If you find yourself in need of vitamin D3 supplements, you want to make sure you are informed about their strength and any particular features or ingredients in those top brands. Vitamin D3, as opposed to vitamin D2, is derived from animal sources, so it is not vegan, but there are also a number of dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free options for vitamin D3 supplements.
Best Vitamin D3 Supplements
Some of the best vitamin D3 supplements in recent years come in various forms, as you’ll see below, from traditional capsules to gummies and even convenient sprays.
Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3
Benefits: The use of vitamin D is important because it can benefit the absorption in the gut, and the type of vitamin D in this product, cholecalciferol, is known to boost absorption. It is also known to balance mood and help you get better, more restful sleep. [1]
Dose: You should take one 1000mg capsule each day, which is equivalent to 250% of the daily recommended dose for an adult.
Side Effects: There are no widely reported side effects, but to be safe, it is best that you speak with your doctor before adding this supplement to your diet.
Naturewise Vitamin D3
Benefits: This supplement specifically targets better muscle function and protection for your immune system, while also protecting bone mineral density by ensuring that you have enough calcium in your body.
Dose: Significantly stronger than the vitamin D supplement above, a single gel cap provides 1,250% of your daily recommended intake of this vitamin D.
Side Effects: As this is a significantly higher dose, it can lead to symptoms of hypercalcemia if taken in excess, in addition to sun exposure and a lot of foods rich in vitamin D. However, this is rare since hypercalcemia requires a huge amount of vitamin D to be consumed. [2]
Vitafusion Vitamin D3 Gummies
Benefits: Free from milk, wheat, peanuts, gluten, eggs and soy, this is an allergen-free option that is also ideal for people who don’t like swallowing pills. This moderate dose is good to keep your levels of calcium healthy but isn’t strong enough for people suffering from a major vitamin D deficiency.
Dose: Eating two of these gummy vitamins every day will provide you with 500% of your daily recommended dose of this essential vitamin. [3]
Side Effects: No side effects have been reported, although it is important that you check the seal on the packaging to ensure that the gummies’ quality has been preserved, or an unpleasant smell can develop.
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, & a lack of it can lead to health problems. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw D3
Benefits: Protecting the immune system and supporting bone health with the vitamin D3 form, which is known to be significantly more bioavailable than vitamin D2, as exemplified in this study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. [4]
Dose: Every serving of this supplement provides 1,250% of your daily recommended amount, so this is recommended for people who have a deficiency of vitamin D, either due to illness or lack of sun exposure.
Side Effects: No major side effects have been reported for this particular supplement, and the reviews are generally positive about its beneficial effects.
Thorne Research Vitamin D
Benefits: With a strong concentration of vitamin D3, this liquid supplement is known to protect cardiovascular health and the integrity of your bones, along with providing support to the immune system.
Dose: 10 drops from this bottle is equivalent to roughly 1,250% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin D. This amount varies more easily by adding or removing a few drops, as opposed to other capsules or gummies. [5]
Side Effects: Since the dropper can be a bit hard to control, be sure not to overdo your intake of this supplement, although taking enough to cause symptoms of hypercalcemia is quite rare.
Livewell Nutrition K2+D3
Benefits: This variety increases the ability of the body to utilize vitamin D by adding vitamin K2. Benefits include improving blood circulation, reducing hardened arteries and preventing bone mineral density loss. [6]
Dose: You should consume one softgel of this daily, with a meal that contains some healthy dietary fat, as well as a glass of water. A single softgel contains 5000IU (approximately 1,250% of your daily recommended dose).
Side Effects: No major side effects have been reported for this brand of supplements, but speaking to a doctor before changing your supplement regimen is always wise.
Jarrow Formulas Vitamin D3 2500 IU
Benefits: Vitamin D3 boosts the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the gut’s of various animal subjects, so this moderate-strength supplement may be ideal for those not be getting enough vitamin D from sunlight, but want to maintain their healthy bones. [7]
Dose: 1 softgel delivers 2,500IU, more than 600% of your daily recommended intake for this vitamin.
Side Effects: With such a moderate strength, there is little risk of side effects if you regularly take this supplement.
