped algae, more than three billion years old, is a natural antioxidant, contains vitamin D, and is one of the best foods for humanity.
Finally, omega-3, -6 and -9 fatty acids are also very effective. They are found in fish oils such as cod liver oil, shark oil, or whale oil.
What the science says: vitamin D, camel milk
What the published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for informational purposes — the studies concern material causes, healing belongs to Allah.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of acute respiratory infections, especially in people who are deficient, according to a meta-analysis in the BMJ (BMJ, 2017) updated since by (Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol, 2025); deficiency is also linked to autoimmune diseases (Nutrients, 2023). Sunlight remains the primary source. Precaution: have your vitamin D levels tested before supplementing heavily — excess is toxic; common maintenance doses are safe.
Camel milk
Camel milk, a remedy mentioned in the hadiths, has been studied in particular for diabetes: it improves blood sugar levels and reduces insulin needs according to meta-analyses (Asian Pac J Trop Biomed, 2013). Its composition (low in allergenic casein, insulin-like proteins, lactoferrin) explains its interest. Precaution: choose pasteurized milk or a controlled powder; raw milk carries an infection risk.
