Vitamin D is a fat-soluble element for calcium and phosphorus absorption, bone health, and muscular growth and development. (1)
Vitamin D, sometimes called the sunshine vitamin, is created naturally by skin cells responding to light exposure. (2)
Nonetheless, a 2018 poll indicated that 40% of Americans are vitamin D deficient, particularly African Americans, smokers, those who receive minimal sun exposure or use sunscreen regularly, those over the age of 65, and persons with obesity or diabetes (3, 4).
Furthermore, vitamin D is naturally available in just a few dietary sources, making it difficult to confirm that you reach your requirements only via diet (5).
Many people may want to take a vitamin D supplement, mainly if they don’t receive enough sun or eat foods enriched with vitamin D.
Because purchasing supplements may be perplexing and intimidating, we compiled a list of the top vitamin D pills based on the following criteria:
- Vetting. All items in this category have been thoroughly reviewed to ensure they fulfill Healthline’s medical and commercial requirements.
- Effectiveness. Vitamin D3 is included in the products mentioned below for maximum absorption.
- Ingredients. We sought supplements that did not include extraneous substances such as fillers, artificial sweeteners, or colors.
- Dietitian-recommended. A qualified nutritionist hand-picked all of the goods mentioned below.
Here are the top 13 vitamin D pills.
How to Buy The Best Vitamin D Supplement
It’s a good idea to check your vitamin D levels before deciding on a supplement. Only a blood test can tell you if your levels are inadequate, insufficient, sufficient, or ideal.
Your doctor may run blood tests and assist you in determining an acceptable dose.
Remember that if you have a severe vitamin D deficiency, your doctor may suggest high-dosage pills or injections for some time, followed by a daily maintenance dose.
It’s critical to read the ingredient list when looking for vitamin D pills. Many items, particularly beverages, gummies, and chewables, have added sugars, artificial flavors, and colors.
Consider if a supplement includes ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) or cholecalciferol (vitamin K) (vitamin D3). While both forms may successfully raise vitamin D levels, vitamin D3 can raise levels more quickly and for a more extended period.
You could also look for third-party certification from a body like the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or ConsumerLab.
Remember that Persona and Care/of only give vitamin D3 supplements with 1,000 IU each pill.
While this dosage may be enough for persons who wish to maintain their already good vitamin D levels, those with low vitamin D levels often need a considerably greater dose to raise their blood level to an acceptable level.
Eathealthyidgood’s picks of the best vitamin D supplements
The best high dosage
A high-dose vitamin D supplement is essential for persons with severe vitamin D insufficiency; however, visiting a healthcare practitioner for a specific dosage suggestion is crucial.
People diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency must take at least 10,000 IU daily. Once levels have returned to normal, a maintenance dosage of up to 6,000 IU may be administered.
Each capsule contains 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 and is hypoallergenic, non-GMO, and gluten-free.
Pure Encapsulations is another reputable brand approved by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), establishing stringent, product-specific supplement requirements.
NOW Foods D3 10,000 IU
Another outstanding supplement manufacturer that produces high-dose vitamin D pills is NOW Foods.
Each softgel pill of this product contains 10,000 IU of vitamin D3.
It’s also non-GMO, kosher, and contains no dairy, eggs, sugar, soy, or corn.
NOW Foods has its goods third-party tested by the Underwriters Laboratory in addition to evaluating all products for quality assurance in its in-house labs (UL).
Remember that although this product may be acceptable for some individuals, it’s always great to talk to a doctor before using high-dose vitamin D supplements.
The best vegan
Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 Liquid (Vegan)
Many vitamin D3 pills include fish or sheep’s wool, making them unsuitable for vegans (5).
Consequently, many vegan goods include ergocalciferol (vitamin D2), a vegan version of vitamin D obtained from yeast or mushrooms.
However, studies demonstrate that D2 isn’t as effective as D3 at boosting blood levels (11).
Companies have just discovered a technique to make vegan-friendly vitamin D3.
Pure Encapsulations, for example, sells a liquid D3 supplement made from responsibly sourced lichen.
It is vegan, but it is free of gluten, tree nuts, peanuts, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and artificial colors and flavors.
Furthermore, Pure Encapsulations examines all products extensively and produces supplements in a facility that surpasses USP requirements.
HUM Nutrition Here Comes the Sun
HUM Nutrition is a firm that provides high-quality supplements and tailored nutrition advice from an in-house team of certified dietitians.
This high-potency softgel supplement includes vitamin D3 extracted from lichen, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
It is also non-GMO, gluten-free, and devoid of artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Furthermore, HUM Nutrition products are sustainably sourced, triple-tested for purity, and potency-tested by third-party laboratories.
The best gummies
Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3 Gummies 1,000 IU (Zero Sugar)
Gummy vitamins are popular for both adults and children. Although they are delicious to chew, most of them include added sugar.
If you’re trying to cut sugar, Nordic Naturals’ sugar-free vitamin D3 gummy is a good choice, flavored with xylitol and colored with fruit and vegetable juice.
It is not only vegetarian and non-GMO but has also been tested by third parties for purity.
Importantly, Nordic Naturals includes a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) with each supplement, which is a document that validates that a product satisfies its necessary criteria.
Also, remember that sugar alcohols like xylitol might cause digestive troubles in some individuals, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
The best drops
Vitamin D/K2 Thorne
Thorne is a reputable supplement brand approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), an Australian government-run regulatory organization.
Thorne’s liquid vitamin D supplement also contains vitamin K2, which acts in tandem with vitamin D and is essential for cardiovascular and bone health (12).
Thorne products are made in an NSF International-certified facility and undergo four rounds of testing at the company’s in-house labs.
This supplement also lacks soy, gluten, dairy, and artificial flavors and ingredients.
The Best Liquid
Health Liposomal D Supreme Designs
Liposomal Vitamin D Supreme liquid drops by Designs for Health combine vitamin D with vitamins K1 and K2.
Liposomes are small fat spheres used to carry vitamin D and other fat-soluble elements in supplements (13).
It’s worth noting that liposomal versions of this vitamin have been demonstrated to be more absorbable than tablet forms of vitamin D supplementation (13).
Vitamins K and D act synergistically in your body, complementing each other. According to some studies, consuming both may boost bone and heart health more than taking vitamin D alone (14).
In addition to becoming free of dairy, gluten, and GMOs, Designs for Health supplements are manufactured in a facility that adheres to the Food and Drug Administration’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) (FDA).
Best for chewing
5,000 IU NOW Foods Chewable Vitamin D3
Some prefer chewable vitamins over capsules, liquids, candies, and tablets. Despite this, many chewables have additional sugar.
Unlike other chewable vitamin D supplements, the sugar alcohols xylitol and sorbitol, as well as natural vanilla and peppermint tastes, are used to sweeten NOW’s Chewable Vitamin D3 5,000 IU.
Additionally, this product is kosher, soy-free, and gluten-free. NOW Foods also follows excellent manufacturing procedures and examines its in-house effects on purity and safety.
Remember that sugar alcohols, particularly in excessive concentrations, may induce digestive issues such as stomach distress and diarrhea. Furthermore, since this supplement is kept with cellulose, it is less absorbable than oil-based capsules. (13)
Prenatal vitamin D is the best.
FullWell Prenatal Vitamin
Pregnant women are advised to take 600 IU of vitamin D3 daily, but evidence shows that more significant levels may promote improved mother and newborn outcomes (15).
Doctors recommend that pregnant women take up to 4,000 IU of D3 daily to maintain blood levels of this mineral, which may help protect against pregnancy-related problems (15, 16).
Breastfeeding mothers may need considerably more. According to some research, a daily intake of 6,400 IU supports adequate vitamin D levels in nursing moms and breastfed babies. Still, it’s recommended to see a healthcare practitioner for a specific suggestion (17).
Despite this, most prenatal pills only include 400–1,000 IU of this vitamin per dosage.
Ritual is a subscription-based firm that provides pregnant or nursing women with a prenatal vitamin containing 2,000 IU of vitamin D every dosage and other essential minerals.
Ritual gives complete ingredient source information and employs a third-party lab to test each product for impurities twice.
These prenatal capsules are vegan, non-GMO, without significant allergies, artificial colors, and fillers.
The most effective subscription service
Care/of
It is a subscription-based vitamin company that provides a choice of supplements to people searching for a straightforward approach to addressing nutritional deficiencies.
Care/of sends tailored vitamins straight to your home regularly.
You complete an online survey that asks questions about your food and lifestyle, and Care/of recommends certain nutrients that may help your health depending on the answers.
The Sunny D3 and The Vegan Sunny D3 are two vitamin D supplements from Care/of.
Each pill of both medications has 1,000 IU. The vegan supplement includes vitamin D3 derived from algae, making it suitable for vegans.
Furthermore, Care/of gets ingredients from reputable suppliers worldwide and undertakes three rounds of testing throughout production to assure safety and quality.
Persona Vegan Vitamin D – 1000 IU
Persona Nutrition is another subscription-based startup that provides users with tailored supplements based on an evaluation survey that asks questions about their diet and lifestyle.
Customers of Persona Nutrition get individualized vitamin packets sent to their houses every month.
The firm sells a variety of vitamin-D-based supplements, including Vitamin D – Vegan – 1000 IU softgel capsules.
This supplement includes Vitashine®, a vegan-friendly form of D3 generated from plant-like creatures known as lichens.
It is vegan and free of common allergies, including wheat, fish, soy, peanuts, gluten, and maize.
Persona Nutrition further specifies that all products are checked for purity at every step of manufacture. However, it does not state if the items are also subjected to third-party testing by an independent lab.
Best for children
Carlson Labs Super Daily D3 + K2 for Kids
Vitamin D is essential for children and adults (18).
Furthermore, youngsters, especially those who use epilepsy medication or have absorption challenges, may be at risk of a deficit (19, 20).
Even so, some children’s vitamin pills include sugar to improve palatability.
Carlson Labs’ Kid’s Super Daily D3 + K2 liquid drops are made with just D3, vitamin K2, and medium-chain triglycerides as the carrier oil, making it a healthier option for your kid.
While Carlson Labs’ products are vegetarian, dairy-free, and certified non-GMO by the International GMO Evaluation and Notification (IGEN) program, the company does not mention whether they are subjected to further third-party testing.
Infants should use this.
Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3 for Babies
Vitamin D is essential for normal bone formation in infants (21).
Due to the inadequacy of vitamin D in breast milk, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that all breastfed and partly breastfed newborns consume 400 IU of vitamin D each day (21).
One of the better alternatives is Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3, which includes 400 IU of vitamin D3 each drop.
The supplement is likewise devoid of artificial ingredients, with the sole additional component being certified organic olive oil.
Furthermore, the oil may be administered to the nipple during nursing, blended into a bottle of pumped breastmilk, or placed straight into an infant’s mouth.
Frequently asked questions
Are vitamin D supplements necessary?
Taking a supplement may be advantageous if you are deficient in vitamin D.
Many people are at a greater risk of deficiency, including older people, people with darker skin, certain health disorders, and people who don’t receive enough sun (4).
If you feel vitamin D deficient, see your doctor, check your levels, and decide if a vitamin D supplement is required.
What is the most effective type of vitamin D to take?
Vitamin D pills come in two varieties: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3.
Both vitamin D2 and D3 may raise vitamin D levels in the blood.
However, vitamin D3 may raise vitamin D levels more quickly and for longer than vitamin D2, making it a superior choice (5).
Is it reasonable to take vitamin D supplements every day?
Because vitamin D may be stored in fat cells and released as required, certain high-dose vitamin D pills or injections are intended to be taken just once a week or month rather than daily (2, 24).
However, large doses of any supplement may be harmful, and high-dose monthly or weekly vitamin D supplements should be used only under physician supervision.
As a result, it is advisable to see your doctor before taking vitamin D supplements and only take vitamin D as advised.
What are the indications and symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency?
Low vitamin D levels in adults may cause symptoms such as (4):
- Osteoporosis, falls, and fractures are all at a higher risk.
- twitching of muscles
- alterations in mood
- fatigue
- muscle or bone pain
- joint stiffness
- weakness
Potential vitamin D insufficiency symptoms in children include (4):
- irritability
- lethargy
- developmental delay
- bone changes
- bone fractures
Vitamin D insufficiency may not create symptoms in certain circumstances, making it difficult to identify without a blood test (4).
The bottom line
Vitamin D is a vital mineral that serves several crucial functions in your body. Because many individuals lack this vitamin, supplements may be necessary to maintain appropriate levels.
The abovementioned products are among the top vitamin D supplements on the market and cater to a broad range of requirements.
Before starting new supplements, check with a healthcare expert to decide how much — you should supplement.
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