NOW Foods, Nordic Naturals, and HUM make vitamin D products you can trust. See what other brands 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 dietitians trust most.
The 8 best vitamin D supplements
1 .Best high dose vitamin D
Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3
- Form: capsule
- Number of servings: 120 per container
- Dose: 1 capsule per day, up to 5 days per week
- % DV: 1250%
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
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- Active ingredients: vitamin D (250 mcg)
- Returns: free returns for Prime members
- Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
2.Most widely available
NOW Foods Vitamin D3
- Form: softgel
- Number of servings: 120 per container
- Dose: 1 softgel every 3 days
- % DV: 1250%
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.
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
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- Active ingredients: vitamin D3 (250 mcg)
- Returns: free returns for Prime members
- Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
3. Best vegan vitamin D drops
Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 (Vegan) Liquid
- Form: liquid
- Number of servings: 100 per bottle
- Dose: 5 drops (0.1 mL) per day
- % DV: 125%
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.
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
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- Active ingredients: vitamin D (25 mcg)
- Returns: free returns for Prime members
- Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
4. Best vitamin D gummies
Nordic Naturals Zero Sugar Vitamin D3 Gummies
- Form: gummy
- Number of servings: 60 per container
- Dose: 1 gummy per day
- % DV: 125%
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.
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
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- Active ingredients: vitamin D3 (25 mcg)
- Returns: free returns for Prime members
- Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
5. Best liposomal form of vitamin D
Designs for Health Liposomal D Supreme Liquid
- Form: liquid
- Number of servings: 100 per container
- Dose: 1 pump (0.5 mL) per day
- % DV: 313%
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.
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
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- 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
6. Best chewable vitamin D
NOW Foods Chewable Vitamin D3
- Form: chewable tablet
- Number of servings: 120 per container
- Dose: 1 tablet every 2 days
- % DV: 625%
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.
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
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- Active ingredients: vitamin D3 (125 mcg)
- Returns: free returns for Prime members
- Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
7. Best for vitamin D for kids
Carlson Kid's Super Daily D3 + K2
- Form: liquid
- Number of servings: 360 per container
- Dose: 1 drop (0.028 mL) per day
- % DV: 125%
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.
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
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- 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
8. Best vitamin D for infants
Nordic Naturals Baby's Vitamin D3
- Form: liquid
- Number of servings: 365 per container
- Dose: 1 drop (0.03 mL) per day
- % DV: 100%
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.
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
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- Active ingredients: vitamin D3 (10 mcg)
- Returns: free returns for Prime members
- Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in many aspects of health, includingTrusted Source :
- 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.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in many aspects of health,
- 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.
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.
