Choosing the right vitamin D supplement can significantly impact your health, whether you want to address a deficiency, support bone health, or ensure adequate intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding. With various options available, such as different doses ranging from 600 to 50,000 IU, and formats like vegan supplements, gummies, and capsules with added K2 or zinc, it can be challenging to know which product is best for your needs.
With insights from registered dietitian nutritionist Kathy Shattler, this guide will provide you with essential tips on what to look out for. We will cover the safe and recommended dosages for specific groups, the benefits of different forms of vitamin D, and ingredients that enhance absorption, such as vitamin D3 with K2, to help you make an informed decision.
In addition to guidance on choosing the right supplement, this buying guide ranks the best vitamin D supplements available in the US market from sites like Amazon and iHerb. We highlight specialized options, including vegan vitamin D derived from lichen and tasty gummies for easy consumption. By the end of this guide, you’ll clearly understand how much vitamin D is correct for you, ensuring safe and effective supplementation.
Quick List - Top Vitamin D Supplement
Nature Made
Daily Support for Bone, Muscle, and Immune Health
A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for over 25 years, Kathy has mastered numerous medical specialties and teaching methods: health promotion, counseling, academic teaching, endocrinology, psychiatry/mental health, supplements, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, aging, and alternative medicine. Experiences include: -Managing her own telehealth/nutrition consulting business -Directing a continuing education program for RDs and nurses -Consulting for long-term care regulatory affairs -Working with State and local health departments -Coordinating diabetes education programs Her experiences led her to reach people with life-changing information as a medical editor and writer. For over five years, Kathy has acquired increasingly complex roles. Passionate about the root causes of disease, she obtained her certification in Integrative Medicine and Functional Nutrition from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics three years ago. This series continues to influence her approach to writing.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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Table of Contents
Many vitamin D patients are asymptomatic and only discover they are deficient during routine physical exams.
Often, there are no clear signs that you need more vitamin D, as many people with a deficiency do not experience obvious symptoms. However, some common symptoms that may indicate a deficiency include persistent fatigue, depression, and mood changes, as well as frequent infections due to a weakened immune system. Other signs can include bone and muscle pain, hair loss, and unexpected weight gain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider to check your vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in several bodily functions. It works with calcium to protect you from developing osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more prone to fractures. Beyond bone health, vitamin D is vital for muscle movement, as muscles rely on it to function correctly. Nerves also need vitamin D to transmit messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Additionally, the immune system requires adequate vitamin D levels to effectively fight off infections, making it essential for overall health.
While the symptoms mentioned may indicate a D deficiency, repletion should only begin with verification of the blood vitamin D levels. Anything less than 20 ng/ml is listed as deficient and 21-29ng/ml is listed as insufficient.
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best vitamin D supplement for you.
Despite the currently recommended daily intake for vitamin D being 600-800 IU/day for healthy adults, current research suggests a higher dose of1,000-2,000 IU per day. These guidelines are designed to prevent vitamin D deficiency in the general population. However, specific groups, such as children, pregnant individuals, adults over 75 years, and those with high-risk conditions, such as prediabetes, may require higher vitamin D intakes than these recommended daily allowances. The Endocrine Society suggests that these groups may benefit from increased vitamin D supplementation to meet their unique needs.
The Endocrine Society recommends a more aggressive approach for adults who are deficient in vitamin D. They advise taking 50,000 IU of vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) or vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) weekly for eight weeks, or an equivalent daily dose of 6000 IU, to raise vitamin D levels in the blood quickly. Once adequate levels are reached, a maintenance dose of 1000–2000 IU daily is suggested to sustain those levels and prevent future deficiencies. This approach helps to ensure that individuals who start with low vitamin D levels can achieve and maintain optimal health.
D3 shows a 25% higher bioavailability than D2 and is the most recommended form.
Choosing vitamin D3 is important because it is more effective than vitamin D2 at raising and maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the form naturally produced by the skin when exposed to sunlight, making it more bioavailable and efficiently utilized by the body. Studies have shown that D3 improves and sustains vitamin D status over time, which is crucial for supporting bone health, muscle function, and the immune system.
Moreover, D3's stability ensures that the supplement remains potent and effective over time. D3 is often derived from animal sources, so it is particularly suitable for individuals without dietary restrictions. For those who require vegan options, plant-based D3 supplements are also available, offering the same efficacy as traditional D3 supplements. Choosing vitamin D3 ensures optimal health benefits and better overall maintenance of vitamin D levels.
Zinc and vitamin K2 enhance vitamin D’s ability to improve bone health by enhancing mineral absorption and directing calcium to bones and teeth.
Consider a vitamin D3 supplement with K2 or zinc if you want to maximize vitamin D's benefits for your bones, teeth, and overall health. While vitamin D3 helps your body absorb more calcium, vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in ensuring that this calcium is transported to your bones and teeth rather than accumulating in your arteries or other soft tissues. This combination can help improve bone density and prevent conditions like osteoporosis while also protecting your cardiovascular health.
If you are looking to enhance the effectiveness of vitamin D3 for immune support and overall cellular function, choosing a supplement that includes zinc is a smart option. Zinc is an essential cofactor for the activity of vitamin D-dependent genes, which helps vitamin D do its job more effectively. The interplay between zinc and vitamin D also supports zinc/vitamin D homeostasis, ensuring your body maintains balanced nutrient levels. Including zinc in your vitamin D3 supplement can thus enhance immune function, support vitamin D’s cellular function, and support numerous biological processes that rely on both nutrients.
Plant-based vegan vitamin D3 supplements sourced from lichen algae have the same chemical structure as non-vegan supplements made from animal products like lanolin.
Check for plant-based D3 supplements if you follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle and want to ensure you’re getting an effective source of vitamin D. Unlike traditional vitamin D3, which is derived from animal sources like lanolin, plant-based D3 is sourced from lichen, a type of algae, making it suitable for those avoiding animal products. Brands like Sports Research offer vegan D3 supplements made from lichen, ensuring you can meet your vitamin D needs without compromising your dietary choices.
If you’re concerned about getting adequate vitamin D while adhering to a plant-based diet, checking for supplements that use lichen as the source of D3 is important. These plant-based options provide the same bioavailable form of vitamin D as animal-derived sources, supporting your bone health and overall well-being while aligning with your ethical or dietary preferences.
Opt for vitamin D capsules or softgels if you are looking for a more concentrated supplementation that is more readily absorbable. Capsules and softgels often contain higher doses of vitamin D, making them a more efficient option for those who need larger amounts to address deficiencies. They are also typically free of added sugars and flavorings, which might benefit those following a strict diet or managing health conditions like diabetes. Softgels, in particular, are easy to swallow and are usually made with a gelatine-based shell that allows for faster absorption, making them a practical choice for quick, effective supplementation.
Select vitamin D gummies if you prefer a tasty, easy-to-consume option that feels more like a treat than a supplement. Gummies are a great choice for those who have difficulty swallowing pills or who want to make their supplement routine more enjoyable. They are also a convenient option for children and adults sensitive to pill textures. While gummies provide an enjoyable way to take vitamin D, they may contain added sugars or flavorings, so it’s important to check the ingredients if you are watching your sugar intake.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||
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Dosage | Type | Additional Ingredients | Plant-Based | Form | Unit Count | Third-Party Certification | |||||
1 | NatureWise Vitamin D3 | ![]() | A Year's Supply of Sunshine in a Bottle | 5000IU | D3 | Softgel | 360 | ||||
2 | Sports Research Vitamin D3 + K2 with Coconut MCT Oil | ![]() | Plant-Based Power for Bone and Heart Health | 5000IU | D3 | Vitamin K2, Coconut MCT Oil | Softgel | 60 | Non-GMO Verified, Vegan Certified, cGMP Compliant | ||
3 | Nature Made Nature Made|Vitamin D3 1000 IU (25 mcg) Softgels | ![]() | Daily Support for Bone, Muscle, and Immune Health | 1000IU | D3 | Softgel | 300 | United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Verified | |||
4 | Bronson Bronson|Vitamin K2 MK-7 Plus Vitamin D3 | ![]() | Advanced Bone and Heart Health Support | 5000IU | D3 | Vitamin K2 | Capsule | 120 | |||
5 | THORNE Vitamin D-5000 | ![]() | High-Potency Support for Whole-Body Health | 5000IU | D3 | Vitamin E | Capsule | 60 | NSF Certified for Sport® | ||
6 | Dr. Berg D3 & K2 Vitamin (10,000 IU) | ![]() | Advanced Formula for Superior Absorption | 10000IU | D3 | Vitamin K2, Vitamin B6, Zinc, Magnesium | Capsule | 120 | |||
7 | Vitafusion Vitamin D3 Supplement Gummy | ![]() | Delicious Bone and Immune Support | 2000IU | D3 | Gummies | 150 | ||||
8 | Micro Ingredients Vitamin D3 K2 300 Softgels 5000IU | ![]() | Comprehensive Health Support in One Soft-Gel | 5000IU | D3 | Vitamin K2 | Softgel | 300 | |||
9 | Amazon Basics Amazon Basics|Vitamin D3 50 mcg | ![]() | Delicious Daily Wellness | 2000IU | D3 | Gummies | 160 | ||||
10 | NOW Foods Vitamin D-3 5000 IU Softgels | ![]() | High-Potency Support for Structural Health | 5000IU | D3 | Softgel | 240 |
Dosage | 5000IU |
---|---|
Type | D3 |
NatureWise Vitamin D3 5,000 IU (125 mcg) offers a potent dose of vitamin D to support healthy muscle function, immune system strength, and overall well-being. Each mini softgel contains high-quality vitamin D3, the same form of vitamin D that your body naturally produces from sunlight exposure. Encapsulated in cold-pressed olive oil to enhance absorption, this non-GMO and gluten-free supplement is designed to maximize the health benefits of vitamin D3.
With a full year's supply of 360 softgels in each bottle, NatureWise Vitamin D3 provides convenient, long-lasting support for maintaining optimal vitamin D levels. This product is perfect for individuals looking to support their health year-round, particularly during winter months, or those with limited sun exposure.
The easy-to-swallow softgels make daily supplementation simple and effective, helping you maintain a strong immune system and healthy muscles.
Plant-Based | |
---|---|
Unit Count | 360 |
Third-Party Certification |
Dosage | 5000IU |
---|---|
Type | D3 |
Sports Research Vitamin D3 + K2 combines the potent benefits of 5,000 IU of vegan-certified D3 with 100 mcg of K2 MK-7 to support optimal bone and cardiovascular health. Sourced from lichen, the plant-based D3 in these softgels is ideal for those following a vegan lifestyle, while the K2, derived from chickpea, directs calcium into the bones and teeth, helping to maintain strong bones and reduce arterial plaque formation. This powerful duo is blended with organic coconut oil to enhance absorption, ensuring you get the most out of every dose.
Free from soy and gluten, these easy-to-swallow softgels are designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine, providing a convenient way to maintain your vitamin D and K levels. With 60 softgels per bottle, Sports Research offers a two-month supply of high-quality, plant-based nutrition, supporting your bone strength and heart health for a well-rounded approach to overall wellness.
Plant-Based | |
---|---|
Unit Count | 60 |
Third-Party Certification | Non-GMO Verified, Vegan Certified, cGMP Compliant |
Dosage | 1000IU |
---|---|
Type | D3 |
This dietary supplement is designed to support the health of your bones, teeth, muscles, and immune system. Each softgel delivers a daily dose of vitamin D3, the body's preferred vitamin D, which helps enhance calcium absorption for strong bones and teeth. Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels can also support muscle function and bolster your immune defenses.
With 300 softgels in each bottle, this Nature Made supplement provides a convenient 300-day supply, making it easy to incorporate into your daily routine. These softgels are formulated without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, ensuring a clean and reliable source of vitamin D3. Nature Made's commitment to quality ensures that each softgel delivers consistent and dependable support for your overall health and wellness.
Plant-Based | |
---|---|
Unit Count | 300 |
Third-Party Certification | United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Verified |
Dosage | 5000IU |
---|---|
Type | D3 |
This supplement provides a powerful combination of 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 and 90 mcg of Vitamin K2 MK-7 in each capsule. This dynamic duo is designed to support strong bones and cardiovascular health by ensuring calcium is effectively absorbed and directed to where it's needed most — your bones and teeth — rather than accumulating in your arteries. The non-GMO formula makes this supplement a trusted choice for those looking to enhance their vitamin D and K intake.
With 120 easy-to-swallow capsules, Bronson Vitamin K2 with D3 offers a convenient way to maintain optimal levels of these essential vitamins. Including MK-7, the most bioactive form of Vitamin K2, ensures long-lasting effectiveness, making it ideal for daily use. This vitamin D and K complex is excellent for individuals seeking comprehensive bone density, heart health, and overall wellness support.
Plant-Based | |
---|---|
Unit Count | 120 |
Third-Party Certification |
Dosage | 5000IU |
---|---|
Type | D3 |
THORNE Vitamin D-5000 provides a robust 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 per capsule, helping to support healthy bones, teeth, muscles, and immune function. This high-potency supplement is crucial in promoting cardiovascular health and maintaining the body's calcium and phosphorus levels, essential for strong bones and overall wellness. With just one capsule a day, you can ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D to support a healthy lifestyle.
Certified by NSF for Sport, THORNE Vitamin D-5000 is ideal for athletes and active individuals who need a trustworthy, high-quality supplement to meet their performance and health goals. This supplement is free from dairy and soy and caters to those with dietary restrictions or sensitivities. The 60-capsule bottle provides a two-month supply, making it easy to maintain optimal vitamin D levels and support your body’s vital functions.
Plant-Based | |
---|---|
Unit Count | 60 |
Third-Party Certification | NSF Certified for Sport® |
Dosage | 10000IU |
---|---|
Type | D3 |
Dr. Berg’s Vitamin D3 & K2 supplement combines a powerful blend of 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 and 100 mcg of MK7 vitamin K2 to support optimal bone, heart, and immune health. This unique formula includes MCT powder, purified bile salts, zinc, and magnesium, ensuring that your body effectively absorbs and utilizes these essential nutrients. Adding K2 helps guide calcium to the bones and teeth rather than letting it accumulate in the arteries, promoting cardiovascular health.
The addition of magnesium enhances the absorption and metabolism of vitamin D. Without magnesium, vitamin D is stored in the body and cannot be used.
Designed for those who seek maximum absorption, Dr. Berg’s Vitamin D3 K2 supplement is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their vitamin D levels and overall health. Each bottle contains 120 capsules, providing a convenient four-month supply of these vital nutrients. This supplement is perfect for individuals needing a higher dose of vitamin D3 while also benefiting from the added support of vitamin K2, zinc, and magnesium for comprehensive wellness.
While this supplement contains an amount of vitamin D in excess of the tolerable upper limit of 4,000 IU/daily, the addition of vitamin K has a protective effect on D hypervitaminosis, thus preventing the usual side effects associated with excessive D3 consumption.
Plant-Based | |
---|---|
Unit Count | 120 |
Third-Party Certification |
Dosage | 2000IU |
---|---|
Type | D3 |
Vitafusion Vitamin D3 Gummy Vitamins offer a tasty and convenient way to support your bone health and immune system. Each gummy delivers 50 mcg (2,000 IU) of vitamin D3, the sunshine vitamin, in delicious peach, blackberry, and strawberry flavors. These gummies make it easy to maintain your daily vitamin D intake, especially during months with limited sun exposure or for individuals who prefer a fun, flavorful supplement option.
With a 75-day supply of 150 gummies, Vitafusion Vitamin D3 provides an enjoyable and effective solution to help maintain strong bones and a robust immune system. These gummies are an excellent choice for those who have difficulty swallowing pills or simply enjoy the convenience of a chewable vitamin. Vitafusion Vitamin D3 Gummies are a smart and tasty addition to your daily wellness routine, free from high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, gluten, and dairy.
Plant-Based | |
---|---|
Unit Count | 150 |
Third-Party Certification |
Dosage | 5000IU |
---|---|
Type | D3 |
This product offers a powerful combination of essential nutrients to support overall health and well-being. This supplement features 5,000 IU of high-quality vitamin D3 paired with 100 mcg of K2 MK-7, which enhances calcium absorption and directs it to the bones and teeth, helping to maintain strong bones and healthy teeth. Adding K2 also supports cardiovascular health by preventing calcium buildup in the arteries.
Each bottle contains 300 easy-to-swallow softgels, making incorporating this supplement into your daily routine convenient. This 2-in-1 formula comprehensively supports your immune system, heart health, joint function, and bone density. Ideal for those seeking a high-potency, all-in-one supplement to address multiple aspects of their health, this vitamin D3 and K2 supplement ensures you receive the benefits of both nutrients in a single, effective dose.
Plant-Based | |
---|---|
Unit Count | 300 |
Third-Party Certification |
Dosage | 2000IU |
---|---|
Type | D3 |
These gummies offer a tasty and convenient way to meet your daily vitamin D needs. Each serving of two gummies delivers 2,000 IU of vitamin D3, which supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. These gummies come in a delightful assortment of orange, lemon, and strawberry flavors, making them a pleasant addition to your daily routine.
With 160 gummies per bottle, you’ll have a generous supply to last for months. Ideal for those who prefer a chewable supplement over pills or capsules, these gummies provide an enjoyable way to boost your vitamin D intake while supporting your health goals. The fruity flavors and easy dosing make staying consistent with your vitamin D supplementation simple.
Plant-Based | |
---|---|
Unit Count | 160 |
Third-Party Certification |
Dosage | 5000IU |
---|---|
Type | D3 |
NOW Foods Vitamin D-3 5,000 IU offers a high-potency supplement designed to support your structural health with a robust daily dose of vitamin D. Each softgel delivers 5,000 IU of vitamin D3, a key nutrient essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth by aiding calcium absorption and bone mineralization. This high dose is particularly beneficial for those with higher needs or who have difficulty obtaining adequate vitamin D from sunlight or diet alone.
The 240-softgel bottle provides a long-lasting supply, making it a convenient choice for daily supplementation. NOW Foods ensures that each softgel is crafted with care to deliver maximum potency and efficacy, supporting overall well-being and structural integrity. Ideal for individuals seeking to boost their vitamin D levels and enhance bone and dental health, this supplement is a reliable option for comprehensive nutritional support.
Plant-Based | |
---|---|
Unit Count | 240 |
Third-Party Certification |
It is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers take a daily vitamin D supplement to support their own health and ensure their baby receives adequate amounts of this essential nutrient. Breastfed infants are particularly vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency due to breast milk's naturally low vitamin D concentration.
To meet their infants’ vitamin D requirements, mothers can provide a direct supplement to the baby or enrich their breast milk by taking daily or intermittent high-dose vitamin D supplements. The current recommendation for breastfed and partially breastfed infants is to receive 10 mcg (400 IU) of vitamin D daily, starting within the first few days of life.
However, families need to discuss the risks and benefits of high-dose maternal supplementation with a healthcare provider, as factors such as obesity may require even higher dosages to achieve adequate vitamin D levels in breast milk.
The amount of vitamin D to take prenatally is based on serum vitamin D levels, with the goal being to maintain serum levels greater than 30-50 ng/ml. When serum levels are unavailable, daily amounts of 2,000 IU (up to 4,000 IU/day) should be maintained throughout pregnancy and lactation.
Research shows that for exclusively breastfed infants, mothers who receive 60,000 IU for ten days postpartum have infants with adequate vitamin D levels at six months.
We have other lists of popular supplements ready for your perusal, along with expert insights to help you find the best supplement for you.
No. 1: NatureWise|Vitamin D3
No. 2: Sports Research|Vitamin D3 + K2 with Coconut MCT Oil
No. 3: Nature Made|Nature Made|Vitamin D3 1000 IU (25 mcg) Softgels
No. 4: Bronson|Bronson|Vitamin K2 MK-7 Plus Vitamin D3
No. 5: THORNE|Vitamin D-5000
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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