Vitamin D plays a vital role in bone integrity, muscle growth and development, and other bodily functions. If you’re not getting enough from sunlight, vitamin D supplements can be helpful. Below are our recommendations.
Quick look at the best vitamin D supplements
- Best overall: | Skip to review
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- Best for vegans: | Skip to review
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- Best gummies: | Skip to review
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- Best chewable tablet: | Skip to review
- Best with omega oils: | Skip to review
If you’ve learned you’re low in vitamin D, you’re far from alone. It’s particularly prevalent among:
- people with limited sunlight exposure
- individuals with darker skin tones
- people aged 65 and older
- people who smoke
Breastfed infants and children with certain health issues also have a higher chance of vitamin D insufficiency.
When a clinician recommends vitamin D to support calcium uptake, bone health, or muscle development, we’ve evaluated options and narrowed our suggestions to eight supplements suitable for times when sun exposure doesn’t provide enough vitamin D.
Healthline’s picks for the best vitamin D supplements
Comparing the best vitamin D supplements
Products Price Type Dose % of DV Third party tested?
$$ capsule 10,000 IU 1,250% yes
$ softgel 10,000 IU 1,250% yes
$$ softgel 2,000 IU 250% yes
$$ gummy 1,000 IU • 167% for kids 2 to 3 years
• 125% for kids 4 years and up yes
$$ gummy 1,000 IU 125% yes
$ liquid 1,000 IU 125% yes
$ tablet 5,000 IU 625% yes
$$$ softgel 5,000 IU 625% yes
How we chose the best vitamin D supplements
- Effectiveness: We prioritized products that contain vitamin D3 for superior absorption.
- Forms: Our list includes various delivery methods, such as gummies, chewables, liquids, and capsules.
- Ingredients: We favored supplements without unnecessary additives.
- Price: Options were selected to fit different budgets.
- Brand reputation: The brands featured are well-regarded by healthcare professionals.
- Third-party testing: Preference was given to products tested by independent labs or carrying third-party certifications.
- Vetting: The items listed have been vetted to confirm alignment with Healthline’s quality standards and wellness approach.
Why trust Healthline
1320+ vitamins, minerals, and supplements evaluated
40+ vitamin D supplements evaluated
25+ vitamin D brands evaluated
How we evaluate vitamin D supplements
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has thoroughly researched and vetted more than 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, review ingredient lists, and assess each brand’s reputation before recommending products on Healthline.
To select the items on this page, we considered all vitamin D supplements that passed our vetting process and personally tested some to further refine our recommendations.
Refresh on vitamin D
Vitamin D is uncommon in foods
Sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D for most people.
There are two versions of vitamin D
Vitamin D2 comes from plant sources, while vitamin D3 is present in animal-derived foods like fish oil.
Vitamin D provides many advantages
It supports calcium absorption, bone strength, immune health, and may help in disease prevention.
Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient involved in multiple bodily processes.
Because it occurs naturally in only a few foods and is mainly obtained via sun exposure, a large number of people face an elevated risk of deficiency.
Supplements can help ensure adequate vitamin D intake. They come as vitamin D2 or D3. Both forms raise blood vitamin D levels, but vitamin D3 typically increases and sustains levels more effectively than D2.
How to choose the best vitamin D supplement for you
Before selecting a supplement, it’s sensible to check your vitamin D status. A blood test is the only definitive method to determine if you’re deficient, insufficient, sufficient, or optimal.
A healthcare provider can order testing and recommend a dosage tailored to your needs. At-home testing kits can also provide a useful measure of your vitamin D levels.
Need-to-know warnings about vitamin D supplementation
Certain medicines can affect how vitamin D or calcium are absorbed, including:
- Xenical (orlistat)
- steroids
- thiazide diuretics
Conversely, vitamin D may diminish the effectiveness of some drugs, such as statins.
Discuss potential interactions with your clinician.
If you already get substantial vitamin D from sunlight and also take supplements, you could be at risk for vitamin D toxicity or overdose.
The chief consequence of vitamin D toxicity is elevated calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia). Seek medical advice if you notice these symptoms while taking vitamin D:
- loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
- muscle weakness
- increased thirst
- frequent urination
- kidney stones
Frequently asked questions about vitamin D
What is the most effective vitamin D to take?
Studies indicate vitamin D3 is more effective than D2 at raising blood vitamin D levels. A 2020 study also showed that both liquid and capsule forms of vitamin D3 can effectively boost levels.
Which form of vitamin D is best absorbed?
Vitamin D3 is generally better absorbed and utilized than D2. Remember that vitamin D is fat-soluble and needs dietary fat for full absorption, so taking it with a meal containing healthy fats is advisable.
What is the best strength of vitamin D to take daily?
Appropriate vitamin D strength depends on individual needs and current levels, and taking too much can be harmful. Consult a healthcare professional for tailored dosage advice.
The bottom line
The supplements above represent some of the top vitamin D options and cover a range of needs. For best absorption, take vitamin D with a meal that includes fat — for example, olive oil or peanut butter.
Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement to determine whether you need it and what dose is appropriate.
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