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12 Best Vitamin D Supplements of 2024

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12 Best Vitamin D Supplements of 2024

Medically reviewed by Kim Chin, RD, Nutrition — By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD — Updated on October 30, 2023

From http://www.healthline.com

Quick Look

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

How we chose

  • 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. 

What is vitamin D?

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.

How to choose

Before you decide on a vitamin D supplement, it’s a good idea to get your nutrient levelschecked. 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.

Frequently asked questions 

What is the most effective vitamin D to take?

Research shows that vitamin D3 is more effectiveTrusted Source than vitamin D2 at increasing blood levels of vitamin D. A 2020 studyTrusted Source 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 recommendTrusted Source 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 optimizeTrusted Source absorption.

What are the best vitamin D foods?

Vitamin D is found naturallyTrusted Source 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.

How we reviewed this article:

SOURCES

HISTORY

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Oct 30, 2023

Written By

Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD

Edited By

Kelle Walsh

Medically Reviewed By

Kim Chin, RD

Copy Edited By

Jill Campbell

Apr 17, 2023

Written By

Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD

Edited By

Catherine Conelly

Medically Reviewed By

Kim Chin, RD

Copy Edited By

Jill Campbell

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