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
- An essential Vitamin: Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for healthy bones, teeth, muscle function, and immune system support. The mayo Clinic estimates that 25%-50% of the general population may be Vitamin D deficient.
- Sunshine In a Bottle: The Vitamin D Council recommends daily vitamin D supplementation for most adults to achieve and maintain optimal levels, regardless of weather or season.* NatureWise Vitamin D3 is all natural, non-GMO, and gluten free with no artificial additives, fillers or binders.
- Pure & natural: These Vitamin D3 immune support and bone health supplements are gluten-free and non-GMO. Third party tested for purity and potency. Packaging may vary due to high demand, same great product and ingredients.
- Uncompromising Quality: All NatureWise supplements are Manufactured in USA-based facilities that comply to the strictest cGMP standards and undergo rigorous testing by third party labs to ensure the highest quality and purity.
- Directions: It's normal for softgels to stick together and clump during warm weather conditions. This does NOT affect the quality or efficacy of the product. To release the clumps, give your bottle a good shake or knock it against the counter.
- D3+K2 - BETTER TOGETHER: On their own, Vitamins D3 and K2 are essential micronutrients, but together, they're an essential team. Vitamin D3 helps your body absorb calcium, while vitamin K2 directs calcium to your bones instead of joints and arteries, where too much calcium could be problematic. Not that's teamwork!
- PLANT BASED: Our Vitamin D and K supplement for women and men contains vegan D3 (cholecalciferol) from lichen and K2 from fermented chickpeas with added Coconut MCT Oil for enhanced absorption. This two-in-one super supplement is 100% free of animal ingredients and encapsulated in the first carrageenan-free plantgel softgel.
- ONE-A-DAY FORMULA: Get the best of both worlds with Sports Research D3+K2. Just one easy-to-swallow veggie softgel provides 125cg (5000iu) of Vegan & 100mcg of Vitamin K2 (as MK7, the form of K2 with the highest bioavailability) for stronger bones and immune system support so you can shine your brightest.*
- QUALITY TESTED: We hold all of our supplements to a higher standard. Our K2 with D3 vitamin supplement is Vegan Certified, Non-GMO Project Verified, and free of unwanted fillers, carrageenan, gluten, and soy. Each batch is third-party tested for quality and manufactured in the USA in a cGMP-compliant facility.
- THE SPORT OF LIFE: Founded in Southern California in 1980, Sports Research is a family-owned business born from a passion for fitness and wellness. Our goal is to embrace the sport of life through research-backed products created for every body—inside and out.
- 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 is gluten free and has no color added and no artificial flavors
- SHINE BRIGHT: Vitamin D3 helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus - essential minerals for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It's also known as the 'sunshine vitamin', with adequate levels providing immune system support and muscular wellness so you can shine at your brightest.*
- ONE-A-DAY FORMULA: Just one easy-to-swallow liquid softgel daily provides 125 mcg (5,000 iu) of high potency Vitamin D3 as cholecalciferol - the body's preferred form of Vitamin D.*
- WITH COCONUT MCT OIL: Vitamin D-3 delivers the best benefits when taken with food or another source of fat, which is why we add medium chain triglycerides (MCT), the best fats from coconut oil, to our softgels to help ensure that you get the most from this essential micronutrient.*
- PREMIUM QUALITY: We hold all of our supplements to a higher standard. Sports Research Vitamin D3 softgels are IGEN Non-GMO tested, and free of unwanted fillers, gluten, and seed oils such as soybean & safflower oil. Each batch is third-party tested for quality and manufactured in the USA in a cGMP-compliant facility.
- THE SPORTS RESEARCH DIFFERENCE: Founded in Southern California in 1980, Sports Research is a family-owned business born from a passion for fitness and wellness. Our goal is to embrace the sport of life through research-backed products created for every body—inside and out.
- HIGH POTENCY/SUNSHINE VITAMIN: Highly-absorbable liquid softgel form of vitamin D-3
- VITAMIN D: Supports healthy immune system function and is essential for achieving and maintaining optimal bone mineral density*
- CERTIFICATIONS/CLASSIFICATIONS: Corn Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Halal, Kosher Contains Gelatin, Low Sodium, Made without Gluten, Non-GMO, Soy Free
- GMP Quality Assured: NPA A-rated GMP certification means that every aspect of the NOW manufacturing process has been examined, including our laboratory/testing methods (for stability, potency, and product formulation).
- Packaged in the USA by a family owned and operated company since 1968.
- Sunshine in a Bottle: Livingood Daily Vitamin D+ is loaded with powerful immunity-boosting ingredients like fat-soluble vitamins, healthy fats, and our probiotic blend in our ultra-absorption formula for a complete immune-boosting powerhouse. 60 vegetarian capsules.
- An Immunity-Boosting Powerhouse: Our Vitamin D+ supplement contains carefully selected high quality ingredients like Vitamin D3, which is the most beneficial form of Vitamin D, Zinc, and Vitamin K2 to support and help your body facilitate normal immune system function.
- Ultra Absorption: Vitamin D+ is also loaded with magnesium, alpha lipoic acid (ALA), our probiotic blend, and MCT oil from coconut, all vital for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
- Works With Any Lifestyle: Our vegetarian supplements are perfect for vegetarian diets and are free from allergens, GMOs, and gluten.
- Experience Real Health: Founded by best-selling author Dr. Blake Livingood, Livingood Daily is dedicated to helping you take back your health with thoughtful and unique product combinations, so you can get more out of each dose and live good!
- 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: Supports high-performance nutrition programs and is NSF Certified for Sport
- 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+ pro teams. Thorne is the only supplement manufacturer to collaborate with Mayo Clinic on wellness research and content. Thorne is also a proud partner of 11 U.S. Olympic Teams
- 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
- Adults, take one Vitamin D3 tablet daily with water and a meal
- Sourced from high-quality ingredients, this Nature Made Vitamin D3 supplement is gluten free and has no color added and no artificial flavors
- RAW VITAMIN D 5000 IU: Whole food nutrition, specifically formulated with 5,000 IU of fat-soluble Vitamin D3 delivered in a whole food lipid base of high Omega-9 Organic green cracked wall chlorella – plus live probiotics & enzymes to promote absorption
- THE SUNSHINE HORMONE: Vitamin D supports memory, concentration & proper cell replication; Easily metabolized D3 is preferred over D2 since it's in the form that comes from the most natural source possible―sun-kissed skin and foods like salmon & sardines
- ONCE DAILY VITAMIN D3 FOR IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTH: Our vegetarian Vitamin D supplement supports bone, joint, breast & prostate health as well as immune health, with 625% Daily Value of vitamin D3—the natural form; Available in a 60-day supply
- RAW D3 WITH PROBIOTICS & ENZYMES: Featuring raw Lactobacillus probiotics and digestive enzymes Lipase, Protease, Bromelain, Lactase, Papain & more to support healthy digestion; Adults take one capsule or open capsule & mix contents with water or juice
- SAY YES TO CLEAN SUPPLEMENTS: Our Whole Food D3 vitamin is Third-Party Certified Non-GMO, Gluten Free & Kosher; It's also RAW—meaning no high heat, synthetic binders, fillers, artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors or additives commonly used in tablets
- 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
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.