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11 Best Vitamin D Supplement Brands (2023 Updated)

Tyler Sellers
Published by Tyler Sellers | Senior Coach
Last updated: August 23, 2023
We personally test every product featured in our reviews and guides. By ordering products anonymously and getting a group of independent testers, we are able to get first-hand experience and provide data-driven recommendations. Learn more.

Some foods contain vitamin D, but the best source is sunlight. Recent studies suggest that 75% of the population is not getting enough sun exposure.

Even a mild vitamin D deficiency has a significant impact on your immunity, and that is why vitamin D supplements have become one of the most recommended products.

Before you just try to boost your fat-soluble vitamin D intake with the first product you see, our nutritionist experts spent hours researching and reviewing these 11 best vitamin D supplements for you.

Editor's Choice
CTA of Transparent-Labs-Multivitamin
Transparent Labs
Ingredients
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
Price
5.0
Overall Score 5.0
5.0
Click For Best Price
#2nd Best Choice
CTA of 1MD D3
1MD
Ingredients
4.7
Effectiveness
4.9
Price
5.0
Overall Score 4.9
4.9
Click For Best Price
#3rd Best Choice
CTA of Essential Elements D3
Essential Elements
Ingredients
4.5
Effectiveness
4.8
Price
5.0
Overall Score 4.8
4.8
Click For Best Price

Our Top Vitamin D Supplements (September 2023)

1 - Transparent Labs Vitamin D

CTA of Transparent-Labs-Multivitamin
Ingredients
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
Price
5.0
Overall Score 5.0
5.0

With 5,000 IU per day, Transparent Labs has based the formula on scientific research and providing more than is needed per day [1].

We’ve seen positive reviews from people with bone density issues, and our own experience has been positive for improved immunity.

  • Dosage : 125mcg
Pros
  • Positive reviews about boosted immune responses
  • 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 per dose is in line with scientific recommendations
  • Claims to help reverse a reduction in bone density
  • Transparent label with no additives, allergens, or fillers
Cons
  • Free shipping is only available on bulk orders

2 - 1MD D3

CTA of 1MD D3
Ingredients
4.7
Effectiveness
4.9
Price
5.0
Overall Score 4.9
4.9

The next one of our recommended vitamin D supplements comes from 1MD. Their approach has been to create a product that may be faster to absorb than other supplements.

This should show improvements in bone health sooner, and it’s often recommended by health professionals.

  • Dosage : 125mcg
Pros
  • Claims to use a more bioavailable source for faster absorption
  • Comes in small and easy to swallow capsules
  • Good bulk discount offers available
Cons
  • Contains some gelatin

3 - Essential Elements Vitamin D

CTA of Essential Elements D3
Ingredients
4.5
Effectiveness
4.8
Price
5.0
Overall Score 4.8
4.8

This vitamin D product claims to be a superior type of D3 that may improve heart, immune and mental health.

And we did notice several positive comments where people found their mood and energy levels improved after a few weeks.

  • Dosage : 125mcg
Pros
  • Positive reviews from people who noticed a better immune function
  • Seems to work well to improve mood and mental energy levels
  • Capsules are nice and small to make swallowing easier
Cons
  • Some better bulk discounts would be great

4 - NatureWise Vitamin D

CTA of NatureWise Vitamin D
Ingredients
4.5
Effectiveness
4.7
Price
4.7
Overall Score 4.6
4.6

The next one of our favored vitamin D supplements is from NatureWise, and what we liked is the use of organic olive oil to deliver the vitamin.

It’s also independently tested for purity, which should give you some extra peace of mind.

  • Dosage : 125mcg
Pros
  • Tested by a third-party company for purity and quality
  • Uses organic olive oil for extra peace of mind
  • Comes in a large bulk order bottle
Cons
  • The capsules tend to stick together if not kept in a cool place

5 - American BioSciences ImmPowerD3 AHCC & Vitamin D

CTA of American BioSciences ImmPowerD3 AHCC & Vitamin D
Ingredients
4.5
Effectiveness
4.6
Price
4.5
Overall Score 4.5
4.5

The final one comes as a combination of the two powerful immunity enhancers: the AHCC and vitamin D3.

These two ingredients together are said to be very effective at boosting the body’s immune defense and maintaining overall health.

Pros
  • Great as an immunity booster
  • With a high dose of Vitamin D that activates T-cells
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free capsules
Cons
  • A few reports about difficulties of getting the dose right

6 - Nordic Naturals Vitamin D Gummies

CTA of Nordic Naturals Vitamin D Gummies
Ingredients
4.5
Effectiveness
4.6
Price
4.4
Overall Score 4.5
4.5

If you need a vitamin D product that has a lower dose or comes in something other than a capsule, then Nordic Naturals might be your best bet.

The gummies might be ideal for kids or adults that just don’t like swallowing tablets.

  • Dosage : 25mcg
Pros
  • Comes in convenient gummies
  • Has a lower dose of D3 which may be more suitable for kids
  • They don’t seem to be too sweet tasting
Cons
  • Some people have said the flavor is a bit fake

7 - Caltrate Calcium and Vitamin D Supplement Tablet

CTA of Caltrate Calcium and Vitamin D Supplement Tablet
Ingredients
4.3
Effectiveness
4.5
Price
4.4
Overall Score 4.4
4.4

These tablets take a specific focus on bone health by combining a small amount of D3 with a good dose of calcium.

The formula should help women who may have bone density issues.

  • Dosage : 20mcg
Pros
  • Combines calcium with D3 for a boost to bone health
  • Specifically formulated for women
  • Available in large bulk order bottles
Cons
  • Some users have reported upset stomachs

8 - NOW Supplements Vitamin D

CTA of NOW Supplements Vitamin D
Ingredients
4.2
Effectiveness
4.4
Price
4.3
Overall Score 4.3
4.3

For anyone with a significant deficiency in D3, this NOW Supplements product might raise your blood levels of D3 faster.

It does seem to be backed up by users who have noted positive blood test results within just a few weeks.

  • Dosage : 250mcg
Pros
  • High strength option for significant deficiency
  • Positive reviews about fast absorption and immune boost
  • The softgels seem to be easy to swallow
Cons
  • Can’t be broken down into smaller doses

9 - MegaFood Vitamin D

CTA of MegaFood Vitamin D
Ingredients
4.2
Effectiveness
4.3
Price
4.1
Overall Score 4.2
4.2

We liked the MegaFood supplement because the company claims that all ingredients are sourced farm fresh to ensure higher quality.

The dosage might seem like it’s on the low side, but with a higher absorption rate, it should work fine.

  • Dosage : 50 mcg
Pros
  • Sourced from farm-fresh greens for higher quality
  • Available in bulk order bottles
  • Many positive comments about improvements in bone density
Cons
  • Some users reported indigestion shortly after taking it

10 - Designs for Health Vitamin D Drops

CTA of Designs for Health Vitamin D Drops
Ingredients
4.1
Effectiveness
4.2
Price
4.1
Overall Score 4.1
4.1

Another convenient option is to measure out your daily dose of vitamins in liquid form. Some individuals might get a precise dose recommended by a doctor, and this supplement would be a good option for that.

Related post: Best vitamin D3 and K2

  • Dosage : 50 mcg
Pros
  • Comes in liquid form to get a precise dose as needed
  • Positive reviews about it absorbing fast and working within weeks
  • Could be a cost-effective solution for long term use
Cons
  • The taste isn’t great, so you may want to mix it with juice

11 - Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D

CTA of Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D
Ingredients
4.0
Effectiveness
4.1
Price
4.0
Overall Score 4.0
4.0

The final one of our recommended vitamin D supplements comes from Pure Encapsulations.

It’s also one of the few products available that have a vegan certificate.

  • Dosage : 25 mcg
Pros
  • Liquid form for more flexibility in dosage
  • Certified vegan option
  • Free from common allergens to reduce risks of reactions
Cons
  • It’s not the strongest option available

Buyer’s Guide

A person buying online

How Much Vitamin D Should You Take?

You should take 125 mcg of vitamin D supplementation, as recommended by medical scientists [2]. Most supplements will usually provide a high dose close to the recommended, but it’s sometimes necessary to get a higher or lower dose per day to prevent vitamin D deficiency.

The first thing you should do when comparing dietary supplements is to look at the dosage to accurately compare the prices.

If you have particularly low optimal vitamin D levels or have been recommended a precise dosage, then it might be best to use a product with a high dose or one in liquid form that makes it easier to measure an exact volume.

What’s The Difference Between Vitamin D And Vitamin D3?

There is no meaningful difference between vitamin D and vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is the closest related to the vitamin D the body produces, and it’s a bit difficult to get from food sources [3]. You can think of vitamin D as the "umbrella term" for the different vitamin D types in supplements.

And the lack of sun exposure and common use of sunscreen may lead to a vitamin D deficiency.

“Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because it’s produced within the body when the sun hits the skin. But many people turn to supplements in chillier months of the year when cold and dark days limit time spent outdoors.”

 

- Sheryl Huggins Salomon, Health and Wellbeing Journalist

 

Other forms like D2 have been tested as well, but the research results have been a bit mixed. That’s why we focused our attention on providing product suggestions that provide only D3.

Recommended posts: 

FAQ

How Much Vitamin D Should I Consume Daily?

You should consume between 600 and 800 IUs daily to maintain standard vitamin D levels.

How Do I Know If I Lack Vitamin D?

If you lack vitamin D, you could start feeling muscle aches, fatigue, reduced endurance, and low moods. Consult with your doctor if needed.

Which Vitamin D Supplementation Should You Buy?

Vitamin D supplements come in a variety of forms. You can find vitamin D supplement drops, chewable tablets, and sprays. Make sure to choose the type of supplement appropriate for your medical needs.

Based on our test results and conversations with clients, we concluded that Transparent Labs Vitamin D would be our top recommendation.

Transparent Labs Vitamin D contains 5000 IU of vitamin D3. Enough to fit in with the everyday lifestyle and carry you through the chilly winter months. With Transparent Labs, we noticed a faster response in vitamin D levels within a few weeks.

This trusted brand provides high-quality products free of allergens, dyes, fillers, and additives. You can trust their products because of their full transparency policy.

Our #1 Recommendation

Transparent Labs Vitamin D

CTA of Transparent-Labs-Multivitamin
Ingredients
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
Price
5.0
Overall Score 5.0
5.0
Pros
  • Positive reviews about boosted immune responses
  • 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 per dose is in line with scientific recommendations
  • Claims to help reverse a reduction in bone density
  • Transparent label with no additives, allergens, or fillers
  • Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
Cons
  • Free shipping is only available on bulk orders
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