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
- A VITAL NUTRIENT: Vitamin D supports healthy bones, teeth, muscle function, and a strong immune system. Many people may be deficient in this nutrient, making it even more important for overall health.*
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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+ professional sports teams, a proud partner of U.S. National Teams, and the #1 recommended clinical brand by health-care practitioners
- Immune, muscle, teeth and bone health support supplement: contains one 90 count bottle of Nature Made Vitamin D3 2000 IU (50 mcg) Softgels for a 90-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
- 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
- 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.
- 𝗔𝗡 𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗡 𝗗𝟯 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗞𝟮 - This Vitamin D3 K2 supplement is loaded with 10,000 IUs of Vitamin D3 (that's 2x more than most brands with only 5,000 IUs) and 100 mcg of Vitamin K2. It also includes a unique blend of Vitamin B6, Zinc, Magnesium, MCT and OxBile you won't find in other brands - Includes a 120 day supply
- 𝗨𝗦𝗔 𝗚𝗠𝗣 𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗗 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 - Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are located in the US. They are filled with highly trained staff to provide superior products. Being certified under US laws and regulations (GMP Certified), these facilities are uncompromising when it comes to cleanliness and quality control.
- 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 - I’m sorry, but if you’re looking for cheap, you’re in the wrong place. We search far and wide, domestic and international, to provide high-quality ingredients for which your body will thank you. Unfortunately, getting the best ingredients from domestic and international farms can come at a higher-than-normal cost. If quality, satisfaction, and results are essential to you, you’re in the right place!
- 𝗪𝗛𝗬 𝗪𝗘’𝗥𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗧 - Also known as The Knowledge Doc, Dr. Berg has spent most of his life researching and providing natural solutions to everyday health problems. This extensive research and thousands of hours working with patients are what sets us apart from other brands, as it has allowed us to create proprietary blends you can’t get anywhere else.
- 𝟯𝟬-𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲 - If for any reason you're not happy with the results you experience within the first 30 days, we're happy to give you a full refund! Send us a message, and the refund will be processed as long as it's requested within 30 days of purchase.
- 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
- 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 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
- 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
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.