Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that improves and supports bone development, teeth, muscles, cardiovascular health, immune function and mental cognition through calcium and phosphorous absorption. While vitamin D can be absorbed naturally through a diet consisting of fatty fish, milk, eggs, and liver, taking a vitamin D supplement will help ensure that the body always has adequate amounts.
There are many health brands that sell vitamin D products as it is cheap to produce and easy to get. Some of these brands outsource production while others produce it in their own facilities. If you are looking for the best vitamin D supplement, choose a company that manufacturers the product itself.
Vitamin D is not only beneficial for improved body functioning, but it is also a cheap supplement that anyone can take. Some popular brands that sell vitamin D include Thorne, Ora Organics, NOW Supplements, Ritual, and BrainMD. While Thorne provides the safest option with it’s NSF certification, all of these trusted brands produce a science-backed product, that is well researched and tested.
1. Sports Research Vitamin D
With the Sports Research Vitamin D3 supplement, you’re looking at a powerhouse of support for your bones, teeth, muscles, and immune system. This product brings the ‘sunshine vitamin’ into your daily routine in an easily absorbable form, ensuring you don’t miss out on the essential benefits of Vitamin D, especially if your lifestyle limits sun exposure. The impressive 4.8-star rating from over 60,000 reviews speaks volumes about its effectiveness and popularity among users.
Each liquid softgel delivers a high potency dose of 5000 IU (125 mcg) of Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol), which is the form of Vitamin D your body naturally produces when exposed to sunlight. The inclusion of Coconut MCT oil is a thoughtful addition, enhancing the absorption of Vitamin D3 by ensuring it’s taken with the necessary fats—making the most out of each softgel. The one-a-day formula promises convenience without the hassle of remembering to take multiple pills throughout the day.
Quality and transparency are at the forefront of Sports Research’s ethos. The Vitamin D3 softgels are IGEN Non-GMO tested and steer clear of unwanted fillers, gluten, and common seed oils like soybean and safflower oil, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and needs. Manufactured in the USA in a cGMP-compliant facility, each batch undergoes third-party testing to maintain high standards of purity and potency. If you’re in the market for a Vitamin D supplement that aligns with a commitment to wellness and fitness, Sports Research’s offering seems like a solid choice to support your health from the inside out.
2. Thorne Vitamin D-5000 D3
Thorne Vitamin D-5000 D3 is the premiere vitamin D supplement that Thorne offers, aiding in the support of healthy bones, teeth, muscles, cardiovascular health, immune function and improved mental cognition. The vitamin D found within Thorne’s D-5000 supplement is NSF certified, making it the best source of vitamin D on this list.
The bottle comes with 60 capsules, each of which contains 5,000 IU of vitamin D. With a price of $14.40 to $16 depending on if you buy a subscription, the price tag associated with the Thorne Vitamin D-5000 is low for what you are getting.
To use Thorne Vitamin D-5000 D3, take one capsule of the 5,000 IU vitamin D a day, with eight ounces of water. It is also recommend to take the capsule after having food to prevent any upset stomachs.
While vitamin D is one of the most important supplements to take, even if you are someone that gets adequate sunlight, there are some side effects. Although uncommon, some people experience nausea, poor appetite, weakness in the muscles and disorientation.
Still, if you are considering a vitamin D product, your best bet would be to use a safe product like Thorne. As always, consult with a professional health expert before taking a new supplement.
3. Ora Organics Sol Food Vitamin D
Ora Organics Sol Food High Potency Vitamin D3 + K2 is the vitamin D product that Ora Organics offers. Similarly to Thorne, Ora Organics offers a 5,000 IU vitamin D solution, but theirs is also coupled with vitamin K2 for improved effects.
Alone, vitamin D3 is beneficial on it’s own. However, coupling it with K2 further enhances absorption and amplifies the effects achieved. Also, a major benefit of the K2 is that it improves calcium distribution within your bones.
While Ora Organics is number two on the list based on price and features, there are some benefits that it has over Thorne’s product. These benefits include the fact that the tablet is chewable, made with organic ingredients and plant based. If you are a vegan, consider taking an Ora Organics vitamin D supplement.
The side effects of taking vitamin D and K2 are nausea, poor appetite, weakness and disorientation. The Ora Organics Sol Food Vitamin D is also not NSF certified and contains a few added ingredients. Although these ingredients are organic and safe according to experts, there are better option if you are looking for the cleanest and purest form of vitamin D.
Coming in at just under $20 for 30 chewable tablets, Ora Organics is the second best option for anyone looking to take a vitamin D supplement. Ora Organics is the top product if you need a vegan, plant-based source of vitamin D.
4. NOW Supplements Liquid Vitamin D3
NOW Supplements Liquid Vitamin D3 is the most popular product when it comes to vitamin D supplementation. This family owned and operated company has proven itself as the best budget option for just about any health supplement, including vitamin D.
For improved body functioning, such as stronger bones, teeth and muscles, consider taking NOW Supplements vitamin D option. For around $10, you get 360 Softgels, or 72 servings of 5000 IU of vitamin D, the cheapest you’ll find.
Each serving of NOW Supplements Liquid Vitamin D3 should be taken with eight ounces of water. To help prevent side effects of nausea, vomitting and mental fog, it is best to take this supplement after ingesting food as well.
While NOW Supplements is the best budget source of vitamin D3 on the list, it is important to note that each Softgel is 1000 IU of vitamin D3, which is 1/5 the recommended serving. If you are comparing this supplement to Thorne’s 5000 IU vitamin D option, the price is still now only half but at the expense of inferior quality.
5. Garden of Life Vitamin D3
Garden of Life Vitamin D3 is an Amazon’s Choice, climate pledge friendly, clean product option when it comes to vitamin D. This vegetarian option provides 2000 IU of raw whole food vitamin D for under $30.
In addition to improved body functioning, Garden of Life D3 offers better calcium absorption and improved digestion thanks to it’s raw Lactobacillus probiotics and digestive enzymes. This once daily vitamin is backed by third party certifications, and contains raw organic ingredients.
While Garden of Life is a clean source of vitamin D, and has many health benefits, it is best to consult with a health professional before taking this supplement. Despite the improved bone health, immune health and improved gut microbiome, the same side effects exist; nausea, weakness, brain fog. Also, if you are a child or a pregnant/breastfeeding woman, this product may not be safe.
6. Pure Encapsulation Vitamin D3
Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 is a pure ingredient source of vitamin D, each capsule contains the recommended 5000 IU of vitamin D. This bone health supplement is well trusted and rated on Amazon, making it another great source of vitamin D.
With a price tag of around $56, each of the 250 capsules provides adequate vitamin D for over eight months, at under $0.23 a day. In addition to improved bone health, Pure Encapsulation mentions that their vitamin D aids in joint, breast, heart, colon and immune health.
As with all vitamin D supplements, side effects of Pure Encapsulation includes nausea, muscle weakness, and mental fogginess. If you are considering taking vitamin D, whether from Pure Encapsulation or others, consult with a professional health expert beforehand.
7. NatureWise D3
NatureWise Vitamin D3 is a product offered by NatureWise as a one-year supply of all of the vitamin D that a single person would need. Each bottle contains 360 Softgels of 5000 IU of vitamin D which is the recommended dose for vitamin D.
NatureWise offers one of the most popular products on the market, at the most competitive pricing. For just over $10, anyone can experience improved body functioning for a full year. Each serving is encapsulated in Non-GMO and gluten-free cold-pressed olive oil. For best effects, take one capsule with a serving of water, the Softgel will do the rest.
This pure, natural source of vitamin D helps promote better health, but it is not NSF certified which is why price alone shouldn’t be the deciding factor on whether or not to purchase it. Side effects like dizziness, weaken muscles and poor appetite have been reported with NatureWise, so it is best to seek professional medical advice before consuming.
What are the Benefits of taking Vitamin D Supplements?
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the body by promoting calcium absorption in the gut, essential for normal bone mineralization and growth. It also prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, skeletal diseases that result in weak, brittle bones.
Beyond bone health, Vitamin D is important for muscle function, immune response, and inflammation reduction. Studies suggest that adequate levels of Vitamin D might be protective against certain cancers, heart disease, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.
The Institute of Medicine suggests a daily intake of 600 IU (15 mcg) for individuals up to age 70 and 800 IU (20 mcg) for those older to achieve a blood level of 20 ng/ml, considered adequate for bone and overall health in healthy individuals.
What are the Risks of Taking Vitamin D Supplements?
One of the main concerns is Vitamin D toxicity, which can lead to hypercalcemia – a condition characterized by elevated levels of calcium in the blood. Symptoms of hypercalcemia can include nausea, vomiting, weakness, and in severe cases, can result in kidney problems and calcium deposits in the heart and lungs. This condition is most often the result of taking high doses of Vitamin D supplements over an extended period, rather than from dietary sources or sun exposure.
Beyond the risk of toxicity, Vitamin D supplements can interact with various medications, potentially altering their effectiveness. For instance, they can decrease the absorption of certain heart and weight-loss medications and affect the metabolism of drugs used to treat epilepsy. There’s also a potential increased risk of kidney stones, as high doses of Vitamin D can lead to excessive calcium absorption and excretion.
Individuals with specific health conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism or certain lung diseases, may experience complications from increased calcium levels due to high Vitamin D intake. Following recommended dosages and having regular blood tests to monitor Vitamin D levels can help mitigate these risks, ensuring that supplementation contributes positively to overall health without unintended side effects.
Who should take Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is safe for everyone as it is found within many foods naturally. However, it is recommended that young children, as well pregnant or breastfeeding women, take a smaller dose. If you fall within this category, speak with a professional before taking a vitamin D supplement.
What is the recommended intake of Vitamin D?
The recommended intake of Vitamin D is a dosage of 5,000 IU. While the body absorbs vitamin D naturally through some foods, it is safe to take up to 5,000 IU’s.
Can you have too much Vitamin D?
While Vitamin D is essential for health, excessive intake can lead to toxicity, known as hypervitaminosis D. This condition can cause a buildup of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), leading to nausea, vomiting, weakness, and serious complications like kidney damage. The safe upper intake level for adults is set at 4,000 IU (100 mcg) per day.
Vitamin D toxicity is usually caused by excessive use of supplements rather than dietary sources or sun exposure. Symptoms of toxicity include persistent nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and frequent urination. Treatment involves stopping Vitamin D supplementation and restricting dietary calcium.
Can You Take Vitamin D with Other Supplements
Yes, you can take Vitamin D with other supplements, but it’s important to consider interactions and absorption. Vitamin D pairs well with calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin K for enhanced bone health and overall health benefits. However, always consult a healthcare provider to tailor advice to your specific health needs and to avoid any potential negative interactions.
What are the signs of Vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to several health issues due to its essential role in calcium absorption and bone metabolism. Early signs of deficiency may be subtle or non-specific, including fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, mood changes such as depression, or a general sense of not feeling well. Chronic deficiency can lead to more serious conditions such as rickets in children, and osteomalacia in adults, resulting in bone pain and muscle weakness.
How does Vitamin D Supplementation affect mood?
Research suggests a link between Vitamin D levels and mood regulation, including the risk of depression. Vitamin D receptors are found in many parts of the brain, including areas linked to depression. Some observational studies have found that low Vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of depression, though the relationship is not fully understood.
Vitamin D is one of the first supplements given to those that suffer from PTSD as well. However, clinical trials on Vitamin D supplementation for depression have shown mixed results, indicating that while it may benefit some people, especially those with a deficiency, it is not a universal remedy for depression.
Is there a best time of day to take Vitamin D Supplements?
Vitamin D is fat-soluble, meaning it is best absorbed when taken with a meal containing fat. The time of day may not significantly impact absorption as long as it accompanies dietary fat. Some studies suggest taking Vitamin D with the largest meal of the day can significantly increase blood levels, compared to taking it on an empty stomach or with a light meal.
However, consistency is key to maintaining adequate levels, so choosing a time that fits with your daily routine and sticking to it is more important than the specific time of day. This approach ensures that you do not forget to take your supplement.
How long does it take for Vitamin D levels to improve with supplementation?
The time it takes for Vitamin D levels to improve with supplementation can vary depending on the baseline level of deficiency, the dosage of Vitamin D supplement, and individual factors such as body weight, gut health, and how consistently the supplement is taken. Generally, it takes about 2-3 months of regular supplementation to significantly increase Vitamin D levels.
For those with severe deficiency or conditions affecting absorption, it may take longer to reach optimal levels. Monitoring Vitamin D levels through blood tests is crucial to adjusting the supplement dose as needed to avoid deficiency or toxicity. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate regimen for your specific needs.
How much it will cost for Vitamin D supplements?
A vitamin D supplement is a low priced supplement that ranges in price based on ingredients and certifications. Generally, a top of the line vitamin D supplement will cost $0.25 per 5,000 IU, such as Thorne.
What are the brands that sell Vitamin D Supplements?
There are many brands that sell vitamin D, these include; Thorne, Ora Organics, NOW Supplements, Ritual, Brain MD, Garden of Life, Pure Encapsulation, NatureWise, Nature Made, and Sports Research.
