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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. 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.
Form: capsule Number of servings: 120 per container Dose: 1 capsule per day, up to 5 days per week % DV: 1250% Price: $$ Healthline's review
If you have a severe vitamin D deficiency, a healthcare professional will likely recommend taking a high dose supplement — at least 10,000 international units (IU) daily. This may be followed by a maintenance dose of up to 6,000 IU once your levels normalize.
Pure Encapulsations Vitamin D3 gets our pick as the best high dose vitamin D option because it’s third-party tested and provides 10,000 IU per serving.
Plus, unlike other products on the market, it’s hypoallergenic, non-GMO, and gluten-free , so it’s a great choice for people with food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Keep in mind that this product is not suitable for vegans since it contains vitamin D3 derived from lanolin, a type of fat secreted from sheep’s wool.
However, Pure Encapsulations also offers a lower dose vegan-friendly alternative , which is made with vitamin D3 sourced from algae.
Pros & cons one-a-day formulation vegetarian-friendly third-party tested manufactured in facilities that exceed the standards of U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) gluten-free non-GMO high dose not appropriate for all people not suitable for vegans one-a-day formulation vegetarian-friendly third-party tested manufactured in facilities that exceed the standards of U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) gluten-free non-GMO high dose not appropriate for all people not suitable for vegans Product details Active ingredients: vitamin D (250 mcg) Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Active ingredients: vitamin D (250 mcg) Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Form: softgel Number of servings: 120 per container Dose: 1 softgel every 3 days % DV: 1250% Price: $ Healthline's review We also like this high dose vitamin D from NOW Foods. It’s widely available and comes at a budget-friendly price.
Additionally, we appreciate the simplicity of the ingredients — including 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 derived from lanolin — and the fact that it’s non-GMO, kosher, and free of common allergens such as dairy, eggs, sugar, soy, and corn.
Pros & cons only 1 softgel every 3 days non-GMO third-party certified not suitable for vegetarians or vegans high dose not appropriate for all people only 1 softgel every 3 days non-GMO third-party certified not suitable for vegetarians or vegans high dose not appropriate for all people Product details Active ingredients: vitamin D3 (250 mcg) Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Active ingredients: vitamin D3 (250 mcg) Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Best vegan vitamin D drops Form: liquid Number of servings: 100 per bottle Dose: 5 drops (0.1 mL) per day % DV: 125% Price: $$ Healthline's review Many vitamin D3 supplements are derived from fish or sheep’s wool, meaning they’re inappropriate for vegans .
Some vegan products contain ergocalciferol (vitamin D2), a form of vitamin D derived from yeast or mushrooms. However, research shows that D2 is not as effective at increasing blood levels of the vitamin as D3.
Recently, companies have found ways to manufacture vegan-friendly vitamin D3.
Pure Encapsulations, for example, offers this liquid D3 derived from sustainably harvested lichen.
It’s also free of gluten, tree nuts, peanuts, GMOs, and artificial colors and flavors.
We also like that it comes in a convenient liquid form, which some people might prefer over capsules or tablets. According to one study, vitamin D3 oil drops are similarly effective at increasing blood levels of vitamin D as tablets.
Pros & cons vegan-friendly source of vitamin D3 easy-to-take liquid form third-party tested manufactured in a facility that exceeds the standards set by USP certified gluten-free non-GMO vegan-friendly source of vitamin D3 easy-to-take liquid form third-party tested manufactured in a facility that exceeds the standards set by USP certified gluten-free non-GMO Product details Active ingredients: vitamin D (25 mcg) Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Active ingredients: vitamin D (25 mcg) Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Best vegan vitamin D capsules Form: softgel Number of servings: 30 per container Dose: 1 softgel per day % DV: 250% Price: $$ Healthline's review We like Here Comes the Sun for its high quality and vegan-friendly list of ingredients, including 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 derived from lichen.
It also stands out as a stellar option because it’s non-GMO, gluten-free, and made without any artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Like other supplements from HUM Nutrition , this vitamin D supplement is sustainably sourced, triple-tested for purity, and evaluated for potency by third-party labs.
Not only that, but HUM Nutrition also offers all customers free personalized nutrition advice from its in-house team of registered dietitians.
Pros & cons one-a-day formulation vegan source of vitamin D3 third-party tested non-GMO gluten-free one-a-day formulation vegan source of vitamin D3 third-party tested non-GMO gluten-free Product details Active ingredients: vitamin D3 (50 mcg) Returns: returns within 30 days Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50 Active ingredients: vitamin D3 (50 mcg) Returns: returns within 30 days Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50
Form: gummy Number of servings: 60 per container Dose: 1 gummy per day % DV: 125% Price: $$ Healthline's review Nordic Naturals Zero Sugar Vitamin 3 Gummies are an easy-to-take, sugar-free option (sweetened with xylitol, a sugar alcohol ) containing vitamin D from lanolin, which means they’re a good choice for vegetarians.
They’re also naturally colored with fruit and vegetable juice, non-GMO, and third-party tested for purity.
Plus, Nordic Naturals provides a certificate of analysis (COA) for every supplement. A COA is a document that confirms that a product meets its required specifications.
Pros & cons easy to take free of added sugar vegetarian-friendly non-GMO third-party tested contains xylitol, which some people may prefer to avoid not suitable for vegans easy to take free of added sugar vegetarian-friendly non-GMO third-party tested contains xylitol, which some people may prefer to avoid not suitable for vegans Product details Active ingredients: vitamin D3 (25 mcg) Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Active ingredients: vitamin D3 (25 mcg) Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Form: liquid Number of servings: 600 per container Dose: 2 drops per day % DV: 125% Price: $ Healthline's review Thorne Vitamin D/K2 Liquid wins our vote because it’s one of the few vitamin D supplements that also provides vitamin K2 , which works together with vitamin D and is necessary for heart and bone health.
This supplement also offers a convenient way to take your dose of vitamin D, especially if you dislike taking capsules or have difficulty swallowing. These drops can be mixed into any food or beverage.
It’s one of the most affordable options on our list and is free of soy, gluten, dairy, and artificial flavors and additives. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, as it contains vitamin D derived from lanolin and vitamin K2 from geraniol , a plant-based compound found in many essential oils.
Pros & cons easy-to-take liquid form provides 167% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin K2 affordable manufactured in a facility certified by NSF International certified by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, an Australian regulatory agency vegetarian-friendly gluten-free not third-party tested not suitable for vegans easy-to-take liquid form provides 167% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin K2 affordable manufactured in a facility certified by NSF International certified by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, an Australian regulatory agency vegetarian-friendly gluten-free not third-party tested not suitable for vegans Product details Active ingredients: vitamin D 25 mcg (125% DV), vitamin K 200 mcg (167% DV) Returns: free returns on unopened products within 45 days Shipping: free shipping on orders over $35 Active ingredients: vitamin D 25 mcg (125% DV), vitamin K 200 mcg (167% DV) Returns: free returns on unopened products within 45 days Shipping: free shipping on orders over $35
Best liposomal form of vitamin D Form: liquid Number of servings: 100 per container Dose: 1 pump (0.5 mL) per day % DV: 313% Price: $$$ Healthline's review Designs for Health Liposomal D Supreme stands out for its superior absorption. It’s formulated with liposomes, which are tiny spheres of fat used as carriers for vitamin D and other fat-soluble nutrients in supplements. Liposomal forms of supplemental vitamin D have been shown to be better absorbed than tablet forms.
This product also combines vitamin D from lanolin with vitamins K1 and K2 . Vitamins K and D work synergistically in your body, meaning that they enhance each other’s effects. Some research indicates that taking both may promote bone and heart health to a greater extent than taking vitamin D alone.
Furthermore, it’s free of dairy, gluten, and GMOs and tested in-house for identity, purity, quality, strength, and composition.
Pros & cons formualted with liposomes for superior absorption also provides 271% of the DV for vitamin K easy-to-take liquid form produced in facility that complies with the Current Good Manufacturing Practices set by the FDA gluten-free vegetarian-friendly non-GMO expensive not suitable for vegans not third-party tested formualted with liposomes for superior absorption also provides 271% of the DV for vitamin K easy-to-take liquid form produced in facility that complies with the Current Good Manufacturing Practices set by the FDA gluten-free vegetarian-friendly non-GMO expensive not suitable for vegans not third-party tested Product details Active ingredients: vitamin D 62.5 mcg (313% DV), vitamin K 325 mcg (271% DV) Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Active ingredients: vitamin D 62.5 mcg (313% DV), vitamin K 325 mcg (271% DV) Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Form: chewable tablet Number of servings: 120 per container Dose: 1 tablet every 2 days % DV: 625% Price: $$ Healthline's review For people who prefer getting their nutrient supplements in chewable form, NOW’s budget-friendly, sugar-free offering packs 5,000 IU of vitamin D3. This product is easy to find at many retailers and online.
Sweetened with the sugar alcohols sorbitol and xylitol , it also contains natural vanilla and peppermint flavors. Additionally, it’s kosher, soy-free, and gluten-free.
Note that because this product is made with cellulose , the vitamin D it contains is less absorbable than the viatmin D in oil-based capsules.
Pros & cons comes in a chewable form, which some people may prefer only need to take 1 tablet every 2 days budget-friendly free of added sugars third-party certified by UL Solutions contains sugar alcohols, which some people may prefer to avoid less absorbable than oil-based capsules not suitable for vegans comes in a chewable form, which some people may prefer only need to take 1 tablet every 2 days budget-friendly free of added sugars third-party certified by UL Solutions contains sugar alcohols, which some people may prefer to avoid less absorbable than oil-based capsules not suitable for vegans Product details Active ingredients: vitamin D3 (125 mcg) Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Active ingredients: vitamin D3 (125 mcg) Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Best prenatal with vitamin D Form: capsule Number of servings: 30 per bottle Dose: 8 capsules per day % DV of vitamin D: 667% Price: $$$ Healthline's review FullWell Prenatal is multivitamin created by a registered dietitian and fertility expert that delivers 4,000 IU of vitamin D per dose, along with other essential nutrients for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Most prenatal supplements contain only 400–1,000 IU of vitamin D per dose. Some research suggests that higher doses may protect against pregnancy-related complications and may support better maternal and infant outcomes in pregnancy.
Pros & cons high in vitamin D easy to digest third-party tested COA available 8-capsule serving should be paired with an omega-3 supplement shipping fee for orders under $149 not suitable for vegans high in vitamin D easy to digest third-party tested COA available 8-capsule serving should be paired with an omega-3 supplement shipping fee for orders under $149 not suitable for vegans Product details Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): vitamin A 1,500 mcg (115% DV), vitamin C 275 mg (229% DV), vitamin D 100 mcg (667% DV), vitamin E 100 mg (526% DV), thiamin 5 mg (357% DV), riboflavin 10 mg (625% DV), niacin 25 mg (139% DV), vitamin B6 20 mg (1,000% DV), folate 1,360 mcg DFE (227% DV), vitamin B12 150 mcg (5,357% DV), biotin 500 mcg (1,429%), pantothenic acid 150 mg (2,143% DV), choline 300 mg (55% DV), calcium 400 mg (31% DV), iodine 250 mg (86% DV), magnesium 300 mg (75% DV), zinc 20 mg (154% DV), selenium 200 mcg (286% DV), copper 750 mcg (58% DV), manganese 5 mg (192% DV), chromium 120 mcg (267% DV), molybdenum 100 mcg (200% DV), potassium 100 mg (2% DV), inositol 150 mg, betaine HCL 150 mg, vitamin K2 100 mcg Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): vitamin A 1,500 mcg (115% DV), vitamin C 275 mg (229% DV), vitamin D 100 mcg (667% DV), vitamin E 100 mg (526% DV), thiamin 5 mg (357% DV), riboflavin 10 mg (625% DV), niacin 25 mg (139% DV), vitamin B6 20 mg (1,000% DV), folate 1,360 mcg DFE (227% DV), vitamin B12 150 mcg (5,357% DV), biotin 500 mcg (1,429%), pantothenic acid 150 mg (2,143% DV), choline 300 mg (55% DV), calcium 400 mg (31% DV), iodine 250 mg (86% DV), magnesium 300 mg (75% DV), zinc 20 mg (154% DV), selenium 200 mcg (286% DV), copper 750 mcg (58% DV), manganese 5 mg (192% DV), chromium 120 mcg (267% DV), molybdenum 100 mcg (200% DV), potassium 100 mg (2% DV), inositol 150 mg, betaine HCL 150 mg, vitamin K2 100 mcg
Best subscription vitamin D Form: capsule Number of servings: 30 per container Dose: 1 capsule per day % DV: 125% Price: $$ Healthline's review Care/of offers two quality, personalized subscription vitamin D products: The Sunny D3 and The Vegan Sunny D3.
Both products contain 1,000 IU per capsule. The vegan supplement contains vitamin D3 sourced from algae, so it’s safe for those following a vegan diet. The non-vegan version is sourced from lanolin.
Care/of is a customer favorite thanks to its convenient daily vitamin packs, which can help simplify your supplement routine.
Additionally, Care/of sources ingredients from trusted suppliers around the globe and conducts three rounds of testing throughout the manufacturing process to ensure safety and quality.
Pros & cons vegan-friendly option available non-GMO gluten-free convenient daily vitamin packs one-a-day formulation third-party tested vegan-friendly option available non-GMO gluten-free convenient daily vitamin packs one-a-day formulation third-party tested Product details Active ingredients: vitamin D3 (25 mcg) Returns: no returns or refunds Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout Active ingredients: vitamin D3 (25 mcg) Returns: no returns or refunds Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Best for vitamin D for kids Form: liquid Number of servings: 360 per container Dose: 1 drop (0.028 mL) per day % DV: 125% Price: $ Healthline's review Vitamin D is necessary for children as well as adults, and some children may be at risk of a deficiency — especially those who take epilepsy medication or have absorption issues.
But some children’s vitamin supplements contain added sugar to increase palatability.
We selected Carlson Labs Kid’s Super Daily D3 + K2 liquid drops specifically for the simple ingredients list, which includes only vitamin D3 sourced from lanolin, vitamin K2, and medium-chain triglycerides as the carrier oil.
We also like that it’s vegetarian, dairy-free, and certified non-GMO. Additionally, it’s tested by an independent lab to ensure safety and quality, according to the company.
Pros & cons liquid formulation that's easy for kids to take no added sugar certified non-GMO vegetarian-friendly affordable third-party tested not suitable for kids under age 4 liquid formulation that's easy for kids to take no added sugar certified non-GMO vegetarian-friendly affordable third-party tested not suitable for kids under age 4 Product details Active ingredients: vitamin D 25 mcg (125% DV), vitamin K 2 22.5 mcg Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Active ingredients: vitamin D 25 mcg (125% DV), vitamin K 2 22.5 mcg Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Best vitamin D for infants Form: liquid Number of servings: 365 per container Dose: 1 drop (0.03 mL) per day % DV: 100% Price: $ Healthline's review Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3 is our choice for the best vitamin D supplement for infants because it contains 400 IU of vitamin D3 per drop, which is 100% of the DV for infants up to 12 months old.
Vitamin D is essential for proper bone development in babies. Because breast milk contains inadequate amounts of vitamin D, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all breastfed and partially breastfed infants receive 400 IU of vitamin D per day.
The supplement is sourced from lanolin and is free of artificial additives, with certified organic olive oil as the only other ingredient. The oil can be applied to the nipple during breastfeeding, mixed into a bottle of pumped breast milk, or dropped directly into an infant’s mouth.
Pros & cons easy-to-administer drops minimal ingredients third-party tested non-GMO verified vegetarian-friendly suitable only for babies up to 12 months old easy-to-administer drops minimal ingredients third-party tested non-GMO verified vegetarian-friendly suitable only for babies up to 12 months old Product details Active ingredients: vitamin D3 (10 mcg) Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Active ingredients: vitamin D3 (10 mcg) Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members * 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.