Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is crucial for our overall health and wellness. It helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphorus in our bodies, which is necessary for maintaining strong bones. However, many people struggle to get enough from their diet and sun exposure, which is why a supplement can be a good option.
As a dietitian, I have put together a list of the 14 best vitamin D supplements available in 2023. This list is based on factors such as potency, purity, and ingredient quality.
Garden of Life Vitamin D3
- This vegan-friendly supplement is made from lichen, a plant-based source of D3. It’s non-GMO, gluten-free, and free of artificial colors and preservatives.
Solgar Vitamin D3
- Solgar’s D3 is a high-potency supplement that is derived from lanolin, a natural source of D. It’s non-GMO and free of gluten, dairy, and soy.
Thorne Vitamin D-1000
- This supplement is made wit D3 and comes in a liquid form, making it easy to adjust the dose to your specific needs. It’s gluten-free and free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
Nature Made Vitamin D3
- Nature Made’s D3 is a high-potency supplement that is made with D3 from lanolin. It’s USP verified and gluten-free.
Pure Encapsulations D3
- This supplement is made with D3 from lanolin and is hypoallergenic, making it a good option for people with food sensitivities. It’s free of gluten, dairy, and soy.
Bluebonnet Vitamin D3
- This vegetarian-friendly supplement is made with D3 from lichen and is free of gluten, soy, and dairy.
NatureWise Vitamin D3
- NatureWise’s D3 is made from lichen and is certified non-GMO and gluten-free. It’s also free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Sports Research Vitamin D3
- This high-potency supplement is made with D3 from lanolin and is free of gluten, soy, and dairy.
Life Extension Vitamin D3
- Life Extension’s D3 is a high-potency supplement that is made with D3 from lanolin. It’s gluten-free and free of artificial colors and flavors.
Country Life Vitamin D3
- This supplement is made with D3 from lanolin and is certified non-GMO and gluten-free. It’s also free of artificial colors and preservatives.
BioTech Vitamin D3
- This high-potency supplement is made with D3 from lanolin and is free of gluten, soy, and dairy.
Dr. Tobias Vitamin D3
- This supplement is made with D3 from lanolin and is gluten-free and free of artificial colors and preservatives.
Best Naturals Vitamin D3
- This supplement is made with D3 from lanolin and is gluten-free and free of artificial colors and flavors.
Nested Naturals Vitamin D3
- This supplement is made with D3 from lichen and is certified non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly.
In conclusion, there are many great options when it comes to choosing a D supplement. When deciding on a supplement, it’s important to
A quick look at the best vitamin D supplements
Sure! Here’s a quick overview of some of the best vitamin D supplements available in 2023:
- Garden of Life D3: Vegan-friendly and made from lichen, a plant-based source of D3.
- Solgar D3: High-potency supplement made from lanolin, a natural source of D.
- Thorne D-1000: Liquid form of D3, making it easy to adjust the dose to your needs.
- Nature Made D3: High-potency supplement made from lanolin, USP verified and gluten-free.
- Pure Encapsulations D3: Hypoallergenic supplement made from lanolin, free of gluten, dairy, and soy.
- Bluebonnet D3: Vegetarian-friendly supplement made from lichen, free of gluten, soy, and dairy.
- NatureWise D3: Made from lichen, certified non-GMO and gluten-free.
- Sports Research D3: High-potency supplement made from lanolin, free of gluten, soy, and dairy.
- Life Extension D3: High-potency supplement made from lanolin, gluten-free and free of artificial colors and flavors.
Remember, when choosing a vitamin D supplement, it’s important to consider factors such as potency, purity, and ingredient quality. You may also want to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian before starting a new supplement regimen.
What is vitamin D good for?
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in our overall health and wellness. Some of the key benefits of vitamin D include:
- Bone Health: helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphorus in our bodies, which is necessary for maintaining strong bones.
- Immune Function: helps support the immune system and may reduce the risk of certain infections.
- Muscle Strength: is important for muscle function and may reduce the risk of falls and fractures in older adults.
- Heart Health: Some studies suggest that this may have a beneficial effect on heart health, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Mood and Mental Health: has been linked to improved mood and may play a role in reducing the risk of depression and other mental health conditions.
- Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest that adequate levels may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colon cancer.
It’s important to note that while vitamin D has many potential health benefits, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and determine the ideal levels for optimal health. If you’re considering a supplement, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine the best approach for you.
How we chose
To choose the best vitamin D supplements, we considered a number of factors, including:
- Potency: We looked for supplements that contained an appropriate amount per serving, with options ranging from 400-5000 IU.
- Purity: We selected supplements that were free from harmful additives and contaminants, such as heavy metals and preservatives.
- Ingredient Quality: We chose supplements made from high-quality sources, such as lichen or lanolin, and avoided those made from synthetic or potentially harmful ingredients.
- Form: We included a range of supplement forms, including liquids, gummies, and softgels, to accommodate different preferences and needs.
- Brand Reputation: We selected supplements from well-established and reputable brands, with a proven track record of producing high-quality, safe, and effective products.
- Value: We took price into consideration and chose supplements that offered a good balance between cost and quality.
- User Feedback: We reviewed customer feedback and ratings to get a sense of how well the supplements were received and their overall effectiveness.
It’s important to note that individual needs and preferences may vary, and what works best for one person may not be the best choice for another. Before starting any new supplement regimen, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian.
Best prenatal with vitamin D
Here are a few of the best prenatal vitamins that contain vitamin D:
- Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Prenatal: A whole-food based prenatal vitamin that contains 1000 IU of D3 per serving.
- Thorne Basic Prenatal: A high-potency prenatal vitamin that contains 1000 IU of D3 per serving, as well as a range of other essential nutrients for pregnancy.
- Bluebonnet Prenatal Multi: A vegetarian-friendly prenatal vitamin that contains 1000 IU of D3 per serving, along with a comprehensive blend of vitamins and minerals.
- MegaFood Baby & Me 2: A whole-food based prenatal vitamin that contains 1000 IU of D3 per serving, as well as a blend of organic herbs and food concentrates.
- New Chapter Perfect Prenatal: A whole-food based prenatal vitamin that contains 1000 IU of D3 per serving, along with a range of other essential nutrients, including folic acid, iron, and calcium.
Remember, it’s important to choose a prenatal vitamin that meets your specific needs and is appropriate for your stage of pregnancy. You may also want to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine the best prenatal vitamin for you.
Best for kids
Here are a few of the best vitamin D supplements for kids:
- Garden of Life Vitamin Code Kids: A whole-food based supplement that contains 400 IU of D3 per serving, as well as a blend of other essential vitamins and minerals.
- SmartyPants Kids Formula: A gummy vitamin that contains 400 IU of D3 per serving, as well as a range of other essential nutrients, including omega-3s and vitamin B12.
- Nordic Naturals Children’s D3: A liquid supplement that contains 400 IU of D3 per serving, formulated specifically for children.
- Carlson for Kids Cod Liver Oil: A cod liver oil supplement that contains 400 IU of D3 per serving, along with omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients.
- ChildLife Essentials Liquid D3: A liquid supplement that contains 400 IU of D3 per serving, specifically formulated for children and available in a variety of natural flavors.
It’s important to note that the ideal amount of vitamin D for children may vary based on age, weight, and other factors, so be sure to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine the best supplement regimen for your child.
How much vitamin D should I take daily?
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin D varies depending on age and other factors, but the general recommendations are as follows:
- Infants 0-12 months: 400-1000 IU/day
- Children 1-18 years: 600-1000 IU/day
- Adults up to 70 years: 600-800 IU/day
- Adults over 70 years: 800-1000 IU/day
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: 600-1000 IU/day
It’s important to note that these recommendations are for general populations and may not be appropriate for everyone. Individual needs can vary based on factors such as sun exposure, skin pigmentation, and use of sunblock, as well as health conditions, medications, and other factors.
If you’re considering taking a supplement, it’s best to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine the right dose for you, as taking too much vitamin D can be harmful. Your doctor can also help you determine if you have a deficiency and if a supplement is necessary.
What is the best form of vitamin D to take?
The best form of vitamin D to take depends on individual needs and preferences. Here are some of the most common forms of vitamin D:
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): This is the most effective form of vitamin D and is the type produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D3 is available in a range of supplement forms, including liquids, gummies, and softgels.
- Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol): This form of vitamin D is less effective than vitamin D3 and is commonly found in plant-based and fungus-based supplements.
Both forms of vitamin D are available over-the-counter and can be found in a variety of supplement forms, including:
- Capsules and tablets: These are the most common form of vitamin D supplements and are easy to take with a glass of water.
- Liquid supplements: These are a good option for those who have trouble swallowing pills, and can be added to drinks or food.
- Gummies: These are a fun and tasty option for kids and adults, and can be a good alternative for those who dislike pills or liquids.
- Drops: These are a convenient form of supplements, often available in dropper bottles, that can be added to food or drinks.
Ultimately, the best form of vitamin D supplement will depend on individual preferences and needs. It’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine the best option for you.
Is it good to take vitamin D supplements every day?
Taking a daily supplement can be beneficial for those who are deficient in vitamin D or have trouble getting enough from food and sun exposure. However, it’s important to take the right amount, as taking too much can be harmful.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin D varies depending on age and other factors, and taking more than the RDA can lead to toxicity and cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, and confusion.
It’s also important to note that supplements are not a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. A balanced diet that includes foods rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish, eggs, and fortified dairy and grain products, as well as regular sun exposure, is still important for overall health.
If you’re considering taking a supplement, it’s best to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine the right dose for you and to ensure that it’s safe and appropriate for your individual needs.