What’s the best way to make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D? Consistently getting a healthy amount of sunlight and eating more vitamin D-rich foods will do the trick, but most people will also benefit from taking a vitamin D supplement.
Not only is vitamin D crucial for strong, healthy bones, it’s also linked to a slew of other health benefits, including a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Recent research has also suggested a connection between vitamin D and a wide range of health benefits, from a reduction in acne to an improvement in cognitive performance.
But one of the biggest obstacles is knowing which vitamin D supplements are the best. There are countless options on the market — everything from pills and gummies to chewables and liquid drops — and many of them are packed with unnecessary fillers and binders.
Here are our top picks for the best vitamin D supplements.
Our Editor’s Best Vitamin D Supplements Reviews
- Immune, muscle, teeth and bone health support supplement: contains one 300 count bottle of Nature Made Vitamin D3 1000 IU (25 mcg) Softgels for a 300-day supply
- Nature Made Vitamin D 1000 IU softgels support bone health, teeth health, muscle health, and provide immune support
- These Vitamin D 1000IU softgels help improve calcium absorption and contain 25mcg of Vitamin D 3, the body’s preferred form of Vitamin D
- Adults, take one Vitamin D3 softgel daily with water and a meal
- Sourced from high-quality ingredients, this Nature Made Vitamin D3 supplement has no color added and no artificial flavors
- Immune, muscle, teeth and bone health support supplement: contains one 100 count bottle of Nature Made Vitamin D3 2000 IU (50 mcg) Tablets for a 100-day supply
- Nature Made Vitamin D 2000 IU tablets support bone health, teeth health, muscle health, and provide immune support
- These Vitamin D 2000IU tablets help improve calcium absorption and contain 50mcg of Vitamin D 3, the body’s preferred form of Vitamin D
- Helps slow biological aging of cells; In a clinical study, taking 2000 IU vitamin D3 supplements for 4 years helped prevent leukocyte telomere shortening, preventing the equivalent of approx 3 years of cellular aging compared with placebo in older adults
- Adults, take one Vitamin D3 tablet daily with water and a meal
- Immune, muscle, teeth and bone health support supplement: contains one 250 count bottle of Nature Made Vitamin D3 2000 IU (50 mcg) Softgels for a 250-day supply
- Nature Made Vitamin D 2000 IU softgels support bone health, teeth health, muscle health, and provide immune support
- These Vitamin D 2000IU softgels help improve calcium absorption and contain 50mcg of Vitamin D 3, the body’s preferred form of Vitamin D
- Helps slow biological aging of cells; In a clinical study, taking 2000 IU vitamin D3 supplements for 4 years helped prevent leukocyte telomere shortening, preventing the equivalent of approx 3 years of cellular aging compared with placebo in older adults
- Adults, take one Vitamin D3 softgel daily with water and a meal
- Immune, muscle, teeth and bone health support supplement: contains one 180 count bottle of Nature Made Extra Strength Vitamin D3 5000 IU (125 mcg) Softgels for a 180-day supply
- Nature Made Vitamin D 5000 IU softgels help improve calcium absorption, support bone health, teeth health, muscle health, and provide immune support
- This high dose Vitamin D 3 product is for those with higher Vitamin D needs and/or deficiency, as determined by a healthcare professional (1)
- Adults, take one Vitamin D3 Nature Made softgel daily with water and a meal
- Sourced from high-quality ingredients, this Nature Made Vit D3 supplement is gluten free and has no color added and no artificial flavors
- Vitamin D3: Supports healthy teeth, bones, and muscles, as well as cardiovascular health and immune function*
- Optimal Absorption: Vitamin D3 is more potent and better absorbed than vitamin D2*
- NSF Certified for Sport: Tested for compliance with label claims and to ensure the absence of nearly 300 substances banned by many major athletic organizations
- Free From: Doesn't contain gluten, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, dairy, soy, fish, or shellfish
- Trusted: Thorne is chosen by champions and trusted by 100+ professional sports teams, a proud partner of U.S. National Teams, and the #1 recommended clinical brand by health-care practitioners
- VITAMIN D3 WITH K2– Our vitamin K2 and D3 with magnesium supplement is made up of 5000 IU of vitamin D3 and 50 mcg of vitamin K2. It also includes a unique blend of vitamin B6, zinc, magnesium, MCT oil, and ox bile you won't find in other formulas – Includes a 60-day supply.
- SMART SYNERGY – Our D3 + K2 vitamin supplement goes beyond the typical combo. Formulated with vitamin D3 with MK‑7 vitamin K2, it includes essential cofactors like magnesium, B6, and zinc to help your body absorb, activate, and properly use vitamin D. It’s not just what you take—it’s what your body can use.
- ENHANCED ABSORPTION - Our powerful K2 D3 vitamin supplement contains fat-soluble vitamins that require dietary fat for proper absorption. MCT powder, a healthy fat source, enhances the bioavailability of vitamin D with K2, allowing your body to absorb and utilize these essential nutrients more efficiently.
- FORMULATED IN THE USA – Our vitamin D3 + K2 is thoughtfully developed in the United States and made in cGMP-certified facilities under strict quality standards. Crafted with care in every D3 K2 vitamin 5000 IU batch to ensure purity, potency, and consistency you can trust.
- Try for 30 days: If you are unhappy with this product, reach out to us within 30 days of your purchase date and we will take care of you.
- Bone Health: Vitamin D3 supports calcium absorption and retention to support optimal bone health; this vitamin D supplement supports bone strength*
- Breast, Colon & Immune Support: Vitamin D3 supports colon and breast health by aiding blood vessel function, immune cell activity, and healthy cell metabolism*
- Immune Support Supplement: These D3 vitamins bind to receptors on immune cells, including lymphocytes and macrophages, supporting healthy immune function*
- Supports Heart Health: This D3 supplement supports cardiovascular health and brain health, as well as immune cell activation*
- Pure Difference: What we leave out matters, too; Pure Encapsulations products are free from common allergens, artificial or unnecessary ingredients, and GMOs
- The perfect pair: Vitamins K2 & D3 were simply meant to be together. Most people know the benefits of Vitamin D, but many don’t realize that Vitamin D needs Vitamin K2 to maximize its benefits.
- Strong bones: Vitamin K2D3 not only promotes the proper absorption of calcium with D3, but the correct distribution to your bones where you need it most.
- Superior quality capsules: Laboratory tested, non-GMO, gluten free, & soy free. All Bronson products are tested in our state-of-the-art facility in New York.
- Trusted Since 1960: The pioneers of Bronson Vitamins were a group of pharmacists who witnessed the benefits of vitamins and mineral supplementation firsthand with their patients. Bronson Vitamins have been consistently mentioned by top medical professionals since our inception in 1960.
- IMMUNE SUPPORT (1): Nature Bounty's Vitamin D 5000 IU provides immune support; with each rapid-release softgel aiding in the regulation of T and B-lymphocytes (1)
- SUPPORTS STRONG BONES (1): This potent Vitamin D3 formula helps with calcium absorption, and supports strong, healthy bones in adults (1)
- YOUR DAILY SUNSHINE VITAMIN: Nature's Bounty Vitamin D3 replicate the form produced by sunlight, aiding in the maintenance of optimal Vitamin D levels (1)
- NON-GMO & GLUTEN-FREE: Our Vitamin D3 5000 iu softgels are created with a non-GMO, gluten-free formula, without sugar, artificial colors, or sweeteners
- EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY: Trust Nature's Bounty's commitment to quality and value; Utilizing the latest nutritional science, we offer premium vitamins and supplements
- Strong bone support supplement: contains one 30 count bottle of Nature Made Vitamin D3 K2 Softgels for a 30-day supply
- Nature Made Vitamin D3 and K2 softgels provide 5000 IU (125 mcg) of Vitamin D for immune support and to support healthy aging, bone health, teeth health and muscle health
- Provides 100 mcg of Vitamin K2 to support healthy artery function; Adding K2 to D3 helps direct calcium to bones
- Adults, take one of these D3 and K2 softgels daily with water; Designed for those with higher Vitamin D needs and/or deficiency, as determined by a healthcare professional(1)
- Made in the USA with quality global ingredients, these gluten free Vitamin K2 D3 softgels contain no synthetic dyes and no artificial flavors
Best Vitamin D Supplements Buying Guide
Before choosing the best vitamin D supplement you should consider following options:
1. Vitamin D3 vs. Vitamin D2: The most common form of vitamin D is D3, also known as cholecalciferol. It is produced in the skin upon exposure to sunlight.
Vitamin D2 is a form of vitamin D that’s mostly produced from irradiated yeast or from fish or fungus extracts.
According to Dr. Michael F. Holick, a professor of medicine, physiology and biophysics at Boston University Medical Center and one of the world’s leading experts on vitamin D, there’s no real difference between vitamin D3 and D2.
“The distinction is artificial,” says Dr. Holick. “The only difference is that D2 is typically used in supplements in India, whereas D3 is used in supplements in the rest of the world.”
2. Calcidiol vs. Calcitriol: Vitamin D is ultimately converted into either calcidiol (also known as 25-hydroxyvitamin D) or calcitriol (1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D). Calcidiol is the inactive form of vitamin D, while calcitriol is the active form.
According to Dr. Holick, “the majority of doctors will measure and treat based on calcidiol levels, because most people will convert calcidiol to calcitriol.”
3. Vitamin D3 in High-Dose vs. Low-Dose: Vitamin D3 supplements are available in high- and low-dose forms. High-dose vitamin D3 supplements contain a higher amount of vitamin D3 and are generally used for treating vitamin D deficiency or for increasing bone health.
Low-dose vitamin D3 supplements contain a smaller amount of vitamin D3 and are generally used for supporting overall health.
4. Vitamin D3 in Capsule vs. Liquid: Vitamin D3 supplements are available in capsule and liquid forms. Capsule forms are most common, but some people may prefer liquid forms.
Liquid forms may be easier to swallow and absorb. Some people may also prefer liquid forms because they can add the liquid form to their smoothie or juice, says Dr. Holick.
5. Vitamin D3 in High-Potency vs. Low-Potency: Vitamin D3 supplements are available in different potencies. High-potency forms contain between 2000 and 5000 IU of vitamin D3 per capsule or teaspoon.
Low-potency forms contain between 400 and 1000 IU. “If you take a higher dose, you will get the appropriate amount of vitamin D3 faster,” says Dr. Holick.
But taking a high dose of vitamin D3 may cause a “fishy” odor in your sweat and urine, says Dr. Holick. “This is harmless and will go away as your body adjusts to the higher dose.”
What else you should know about vitamin d supplements
1. What are the benefits of taking vitamin D supplements?
There are many potential benefits of taking vitamin D supplements, including improved bone health, reduced inflammation, and a lower risk of developing certain types of cancer.
2. What are the risks of taking vitamin D supplements?
The risks of taking vitamin D supplements are that you may get too much vitamin D, which can lead to health problems.
3. What is the optimal dose of vitamin D to take?
There is no definitive answer to this question as the optimal dose of vitamin D may vary depending on individual factors such as age, health status, and sun exposure. However, many experts recommend a daily dose of 400-800 IU (10-20 micrograms) of vitamin D for adults.
4. Are there any interactions between vitamin D supplements and other medications?
There are no known drug interactions between vitamin D and other medications.
5. Are there any side effects of taking vitamin D supplements?
The most common side effect of taking too much vitamin D is a feeling of sickness (nausea). You may also experience a loss of appetite, constipation, and weight loss. In rare cases, too much vitamin D can lead to more serious problems like kidney stones and bone pain.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best vitamin d supplements. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best vitamin d supplements will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.