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vitamin d supplement

The Best Vitamin D Supplement Choices in 2023 + How to Guide

  • Don-Pedro Ume, PharmD
  • January 6, 2022
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Did you know why we call vitamin D the “sunshine vitamin?” The answer is simple—your skin produces it upon direct exposure to sunlight. 

Although we can get vitamin D from our diet, obtaining adequate amounts of it from food sources alone is quite difficult. 

This is where supplements come in.

This article will walk you through all you need to know about this fat-soluble vitamin and familiarize you with the best vitamin D supplement brands on the global market, their efficiency, price, and popularity among users. 

We also provide you with a detailed buyer’s guide explaining how to select the best option for you based on your needs.

The 10 Best Vitamin D Supplement Brands for 2021

We’re committed to providing you with the best products available. If you purchase through one of the links on our site, we may earn a commission. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure.

Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 250 mcg (10,000 IU)

Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 250 mcg (10,000 IU) Pure Encapsulations Review

Optimal vitamin D choice for 2022

  • No unpleasant aftertaste
  • Easy to swallow
  • Allergen-free
star 10
$43.50 for 120 capsules Read Review
Buy Now

NOW® Foods Vitamin D-3 10,000 IU

NOW® Foods Vitamin D-3 10,000 IU NOW Foods Logo

Top high-dose vitamin D3 product

  • High-quality pure blend
  • Allergen-free
  • Contains bovine gelatin
star 9.8
$16.99 for 120 softgels Read Review
Buy Now

Nature Made® Vitamin D3 Extra Strength 5000 IU (125 mcg)

Nature Made® Vitamin D3 Extra Strength 5000 IU (125 mcg) Nature Made Logo

Editor’s choice for 5,000 IU of vitamin D

  • USP-verified
  • No artificial colors and flavors
  • Gluten-free
star 9.7
$17.00 for 90 softgels Read Review
Buy Now

Thorne Vitamin D/K2

Thorne Vitamin D/K2 Thorne Review

High-quality liquid vitamin D

  • Natural colors and flavors
  • No gluten, dairy, or soy
  • Ideal for postmenopausal women
star 9.5
$25.00 for 30 ml Read Review
Buy Now

Vital Choice Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Oil + Vitamin D3

Vital Choice Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Oil + Vitamin D3 Vital Choice Review

The omega-3 and vit D combo

  • Gluten-free
  • Paleo-keto friendly
  • Produced in a GMP-certified facility
  • Non-GMO and MSC-certified
star 9.3
$24.00 for 180 softgels Read Review
Buy Now

NatureWise® Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU)

NatureWise® Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) NatureWise Review

A great choice for musculoskeletal function

  • It contains natural olive oil
  • Allergen-free
  • Easily absorbable
  • Non-GMO product
star 9.2
$10.99 for 90 softgels Read Review
Buy Now

MegaFood® Vitamin D-3 2000 IU (50 mcg)

MegaFood® Vitamin D-3 2000 IU (50 mcg) MegaFood Logo

Cleanest organic product

  • Free from herbicides and pesticides
  • Certified glyphosate residue-free
  • Certified non-GMO
  • Vegetarian-friendly
star 9.1
$20.76 for 30 tablets Read Review
Buy Now

Country Life Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 I.U.)

Country Life Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 I.U.) Country Life Review

Most effective for immune system strengthening

  • No yeast, wheat, corn, sugar, salt
  • No magnesium stearate
  • Gluten-free
  • Recyclable packaging
star 9.0
$9.29 for 60 softgels Read Review
Buy Now

Designs for Health® Vitamin D Supreme with Vitamin K1 + K2

Designs for Health® Vitamin D Supreme with Vitamin K1 + K2 Designs for Health Review

Top choice with vitamins K1 and K2

  • No dairy, gluten, or soy
  • Fortified with vitamins K1 and K2
  • Premium glass packaging
star 8.9
$19.96 for 30 vegetarian capsules Read Review
Buy Now

Nordic Naturals® Vitamin D3 Gummies

Nordic Naturals® Vitamin D3 Gummies Nordic Naturals Review

The best choice for children

  • Non-GMO verified
  • Third-party purity tested
  • Palatable wild berry flavor
  • Vegetarian-certified
star 8.8
$13.45 for 60 gummies Read Review
Buy Now

Our Top-Rated Vitamin D Supplement Reviews

If you’ve had trouble selecting the perfect vitamin D product for you in the past, you no longer need to worry. We’ve curated a detailed review of the best choices on the market for you. Let’s have a look at them.

Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 250 mcg (10,000 IU)

Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 250 mcg (10,000 IU) Best Vitamin D Supplement - Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 250 mcg (10,000 IU) Review
star 10

Optimal vitamin D choice for 2022

  • Type: Capsule
  • Ingredients: Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), vegetarian capsule (water, cellulose), hypoallergenic plant fiber (cellulose)
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping applies to orders of $100 or more for continental US locations. Puerto Rico, Alaska, and Hawaii attract a $12 shipping fee. If the order exceeds $500, shipping to these states is also free.
  • Return policy: A 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Discount: A 5% discount for orders above $500, 7% discount for orders above $1,000, and 10% discount for orders above $2,000
$43.50 for 120 capsules
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If you’re looking to buy a premium vitamin D3 product made with the purest ingredients, this brand might be right for you. Its arsenal consists of over 400 uniquely developed products backed with verifiable science and made with only the purest high-quality ingredients available.

Vitamin D3 in this product promotes intestinal calcium and phosphorus absorption and minimizes calcium loss through urine. Consequently, it’s an essential component in maintaining proper calcium levels and bone health.

It also supports cardiovascular functions by maintaining proper plasma renin function. Additionally, the presence of cholecalciferol helps maintain the healthy angiogenesis balance, healthy cell metabolism and supports immune cell activity. 

Like all other Pure Encapsulations products, this supplement is free from allergens like gluten, wheat, eggs, tree nuts, and peanuts. There are also no artificial flavors or sweeteners, coatings, shellacs, GMO ingredients, fillers, preservatives, unnecessary binders, etc. 

Consumers reported improved vitamin D3 levels upon taking this supplement. Some also reported improvement in osteopenia after taking this product type for a period of two months. It’s important to mention that they also recorded no side effects.


Pros

  • + No unpleasant aftertaste
  • + Easy to swallow
  • + Allergen-free

Cons

  • − Some users suggested it had a fishy smell

NOW® Foods Vitamin D-3 10,000 IU

NOW® Foods Vitamin D-3 10,000 IU Best Vitamin D Supplement - NOW® Foods Vitamin D-3 10,000 IU Review
star 9.8

Top high-dose vitamin D3 product

  • Type: Softgel
  • Ingredients: Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol from lanolin), extra virgin olive oil, softgel capsule (water, bovine gelatin, glycerin)
  • Shipping policy: A standard shipping fee of $5.95 applies to orders over $50 in the 48 contiguous US states and DC. A standard shipping fee of $5.95 applies to orders to Hawaii and Alaska
  • Return policy: A 30-day money-back guarantee on all items
  • Discount: Use code EFFER2 to get Orange Strawberry Tablets and Tropical Punch Tablets for free on orders of $60 or more
$16.99 for 120 softgels
Buy Now Back To List

If you’re looking for a high-dose vitamin D3 supplement, this product could be ideal for you. Providing a whopping 10,000 IU of vitamin D per serving, just one softgel can provide your body with sufficient levels of vitamin D3, enough to last three days.

Consumers of this product reported a considerable increase in their vitamin D3 levels upon using this easily digestible product for only one month.

Furthermore, NOW® Foods is a USA family-owned and operated company that has been in existence since 1968. Its testing methods are designed to promote consistent, highly reproducible product quality in line with good manufacturing practices and ensure compliance with sanitation, processing, and documentation. This non-GMO hypoallergenic product is no exception.


Pros

  • + High-quality pure blend
  • + Allergen-free
  • + Contains bovine gelatin

Cons

  • − May cause headache, itchy, swollen, and red eyes, as well as nasal congestion

Nature Made® Vitamin D3 Extra Strength 5000 IU (125 mcg)

Nature Made® Vitamin D3 Extra Strength 5000 IU (125 mcg) Best Vitamin D Supplement - Nature Made® Vitamin D3 Extra Strength 5000 IU (125 mcg) Review
star 9.7

Editor’s choice for 5,000 IU of vitamin D

  • Type: Softgel
  • Ingredients: Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), soybean oil, glycerin, gelatin, corn oil, water
  • Shipping policy: No available information
  • Return policy: They offer full refunds for returned items
  • Discount: Currently no discounts/ Currently no discount information
$17.00 for 90 softgels
Buy Now Back To List

This product made from carefully selected ingredients is one of the top-rated propducts on the market today when it comes to high-dose supplements. It’s perfect for vitamin D deficient adults—it contains 5000 IU vitamin D3 in a single softgel to quickly help you meet your daily vitamin D dose. 

This vitamin D3 supports bones, teeth, and muscle health. What’s more, it strengthens the immune system. A single pack contains a 90-day supply of Vitamin D3 5000 IU (125 mcg), and the daily consumption of just one softgel is sure to keep your vitamin D levels at the optimum.

Customers reported reduced body aches, improvements in depression, and total eradication of upper respiratory infections and shortness of breath upon taking this top vitamin D supplement.

Finally, scientific research is at the heart of every production process at Nature Made®. All their supplements, including this product, are considered safe for consumption due to the strict manufacturing processes involved in getting these products ready for the global market.


Pros

  • + USP-verified
  • + No artificial colors and flavors
  • + Gluten-free

Cons

  • − Some users complained about receiving melted pills they couldn’t return or get a refund for

Thorne Vitamin D/K2

Thorne Vitamin D/K2 Best Vitamin D Supplement - Thorne Vitamin D-K2 Review
star 9.5

High-quality liquid vitamin D

  • Type: Liquid
  • Ingredients: Vitamin D3, vitamin K2 (menatetrenone), mixed tocopherols, medium-chain triglyceride oil
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping for all retail orders within the US (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). Free shipping for all wholesale orders of $99 or more within the US (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)
  • Return policy: Returns are accepted only for the products within the expiration date
  • Discount: Subscribe and save 10% on refills
$25.00 for 30 ml
Buy Now Back To List

If you’re looking to boost your vitamin D and vitamin K levels, this supplement is ideal for you. 

This product provides a synergistic mix of vitamin D and K, alongside other essential ingredients like tocopherols.

Vitamin D and vitamin K both support bone and muscle health, alongside cardiovascular health and immune function. Combining the two in a single supplement provides you with top-notch cardiovascular and immune support.

Recent studies revealed that a good vitamin D supplement alone is beneficial for calcium absorption. The presence of vitamin K in combination with vitamin D helps direct all calcium absorbed directly to the bones and away from soft tissues such as kidneys and blood vessels.

Furthermore, a study on postmenopausal women, who may experience arterial stiffness, revealed that combining vitamin D and K supplements helps maintain healthy elasticity of the arteries.

Lastly, customers rate this product as the best vitamin D drops for conditions like celiac disease, whose sufferers are at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency.


Pros

  • + Natural colors and flavors
  • + No gluten, dairy, or soy
  • + Ideal for postmenopausal women

Cons

  • − There were complaints about the new design where dropper was replaced with an impractical less accurate dispenser

Vital Choice Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Oil + Vitamin D3

Vital Choice Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Oil + Vitamin D3 Best Vitamin D Supplement - Vital Choice Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Oil + Vitamin D3 Review
star 9.3

The omega-3 and vit D combo

  • Type: Softgel
  • Ingredients: Wild Alaskan sockeye salmon oil (astaxanthin, salmon oil, non-GMO mixed tocopherols), vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), softgel capsule (glycerin, fish gelatin, purified water)
  • Shipping policy: A $6.95 fee for orders up to $49.99 and a $12.95 fee for orders between $50 and $98.99. Free shipping for orders of $99 and above
  • Return policy: A 30-day money-back guarantee on all purchases made on the official website
  • Discount: Buy three bottles and save 18% or buy six bottles and save 21%
$24.00 for 180 softgels
Buy Now Back To List

Not only is this product one of the best over-the-counter vitamin D supplements, but it’s also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Each capsule contains 65 mg of omega-3s per softgel alongside 2,000 IU of vitamin D3.

The omega-3s in this high-quality vitamin D product comes from seafood. That’s a good source of omega-3, as it contains long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA and EPA) known for supporting immune function at the cellular level. Supportive but non-conclusive research indicates that the consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension, and lower blood pressure.

Unlike any other vitamin D3 product on our list, this product provides you with the necessary amount of vitamin D3 immersed in a wild Alaskan sockeye salmon oil base. Most supplement makers deliver their fat-soluble D3 either in hard pills or in a vegetable oil base (in which the vitamin may not dissolve well). The oil base is an essential factor since vitamin D3 is absorbed better when consumed alongside fats. 

Furthermore, the vitamin D in this supplement comes from lanolin—a safe, waxy natural substance secreted by wool-bearing animals widely used in moisturizers and lip balms. 

Lastly, this product contains no stearates or GMO ingredients. It’s produced in a GMP-certified facility and is free from artificial preservatives, sugar, and allergens such as yeast, soy, or dairy.


Pros

  • + Gluten-free
  • + Paleo-keto friendly
  • + Produced in a GMP-certified facility
  • + Non-GMO and MSC-certified

Cons

  • − Some users noted fish burps as a side effect

NatureWise® Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU)

NatureWise® Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) Best Vitamin D Supplement - NatureWise® Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) Review
star 9.2

A great choice for musculoskeletal function

  • Type: Softgel
  • Ingredients: Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), softgel capsule (purified water, glycerin, halal gelatin), organic extra virgin olive oil
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping within the US
  • Return policy: A 60-day money-back guarantee on all purchases
  • Discount: Currently no information on discounts
$10.99 for 90 softgels
Buy Now Back To List

This product is a high-dose supplement that delivers 5,000 IU of the biologically active form of vitamin D in a single serving and quickly restores depleted levels of this nutrient. Therefore it’s ideal for people unable to get adequate exposure to sunlight.

If your goal is to maintain a healthy musculoskeletal system, this product is the right supplement for you. This product is designed to strengthen muscles and promote movement. The high vitamin D content in this product allows for the easy absorption of calcium and phosphorus, both of which are essential for optimal muscle and bone function. 

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. This means that it requires dietary fat so the body could absorb it. Because of that, this supplement comes with organic olive oil as one of the ingredients. Its presence boosts the absorption of vitamin D.

Furthermore, this non-GMO product is gluten-free and devoid of allergens such as wheat, dairy, corn, soy, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, and shellfish. 


Pros

  • + It contains natural olive oil
  • + Allergen-free
  • + Easily absorbable
  • + Non-GMO product

Cons

  • − Some customers complained of unclear statements regarding its manufacturing and bottling location

MegaFood® Vitamin D-3 2000 IU (50 mcg)

MegaFood® Vitamin D-3 2000 IU (50 mcg) Best Vitamin D Supplement - MegaFood® Vitamin D3 2000 IU (50 mcg) Review
star 9.1

Cleanest organic product

  • Type: Tablet
  • Ingredients: Vitamin D3 (fermented cholecalciferol), nourishing herb and food blend (organic brown rice, S. cerevisiae, organic broccoli, organic carrot, organic beetroot, organic parsley leaf), ferment media (autolyzed yeast extract, organic brown rice, yeast (inactive), rice protein), stearic acid, hypromellose, silicon dioxide
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping for all orders within the US (including Hawaii and Alaska)
  • Return policy: A 30-day money-back guarantee on all purchases
  • Discount: Subscribe to one product to save 10%, or subscribe to two or more products to save 15%
$20.76 for 30 tablets
Buy Now Back To List

This product has proven to be a powerhouse that effectively maintains bone health, hormone levels, and immune function.

It contains cholecalciferol, an easily absorbed form of vitamin D, to help you meet your daily requirements. Just one tablet a day provides you with 2,000 IU of vitamin D3, enough to maintain your overall well-being.

What makes this product unique is the abundance of organic ingredients. It contains organic whole foods such as carrots, organic broccoli, beetroot, parsley leaf, and brown rice that provide synergistic cofactors. With each serving delivering a whopping 605 mg of nourishing food and herb blend, it’s no surprise this product bears the title of the best organic product in our reviews. 

The presence of readily absorbed organic vegetables and fruit makes this product very gentle on the stomach, creating no issues even when taken on an empty stomach.

One of the key roles of this high-quality supplement is related to supporting the immune system. It also strengthens bones and can even help with fracture healing. 

Lastly, this safe-for-consumption third-party tested product is free from allergens such as gluten, dairy, soy, etc.


Pros

  • + Free from herbicides and pesticides
  • + Certified glyphosate residue-free
  • + Certified non-GMO
  • + Vegetarian-friendly

Cons

  • − Some consumers noted broken seals on the packaging

Country Life Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 I.U.)

Country Life Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 I.U.) Best Vitamin D Supplement - Country Life Vitamin D3 5,000 I.U. Review
star 9.0

Most effective for immune system strengthening

  • Type: Softgel
  • Ingredients: Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol from lanolin), gelatin, purified water, glycerin, medium-chain triglycerides, capsule shell (100% BSE-free bovine gelatin)
  • Shipping policy: Free standard shipping applies to orders over $25
  • Return policy: A 30-day money-back guarantee for unopened items
  • Discount: There are occasional sales and buy one get one free deals. Currently, you can get 40% off on non-discounted products with the promo code DAD
$9.29 for 60 softgels
Buy Now Back To List

This vitamin D product by Country Life influences nearly 3,000 of your 25,000 genes, thereby playing a critical role in proper immune system function. Just one softgel a day makes sure your immune system is strengthened and you’re safe from common infections. For this reason, numerous consumers use it to boost immunity against colds and flu. 

Since it aids calcium absorption, it’s an essential supplement for building strong bones and teeth alongside flexible muscles. Besides that, this incredible supplement can also promote colon health.

Country Life is known for producing supplements with pure and nutritious ingredients, and Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) is no different. Vitamin D in this vitamin D supplement doesn’t come from the fish liver, which is a standard source of this vitamin. Instead, it originates from a more sustainable source—lanolin.

Lastly, this product is manufactured in a registered US GMP-certified facility and is also free from artificial additives and numerous allergens. Additionally, all ingredients in this product are laboratory tested for authenticity.


Pros

  • + No yeast, wheat, corn, sugar, salt
  • + No magnesium stearate
  • + Gluten-free
  • + Recyclable packaging

Cons

  • − Some consumers noted inconsistent packaging

Designs for Health® Vitamin D Supreme with Vitamin K1 + K2

Designs for Health® Vitamin D Supreme with Vitamin K1 + K2 Best Vitamin D Supplement - Designs for Health® Vitamin D Supreme with Vitamin K1 + K2 Review
star 8.9

Top choice with vitamins K1 and K2

  • Type: Capsule
  • Ingredients: Vitamin D (cholecalciferol), vitamin K1 (phytonadione), vitamin K2 (menaquinone), L-leucine, cellulose (capsule), microcrystalline cellulose
  • Shipping policy: All orders attract a shipping fee, and delivery is made through a third-party courier
  • Return policy: A 30-day money-back guarantee for unopened items that are not heat-sensitive. Returns also attract a restocking fee (20% of the purchase price)
  • Discount: There’s currently no discount information
$19.96 for 30 vegetarian capsules
Buy Now Back To List

Our reviews would be incomplete without mentioning this great supplement by Designs for Health®. Vitamin D Supreme is a product that stands out in the world of supplements due to its unique features and components. Besides containing a clinically useful dose of vitamin D3, it also includes vitamin K (K1 and MK-7 form of K2).

Since vitamin D and K work synergistically in maintaining proper body health, increasing the dose of vitamin D may also require you to increase your vitamin K intake. Both vitamins are essential for optimal bone and arterial health, making this product particularly beneficial for menopausal women. Additionally, it supports the immune system and maintains it in proper balance.

Finally, this vitamin D is free from different allergens and is produced in a GMP-certified facility.


Pros

  • + No dairy, gluten, or soy
  • + Fortified with vitamins K1 and K2
  • + Premium glass packaging

Cons

  • − Some users reported receiving a damaged packaging

Nordic Naturals® Vitamin D3 Gummies

Nordic Naturals® Vitamin D3 Gummies Best Vitamin D Supplement - Nordic Naturals® Vitamin D3 Gummies Review
star 8.8

The best choice for children

  • Type: Gummy
  • Ingredients: Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), organic tapioca syrup, purified water, organic cane sugar, pectin, fumaric acid, citric acid, sodium citrate dihydrate, natural flavor, fruit and vegetable juice (color)
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping
  • Return policy: A 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Discount: Subscribe and save 10% on this product
$13.45 for 60 gummies
Buy Now Back To List

Gummies could be an excellent solution for kids and adults who find it hard to swallow pills. With this tasty chewable supplement, you and your family can now increase vitamin D levels while enjoying a distinctive wild berry flavor taste. Each palatable chewable gum provides you with 1,000 IU of cholecalciferol—the most easily absorbed form of vitamin D. 

As one of the most effective products on the market, this product plays a vital role in building stronger bones and teeth, maintaining calcium and phosphorus levels, and supporting the normal functioning of the immune system.

Nordic Naturals® is an innovative brand with socially responsible practices and ethical manufacturing processes. Therefore, this delicious pectin-based chewable supplement, like all their products, has been third-party tested for purity and potency. 

Lastly, this supplement contains no artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives. It’s also GMO-free and doesn’t contain allergens like soy, gluten, and milk.


Pros

  • + Non-GMO verified
  • + Third-party purity tested
  • + Palatable wild berry flavor
  • + Vegetarian-certified

Cons

  • − Some consumers reported unpleasant flavor

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for numerous processes. However, finding the perfect product that suits your needs can be an arduous task if you don’t understand how supplements work.

In the following section, we’ll inform you about everything you need to know about vitamin D brands, what to look out for when selecting a supplement that suits your needs, etc.

What are Vitamin D and Vitamin D Supplements?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient mainly in charge of bone, teeth, and muscle health. It’s absorbed with fats and stored in the liver and fatty tissues for a long time. When your skin is exposed to the sunlight, it starts producing vitamin D. The fact that the body itself can create it, actually makes vitamin D a prohormone, not a vitamin.

Besides getting vitamin D from sunlight exposure, you can also obtain it through your daily diet and quality vitamin D supplements.

There aren’t many diets capable of supplying the body with the required daily amount of vitamin D. Furthermore, exposure to sunlight rarely provides adequate vitamin D, and many side effects may arise following the skin’s overexposure to UV light. For this reason, supplementing is the best option to obtain adequate amounts of vitamin D for your daily needs.

How Does Vitamin D Work?

There are two conversion processes that vitamin D from food or supplement undergoes before it becomes biologically active and ready for use. 

First, it’s transferred to the liver upon consumption, where it’s converted to calcidiol—the storage form of vitamin D. Then calcidiol is converted to calcitriol (an active steroid hormone form of vitamin D used for numerous processes) in the kidneys.

Who Should Take Vitamin D Supplements?

People who live in regions with a lot of sunlight (like West Africa) may not need to supplement with vitamin D due to the abundance of sunlight all year round, given that they get enough exposure. However, those living in areas lacking adequate sunlight (like Scandinavia) may need to obtain vitamin D from their diet or a dietary supplement.

Given that vitamin D from supplements can store in your body for months in the form of calcidiol, you may not need to supplement for vitamin D all the time unless you are deficient.

Benefits of Vitamin D Supplements

Vitamin D has various health benefits, some of which are:

  • Reduced risk of osteoporosis
  • Cancer prevention
  • Depression management
  • Reduced risk of type 1 diabetes

Sources of Vitamin D

Some of the best sources of vitamin D include:

  • Cod liver oil
  • Salmon
  • Tuna
  • Beef liver
  • Egg yolk           
  • Canned sardines

However, given that all of the abovementioned foods supply vitamin D in small amounts, they often can’t provide you with adequate amounts of the best form of vitamin D for proper function. For this reason, introducing supplements might be necessary.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency causes many illnesses, though symptoms can take years to manifest. Most commonly occurring are rickets, osteoporosis, increased risk of fractures after falls in the elderly, diabetes (type 1 and 2), etc. 

Forms of Vitamin D Contained In Supplements

Vitamin D comes in two forms—vitamin D2 and vitamin D3.

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Vitamin D3 is found only in animal sources such as fatty fish and egg yolks. This vitamin D variant is almost twice as effective at increasing vitamin D levels in comparison to vitamin D2, which is why it’s a common ingredient of the top-rated vitamin D supplements.

The best sources of vitamin D3 are:

  • Fish oil
  • Liver
  • Dietary supplements
  • Butter
  • Egg yolk

Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)

Vitamin D2 is commonly found in fortified foods and plant sources. Reports indicate that vitamin D2 shows a higher sensitivity to temperature fluctuations and humidity when compared to vitamin D3, making it more susceptible to degradation. This is the reason why D3 form is more prevalent in products than D2.

Form

Vitamin D supplements come in various forms. There are tablets, gummies, capsules, and softgels. Though form can play a significant role in choosing the best supplement for you, the most critical factor is the type of vitamin D in supplements. 

Purity

There’s a significant level of “noise” concerning product purity in the supplements industry. Many brands boast about the high levels of purity of their product. However, many such claims are unfounded.

We suggest you look for a third-party verification on the product to determine which products are genuinely high-quality vitamin D supplements. Besides organizations like USP and NSF that determine the veracity of what’s written on the product label, some websites such as Labdoor and ConsumerLab provide lists of high-quality supplements and third-party verifications online.

Dosage

Dosage is an important factor to consider when selecting the best vitamin D to take. With each individual having their unique threshold, based on their health status, it would be unrealistic for everyone to stick to the same vitamin D3 dosage. If you get enough vitamin D through your diet and you get enough exposure to sunlight, you might not even need to supplement with external D3 sources. 

In case of vitamin D deficiency, the recommended dosage of vitamin D3 supplements is much higher.   

Recommended daily intake (RDI) for vitamin D is as follows:

  • Infants: 400 IU (10 mcg) per day
  • Children and adults aged 1–70 years: 600 IU (15 mcg)
  • Older adults aged 70 and above: 800 IU (20 mcg)

Although the figures mentioned above are the recognized standard, the US National Academy of Medicine still recommends that the safe upper limit of vitamin D3 per day is 4,000 IU (100 mcg). Nonetheless, it’s also important to note that top products in the highest-rated vitamin D supplement category deliver a very high vitamin D3 dose of up to 10,000 IU.

Cost

Price is a top determining factor when it comes to supplements. For this reason, we took various steps to ensure that our readers aren’t paying more than necessary when purchasing the best vitamin D supplements for their needs. 

Overdose, Toxicity, and Adverse Reactions to Vitamin D Supplements

Consuming vitamin D in high doses can be toxic. Research suggests that the upper limit for adults is 4,000 IU (100 mcg) per day.

Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include: 

  • Weight loss
  • Anorexia
  • Frequent urination
  • Heart arrhythmias

Overdose can occur mainly through supplementation. In contrast, spending a lot of time in the sun or consuming vitamin D through food can’t result in vitamin D toxicity.

Vitamin D supplements can also react with certain medications, like weight loss drugs, steroids, and medicines that lower cholesterol levels. Therefore, it’s advised to consult your healthcare provider before taking vitamin D supplements if you have a pre-existing health condition.

Conclusion

Obtaining adequate amounts of vitamin D from our daily diet can be quite a task. Supplements come in handy here since they are an excellent source of this vitamin, and they are easy to find as over-the-counter products.

However, when using supplements as your primary source of vitamin D, you need to pay apt attention to the type of vitamin D in the product. If you’re looking for the best vitamin D supplement with a long shell life and high absorption, you should look for a supplement whose main ingredient is vitamin D3.

FAQ

What is the difference between vitamin D and vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3 raises vitamin D levels faster than D2. Furthermore, D3 tends to have a longer shelf life since D2 responds more rapidly to environmental changes such as humidity.

What is the most absorbable form of Vitamin D?

The most absorbable form of vitamin D is D3. Certain studies show that it’s more effective in raising serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D than vitamin D2.

What are the symptoms of low vitamin D?

There are numerous symptoms of vitamin D deficiency:

  • Frequent infections 
  • Tiredness
  • Fatigue 
  • Bone pain
  • Back pain
  • Depression
  • Delayed wound healing

Which is the best vitamin D supplement?

There isn’t any one-size-fits-all option when it comes to selecting the right supplement. The choice largely depends on your health and your physician’s recommendations. Our reviews showed that the Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 250 mcg (10,000 IU) is the best vitamin D supplement for the general populace. It’s high-dose, easy to swallow, and the consumers hail it for its effectiveness. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Don-Pedro Ume, PharmD

Don-Pedro is a pharmacist and professional content writer. He primarily enjoys writing on anything health-related, and sometimes delves into niches such as technology and education. Being a health practitioner, he’s bent on breaking down the most recondite health topics into easy-to-understand write-ups. On days when he’s not writing, he’s probably updating his music playlist or binge-watching some series!

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