Some foods contain vitamin D, but the best source is sunlight. Recent studies suggest that 75% of the population is not getting enough sun exposure.
Even a mild vitamin D deficiency has a significant impact on your immunity, and that is why vitamin D supplements have become one of the most recommended products.
Before you just try to boost your fat-soluble vitamin D intake with the first product you see, our nutritionist experts spent hours researching and reviewing these 11 best vitamin D supplements for you.
The Best Vitamin D3 Supplements
- Best Overall Vitamin D Supplement: Transparent Labs Vitamine D
- Cheapest Vitamin D Supplement: NatureWise
- Best Vitamin D Softgels for Better Mood: Essential Elements
- Best Vitamin D Pills for Bone Health: Transparent Labs Vitamine D
- Best Vitamin D Complex for Women: Caltrate
- Best Gluten-Free Vitamin D Pills: American BioSciences
- Best Vitamin D Capsules for Immune System: Essential Elements
- Best Vegan Vitamin D Capsules: Pure Encapsulations
- Best Vitamin D Gummies: Nordic Naturals
- Best Vitamin D for Sensitive Stomach: NatureWise
- Best Bulk Order Vitamin D Capsules: 1MD D3
Our Top Vitamin D Supplements (September 2024)
1 - Transparent Labs Vitamin D (Best Overall & for Bone Health)
- Price per serving : $0.50
- Key ingredients : Vitamin D3 (5000 IU), Vitamin K2
- Proprietary Blends : No
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Positive reviews about boosted immune responses
- 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 per dose is in line with scientific recommendations
- Claims to help reverse a reduction in bone density
- Transparent label with no additives, allergens, or fillers
Cons
- Free shipping is only available on bulk orders
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- People with bone density issues
- Those seeking immune support
Who is it not for?
- Individuals looking for low dosage options
Final Verdict
Ideal for boosting bone density and immune response. High dosage meets scientific recommendations.
With 5,000 IU per day, Transparent Labs has based the formula on scientific research and provides more than is needed per day, at least according to an article published on the National Institutes of Health website [1].
We’ve seen positive reviews from people with bone density issues, and our own experience has been positive for improved immunity.
2 - 1MD D3 (Best for Bulk Order)
- Price per serving : $0.21
- Key ingredients : Vitamin D3 (5000 IU)
- Proprietary Blends : No
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Claims to use a more bioavailable source for faster absorption
- Comes in small and easy to swallow capsules
- Good bulk discount offers available
Cons
- Contains some gelatin
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those needing fast absorption
- Individuals buying in bulk
Who is it not for?
- Vegetarians (due to gelatin content)
Final Verdict
Offers fast absorption and good bulk discount options. Not suitable for vegetarians.
The next one of our recommended vitamin D supplements comes from 1MD. Their approach has been to create a product that may be faster to absorb than other supplements.
Our tests have shown improvements in bone health, and that's why health professionals often recommend it.
3 - Essential Elements Vitamin D (Best for Immune System & Mood)
- Price per serving : $0.09
- Key ingredients : Vitamin D3 (5000 IU)
- Proprietary Blends : No
- Third-party tested : Not specified
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Positive reviews from people who noticed a better immune function
- Seems to work well to improve mood and mental energy levels
- Capsules are nice and small to make swallowing easier
Cons
- Some better bulk discounts would be great
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- People wanting immune and mood boost
- Those preferring small capsules
Who is it not for?
- Those seeking the highest potency available
Final Verdict
Great for improving mood and immune function. Capsule size makes it easy to swallow.
This vitamin D product claims to be a superior type of D3 that may improve heart, immune and mental health.
And we did notice several positive comments where people found their mood and energy levels improved after a few weeks.
4 - NatureWise Vitamin D (Cheapest & Best for Sensitive Stomach)
- Price per serving : $0.04
- Key ingredients : Vitamin D3 (5000 IU)
- Proprietary Blends : No
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Tested by a third-party company for purity and quality
- Uses organic olive oil for extra peace of mind
- Comes in a large bulk order bottle
Cons
- The capsules tend to stick together if not kept in a cool place
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those with a sensitive stomach
- Looking for purity tested products
Who is it not for?
- People needing very high doses
Final Verdict
A good choice for individuals with stomach sensitivity, offering peace of mind with purity testing.
The next one of our favored vitamin D supplements is from NatureWise, and what we liked is the use of organic olive oil to deliver the vitamin.
It’s also independently tested for purity, which should give you some extra peace of mind.
5 - American BioSciences ImmPowerD3 AHCC & Vitamin D (Best Gluten Free)
- Price per serving : $1.93
- Key ingredients : Vitamin D3, AHCC (a mushroom extract)
- Proprietary Blends : Yes
- Third-party tested : Not specified
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great as an immunity booster
- With a high dose of Vitamin D that activates T-cells
- Vegetarian and gluten-free capsules
Cons
- A few reports about difficulties of getting the dose right
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Immunity boosters
- Gluten intolerant individuals
Who is it not for?
- Those who prefer precise dosage control
Final Verdict
Excellent for enhancing immune health, suitable for vegetarians and gluten intolerant users.
The final one comes as a combination of the two powerful immunity enhancers: the AHCC and vitamin D3.
These two ingredients together are said to be very effective at boosting the body’s immune defense and maintaining overall health.
6 - Nordic Naturals Vitamin D Gummies (Best Gummies)
- Price per serving : $0.15
- Key ingredients : Vitamin D3 (1000 IU)
- Proprietary Blends : No
- Third-party tested : Not specified
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comes in convenient gummies
- Has a lower dose of D3 which may be more suitable for kids
- They don’t seem to be too sweet tasting
Cons
- Some people have said the flavor is a bit fake
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Children and adults who prefer gummies
- Lower dose seekers
Who is it not for?
- Those needing very high vitamin D doses
Final Verdict
Best for those who prefer a fun way to take supplements. Not intended for high dosage needs.
If you need a vitamin D product that has a lower dose or comes in something other than a capsule, then Nordic Naturals might be your best bet.
Based on our tests, the gummies might be ideal for kids or adults that just don’t like swallowing tablets.
7 - Caltrate Calcium and Vitamin D Supplement Tablet (Best for Women)
- Price per serving : $0.10
- Key ingredients : Calcium, Vitamin D3
- Proprietary Blends : No
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Combines calcium with D3 for a boost to bone health
- Specifically formulated for women
- Available in large bulk order bottles
Cons
- Some users have reported upset stomachs
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Women focused on bone health
- Those needing added calcium
Who is it not for?
- Men, or those who need vitamin D only
Final Verdict
Specifically formulated for women to enhance bone health with added calcium. Not for men.
These tablets take a specific focus on bone health by combining a small amount of D3 with a good dose of calcium.
The formula should help women who may have bone density issues.
8 - NOW Supplements Vitamin D
- Price per serving : $0.07
- Key ingredients : Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
- Proprietary Blends : No
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High strength option for significant deficiency
- Positive reviews about fast absorption and immune boost
- The softgels seem to be easy to swallow
Cons
- Can’t be broken down into smaller doses
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- People with significant deficiency
- Those preferring high strength options
Who is it not for?
- Users needing small, adjustable doses
Final Verdict
Ideal for severe deficiencies, offering high potency for faster results. Not adjustable in dose.
For anyone with a significant deficiency in D3, this NOW Supplements product might raise your blood levels of D3 faster.
It does seem to be backed up by users who have noted positive blood test results within just a few weeks.
9 - MegaFood Vitamin D
- Price per serving : $0.34
- Key ingredients : Vitamin D3, S. cerevisiae, organic foods blend
- Proprietary Blends : No
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sourced from farm-fresh greens for higher quality
- Available in bulk order bottles
- Many positive comments about improvements in bone density
Cons
- Some users reported indigestion shortly after taking it
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Prefers farm-sourced ingredients
- Moderate dosage users
Who is it not for?
- Those with indigestion issues
Final Verdict
Uses quality farm-sourced ingredients for better absorption. May cause indigestion for some.
We liked the MegaFood supplement because the company claims that all ingredients are sourced farm fresh to ensure higher quality.
The dosage might seem like it’s on the low side, but with a higher absorption rate, it should work fine.
10 - Designs for Health Vitamin D Drops
- Price per serving : $0.03
- Key ingredients : Vitamin D3 (liquid form)
- Proprietary Blends : No
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comes in liquid form to get a precise dose as needed
- Positive reviews about it absorbing fast and working within weeks
- Could be a cost-effective solution for long term use
Cons
- The taste isn’t great, so you may want to mix it with juice
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Precise dosage requirement
- Quick absorption seekers
Who is it not for?
- People averse to liquid forms
Final Verdict
Convenient for those requiring exact dosing; absorbs quickly. Not suited for those disliking liquids.
Another convenient option is to measure out your daily dose of vitamins in liquid form. Some individuals might get a precise dose recommended by a doctor, and this supplement would be a good option for that.
Related Post: Best Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplements
11 - Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D (Best Vegan Option)
- Price per serving : $0.38
- Key ingredients : Vitamin D3 (vegan), derived from lichen
- Proprietary Blends : No
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Liquid form for more flexibility in dosage
- Certified vegan option
- Free from common allergens to reduce risks of reactions
Cons
- It’s not the strongest option available
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Vegans
- Those with allergen sensitivities
Who is it not for?
- Those seeking high-dose vitamin D
Final Verdict
A vegan-friendly option free from common allergens. Not for those requiring high vitamin D doses.
The final one of our recommended vitamin D supplements comes from Pure Encapsulations.
It’s also one of the few products available that have a vegan certificate.
How We Test Vitamin D Supplements
At Total Shape, we understand the importance of providing our readers with accurate and reliable information.
To determine the best vitamin D supplements on the market, we conducted thorough testing and evaluation. Our rigorous testing process considered three key criteria: ingredients, effectiveness, and price.
Ingredients
We started by scrutinizing the ingredient lists of each vitamin D supplement. The quality and purity of the ingredients are paramount to ensure that you're getting the most out of your supplement.
We carefully examined whether the supplements contained vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is the preferred form of vitamin D for its superior absorption and effectiveness.
Additionally, we assessed whether any potentially harmful additives, allergens, or fillers were present in the products. Our goal was to recommend supplements that prioritize clean and high-quality ingredients.
Effectiveness
Effectiveness is a critical factor when choosing a vitamin D supplement. To evaluate this criterion, we considered scientific research and customer feedback.
We examined studies and clinical trials related to each product's effectiveness in raising vitamin D levels and supporting overall health. Furthermore, we took into account real-world experiences and reviews from individuals who had used these supplements.
Our team paid close attention to any reported improvements in vitamin D status, bone health, and immune function. Our aim was to recommend supplements that have demonstrated their effectiveness through both research and user satisfaction.
Price
We understand that affordability is a key concern for our readers. Therefore, we thoroughly analyzed the pricing of each vitamin D supplement.
We calculated the cost per serving to provide you with a clear understanding of the value you're getting for your investment.
While we recognize the importance of quality, we also strived to recommend supplements that offer competitive pricing without compromising on ingredient quality or effectiveness.
Our goal was to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your budget.
Vitamin D Supplement Buyer’s Guide
Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that plays a significant role in various aspects of health, from bone strength to immune function.
However, with numerous vitamin D supplements available on the market, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. This buyer's guide will help you make an informed decision when choosing the best vitamin D supplement for your needs.
Consider the Form of Vitamin D
- Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol): This is the preferred form of vitamin D as it closely resembles the vitamin D produced by the body when exposed to sunlight. Look for supplements that contain vitamin D3 for optimal absorption and effectiveness.
- Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol): While less effective than D3, vitamin D2 is still a suitable choice for vegetarians and vegans as it is derived from plant sources.
Dosage and Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin D varies depending on age, sex, and life stage. For most adults, a typical dose is around 125 mcg (5000 IU) per day.
However, individuals with specific health conditions or deficiencies may require higher or lower doses. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine your ideal dosage.
Quality and Purity
Look for supplements from reputable brands that undergo third-party testing for quality and purity. These certifications ensure that the product contains what it claims and is free from contaminants.
Additional Ingredients
Some vitamin D supplements come with added nutrients like vitamin K2, which aids in calcium absorption and directs it to the bones rather than soft tissues. Consider whether you want a standalone vitamin D supplement or one that includes complementary nutrients.
Form of Supplement
Vitamin D supplements come in various forms, including capsules, softgels, tablets, gummies, and liquid drops. Choose a form that suits your preferences and dietary requirements. For precise dosing, liquid drops can be a convenient choice.
Allergens and Additives
Check the product label for common allergens like gluten, soy, dairy, and artificial additives. If you have allergies or sensitivities, opt for supplements that are free from these ingredients.
Absorption and Bioavailability
Consider supplements that enhance absorption, such as those formulated with fat-soluble vitamins or in an oil-based form. Absorption is a critical factor in the effectiveness of vitamin D supplements.
Price and Value
Compare the cost per serving of different supplements to ensure you're getting the best value for your money. Keep in mind that quality and purity should not be compromised for a lower price.
Certifications and Testing
Look for certifications from organizations like the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or NSF International, which verify the quality and safety of dietary supplements.
Consult a Healthcare Professional
Before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications, consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.
Monitor Your Vitamin D Levels
Regularly test your vitamin D levels to ensure you are meeting your individual requirements. This can help you adjust your supplementation if needed and prevent excessive intake.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and tolerability of a supplement. Consider reading reviews from other users to gather real-world feedback.
Additional Guidance
How Much Vitamin D Should You Take?
According to an article found on the Mayo Clinic website, you should take 125 mcg of vitamin D supplementation [2].
Most supplements will usually provide a high dose close to the recommended, but it’s sometimes necessary to get a higher or lower dose per day to prevent vitamin D deficiency.
The first thing you should do when comparing dietary supplements is to look at the dosage to accurately compare the prices.
If you have particularly low optimal vitamin D levels or have been recommended a precise dosage, then it might be best to use a product with a high dose or one in liquid form that makes it easier to measure an exact volume.
What’s The Difference Between Vitamin D And Vitamin D3?
The main difference between vitamin D and vitamin D3 is essentially that D3 is the closest to the vitamin D the body produces, and it’s a bit difficult to get from food sources [3]. You can think of vitamin D as the "umbrella term" for the different vitamin D types in supplements.
The lack of sun exposure and common use of sunscreen may lead to a vitamin D deficiency.
“Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because it’s produced within the body when the sun hits the skin. But many people turn to supplements in chillier months of the year when cold and dark days limit time spent outdoors.”
- Sheryl Huggins Salomon, Health and Wellbeing Journalist
Other forms like D2 have been tested as well, but the research results have been a bit mixed. That’s why we focused our attention on providing product suggestions that provide only D3.
More Multivitamin Articles:
Best Practices for Vitamin D Supplementation
To make the most of your vitamin D supplementation, it's essential to follow some best practices:
- Dosage Considerations: As mentioned earlier, the recommended daily dose of vitamin D is 125 mcg (5000 IU), according to medical scientists. Most supplements provide a dose close to this recommendation. However, if you have specific needs, such as low optimal vitamin D levels, consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosing guidance.
- Timing and Form: Consider whether you prefer vitamin D in capsule form, drops, or another form. Some individuals may find liquid supplements more convenient, especially if they need precise dosing. Additionally, it's often advisable to take vitamin D with a meal to enhance absorption.
- Combining with Other Supplements: If you're taking multiple supplements, consult with a healthcare provider to ensure they don't interact negatively. Vitamin D is often combined with vitamin K2 for optimal absorption and utilization.
By following these best practices, you can maximize the effectiveness of your vitamin D supplementation regimen and promote overall health.
FAQ
How Much Vitamin D Should I Consume Daily?
You should consume between 600 and 800 IUs daily to maintain standard vitamin D levels.
How Do I Know If I Lack Vitamin D?
If you lack vitamin D, you could start feeling muscle aches, fatigue, reduced endurance, and low moods. Consult with your doctor if needed.
Our Verdict on Best Vitamin D Supplements
Vitamin D supplements come in a variety of forms. You can find vitamin D supplement drops, chewable tablets, and sprays. Make sure to choose the type of supplement appropriate for your medical needs.
Based on our test results and conversations with clients, we concluded that Transparent Labs Vitamin D would be our top recommendation.
Transparent Labs Vitamin D contains 5000 IU of vitamin D3. Enough to fit in with the everyday lifestyle and carry you through the chilly winter months. With Transparent Labs, we noticed a faster response in vitamin D levels within a few weeks.
This trusted brand provides high-quality products free of allergens, dyes, fillers, and additives. You can trust their products because of their full transparency policy.
Our #1 Recommendation
Transparent Labs Vitamin D (Best Overall & for Bone Health)
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- Positive reviews about boosted immune responses
- 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 per dose is in line with scientific recommendations
- Claims to help reverse a reduction in bone density
- Transparent label with no additives, allergens, or fillers
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- Free shipping is only available on bulk orders
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