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NOW Foods, Nordic Naturals, and HUM make vitamin D products you can trust. See what other brands our dietitians recommend and how to make sure you get the D you need.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient involved in calcium absorption, bone health, and muscle growth and development. The main source of it is the sun — our skin cells produce vitamin D in response to sun exposure.

Deficiency in vitamin D is common, particularly among people who get limited sun exposure, as well as people with dark skin, people over age 65, and people who smoke. Breastfed infants and children with certain medical conditions are also susceptible to vitamin D deficiency.

If you’re at risk, a healthcare professional may recommend a vitamin D supplement. Here are the brands and products our dietitians trust most.

A note on price

Vitamin D supplement prices are generally $0.04–$0.55 per serving (1–2 capsules or 1–5 drops), or $8–$54.49 per container.

  • $ = under $0.10 per serving
  • $$ = $0.10–$0.50 per serving
  • $$$ = over $0.50 per serving
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ProductTypeDose% of DV Price
Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3*capsule10,000 IU1,250%$$
NOW Foods Vitamin D3*softgel10,000 IU1,250%$$
Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 (Vegan) Liquid*liquid1,000 IU125%$$
HUM Nutrition Here Comes the Sun*softgel2,000 IU250%$$
Nordic Naturals Zero Sugar Vitamin D3 Gummies*gummy1,000 IU125%$$
Thorne Vitamin D/K2 Liquidliquid1,000 IU125%$
Designs for Health Liposomal D Supreme Liquidliquid2,500 IU313%$$$
NOW Foods Chewable Vitamin D3*tablet5,000 IU625%$$
Care/of Vitamin D*capsule1,000 IU125%$$
FullWell Prenatal Vitamincapsule4,000 IU667%$$$
Carlson Labs Kid’s Super Daily D3+ K2* liquid 1,000 IU
125%$
Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3*liquid400 IU100%$

* This product has been third-party tested by an accredited lab to ensure purity and potency.

  • Effectiveness: The products on our list contain vitamin D3 for optimal absorption.
  • Forms: We included supplements in a variety of forms, including gummy, chewable, liquid, and capsule.
  • Ingredients: We looked for supplements that are free of unnecessary ingredients.
  • Price: We included products to suit a range of budgets.
  • Brand reputation: The brands on our list are trusted by healthcare professionals.
  • Third-party testing: We prioritized supplements that have undergone testing by an independent lab or been third-party certified.
  • Vetting: The products on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in many aspects of health, including:

  • calcium absorption
  • bone health
  • immune function
  • disease prevention

Because vitamin D is found naturally in very few food sources and is mostly obtained through sun exposure, many people have an increased risk of deficiency.

Vitamin D supplements can help ensure that you’re getting the amount of vitamin D you need. They come in two forms: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. While both forms can increase blood levels of vitamin D, vitamin D3 can raise vitamin D levels higher and for longer than vitamin D2.

Before you decide on a vitamin D supplement, it’s a good idea to get your nutrient levels checked. A blood test is the only way to find out whether you are are deficient, insufficient, sufficient, or optimal in any nutrient.

A healthcare professional can order blood work and help you determine an appropriate dosage if a supplement is necessary for you. At-home testing kits may also be useful to measure your vitamin D levels.

What is the most effective vitamin D to take?

Research shows that vitamin D3 is more effective than vitamin D2 at increasing blood levels of vitamin D. A 2020 study also found that both liquid and capsule vitamin D3 supplements can raise vitamin D levels efficiently.

Which supplement is best for vitamin D deficiency?

If you’ve received a diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency, a healthcare professional may recommend a vitamin D3 dosage of 6,000 IU per day or 50,000 IU per week for 8 weeks followed by a maintenance dosage of 1,000–2,000 IU per day.

Can I take B12, vitamin D, and magnesium together?

It is safe to take vitamin B12, vitamin D, and magnesium together. Meanwhile, taking vitamin D with a fat-containing meal can help optimize absorption.

What are the best vitamin D foods?

Vitamin D is found naturally in fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, or mackerel) and fish liver oils. It can also be found in small amounts in beef liver, egg yolks, cheese, and certain types of mushrooms.

What is the best organic vitamin D3 supplement?

Because most vitamin D3 supplements are sourced from lanolin, there are few organic options available. If choosing an organic supplement is a priority for you, be sure to look for a product derived from certified organic lichen or mushrooms.