Nutritional Supplements

The Best Vitamin D3 Supplements, According to RDs

By
and
Published on March 4, 2025
by
Everyday Health independently vets all recommended products. If you purchase a featured product, we may be compensated. Learn why you can trust us.
Everyday Health independently vets all recommended products. If you purchase a featured product, we may be compensated. Learn why you can trust us.
ON THIS PAGE
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that can support bone and muscular health as well as immune function. It plays an important role in calcium absorption and can help reduce inflammation.

 The body can get vitamin D through dietary sources and sunlight. However, very few foods naturally contain vitamin D, and it’s not always easy to find time to sit outside and soak up the sun, so supplements can help ensure that the body still gets what it needs.

Vitamin D supplements are available in two forms: D2 and D3. While both can help address a vitamin D deficiency, D3 is typically recommended because it’s slightly more effective than D2. Additionally, vitamin D3 is naturally produced in the body, whereas D2 is not, which is another reason why D3 is preferred.

Finding the best vitamin D3 supplement can take some time, and since everybody is different, the right formula will depend on your needs. To help you find the best fit, we researched 20 vitamin D3 supplements, evaluating their ingredients, dosing, quality, and whether they are third-party tested. We also asked Samantha DeVito, RD, and Megan Huff, RDN, to share their professional insight and favorite products with us. Here are the D3 supplements that made our list.

When to Consult Your Doctor?

When you’re considering taking a new supplement, it’s best to talk with your healthcare provider to see if it’s a good fit for you. Supplements aren’t the right choice for everyone, and vitamin D supplements can interact with medications, so it’s important to ensure that you’re not at risk of negative effects.

If you think you have symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency (muscle pain, bone pain, or a pins and needles sensation) or vitamin D toxicity (weakness, fatigue, or abdominal pain), set up an appointment with your healthcare provider so they can order tests to monitor your vitamin D level and help you determine if a vitamin D supplement is right for you.

Best Brand Transparency

Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3

$15.26 at Amazon
$17.95Now 15% Off
Buy on Amazon $15.26

Pros

  • Third-party tested
  • Non-GMO ingredients
  • Low cost

Cons

  • The orange flavor may not appeal to everyone
  • Not vegan

Key Specs

  • Third-party tested: Yes
  • Free of: Gluten, dairy
  • Non-GMO: Yes
  • Form: Softgel

Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3 supplements stand out to us because of the brand’s transparency. DeVito, a registered dietitian in New Jersey, told us that Nordic Naturals is her favorite supplement brand because “it’s known for its transparency and use of non-GMO ingredients.”

All Nordic Naturals products, including the vitamin D3 supplement, undergo third-party testing, and the company's website makes it easy to look up each product’s certificate of analysis: Simply enter the lot number on your supplement bottle and review a report of the product’s potency, purity, and freshness.

For most people ages 1 to 70, the daily recommended amount of vitamin D is 600 international units (IU).

 Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3 delivers 1,000 IU per softgel, and the bottle comes with 120 softgels. Since this supplement is taken once a day, a single bottle lasts for several months, making it very affordable.

Best Liquid

Thorne Vitamin D Liquid

$19 at Walmart
$14Now -36% Off
Buy on Walmart $19

Pros

  • Easy to take
  • 600 servings per container
  • Unflavored

Cons

  • May have a less accurate serving size
  • Not third-party tested

Key Specs

  • Third-party tested: No
  • Free of: Soy, dairy, shellfish, fish, gluten, tree nuts, peanuts
  • Non-GMO: Yes
  • Form: Liquid

Not everyone can or wants to swallow softgels or tablets, so a liquid supplement like Thorne Vitamin D Liquid is an excellent alternative. The serving size for this product is two drops, for 1,000 IU of vitamin D3. It can be mixed into any food or drink, and since it’s unflavored, you won’t even notice the addition.

The bottle comes with a self-dispensing top to produce a measured drop size, and the company suggests holding the bottle at a 45-degree angle when dispensing the drops. As much as we like the liquid form, it’s important to note that this method could lead to dosing errors, since it’s less exact than taking a pill.

Thorne Vitamin D Liquid is not third-party tested, but the company conducts purity testing on all of its products. This supplement is free of common allergens, including soy, dairy, shellfish, fish, gluten, tree nuts, and peanuts.

Best Budget-Friendly

NatureWise Vitamin D3

$14.99 at Amazon
Buy on Amazon $14.99

Pros

  • Price per serving
  • Non-GMO
  • Gluten-free

Cons

  • Dose may be too high
  • Not vegan

Key Specs

  • Third-party tested: Yes
  • Free of: Wheat, gluten, dairy, corn, soy, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish
  • Non-GMO: Yes
  • Form: Softgel

At around $15 for a bottle of 360 softgels, NatureWise Vitamin D3 supplements are one of the most budget-friendly options available. Depending on where you purchase the supplement, it may be available in smaller quantities (30, 90, or 200 count), but the price per serving goes down the more you purchase. Additionally, if you order the supplement through the company’s website or Amazon, you can save even more by signing up for automatic deliveries, making this product even more budget-friendly.

NatureWise Vitamin D3 is available in 1,000 IU, 2,000 IU, 4,000 IU, or 5,000 IU pills (all of which are higher than the recommended daily value for most adults).

 The pills are non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy-free, and they are made with extra-virgin olive oil.

All of NatureWise’s products are third-party tested to ensure quality, potency, and safety, and all of the supplements are manufactured in facilities certified to meet the good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Best for Vitamin D3 and Calcium

Nature's Way Alive! Calcium & Vitamin D3 Gummies

$11.94 at Amazon
$17.49Now 32% Off
Buy on Amazon $11.94

Pros

  • Formulated with calcium and vitamin D
  • Easy-to-eat gummy form
  • Made with pectin, not gelatin

Cons

  • 5 g of sugar per serving
  • Calcium and phosphorus supplements may not be suitable for those with kidney disease

Key Specs

  • Third-party tested: Yes
  • Free of: Gluten, wheat, soy, egg, peanut, dairy, gelatin
  • Non-GMO: Yes
  • Form: Gummy
We like Nature’s Way Alive! Calcium & Vitamin D3 Gummies because it combines two important nutrients in one easy-to-eat supplement. The combination of vitamin D and calcium is especially great because research has found that vitamin D helps stimulate the absorption of calcium, so it’s beneficial to take the two supplements together.

These gummies, which are made with pectin, not gelatin, are third-party tested and made with high-quality ingredients. The gummies come in a delicious raspberry lemonade and strawberry flavors, but it’s worth noting that there are 5 grams (g) of sugar per serving.

A single serving of this supplement is two gummies, which deliver 520 milligrams (mg) of calcium (the daily recommended value for adults is 1,000 mg to 1,200 mg, depending on age) and 2,000 IU of vitamin D3.

 Each bottle includes 30 servings (60 gummies).

Best for Bone Health

Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 & K2

$33.60 at Amazon
Buy on Amazon $33.60

Pros

  • Provides both vitamin D3 and K2
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Vegetarian

Cons

  • Higher price
  • Higher than DRV for vitamin D

Key Specs

  • Third-party tested: Yes
  • Free of: Wheat, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, gluten, and artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners
  • Non-GMO: Yes
  • Form: Vegetarian capsule
For stronger bones, Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 & K2 is an excellent supplement option. Among its many benefits, vitamin D supports bone health.

 Vitamin K, another fat-soluble vitamin, plays an important role in bone health, as well as in blood clotting and heart health.

“Having K2 in a vitamin D supplement helps ensure that the calcium absorbed is directed into bones and away from soft tissues, such as arteries,” says Huff, a registered dietitian and owner of Nutrition by Megan.

The serving size of this supplement is one capsule, which provides 100 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin K2 and 4,000 IU of vitamin D3. The supplement’s 4,000 IU is much higher than the 600 IU recommended daily value of vitamin D, but the vitamin K is right around the daily recommended value of 90 mcg for women over age 19 and 120 mcg for men over age 19.

All Pure Encapsulations supplements are third-party tested to ensure quality. Additionally, the company is committed to following environmentally conscious manufacturing practices to reduce waste and emissions.

Best Vegan

Igennus Healthcare Nutrition Vegan Vitamin D3

$17.85 at Amazon
Buy on Amazon $17.85

Pros

  • Plant-based supplement
  • Vegan
  • Only slightly higher than the DRV of vitamin D

Cons

  • Not an oil-based formula
  • May not be third-party tested

Key Specs

  • Third-party tested: No
  • Free of: Dairy, gluten, lactose, soy, yeast, wheat
  • Non-GMO: Yes
  • Form: Tablet
Igennus Healthcare Nutrition Vegan Vitamin D3 is our pick for the best vegan vitamin D3 supplement for its algae-based formula; small, easy-to-swallow pills; and overall value. We appreciate the 1,000 IU dose, which is lower than a lot of vitamin D3 supplements while still above the 600 IU daily recommended value for the vitamin.

Many vitamin D3 supplements are formulated with an oil of some kind, such as olive oil, because it can increase absorption of the fat-soluble vitamin, according to research on animals.

 Igennus Healthcare Nutrition Vegan Vitamin D3 supplements do not contain an oil, so the body could have a harder time absorbing it; one way to help this along is by taking it with a snack or meal with healthy fats.

Igennus Healthcare Nutrition supplements are manufactured in U.K. facilities that comply with the GMP standards set by the WHO. However, while the company does third-party testing of some of its products, it’s unclear whether the vegan vitamin D3 supplement is one of them.

Best for Toddlers

MaryRuth’s Organic Toddler Vitamin D3 + K2 Liquid Drops

$19.95 at Amazon
Buy on Amazon $19.95

Pros

  • Safe for kids between 1 and 3 years old
  • Liquid form
  • Organic

Cons

  • High cost per serving
  • Need to measure each dose

Key Specs

  • Third-party tested: Yes
  • Free of: Gluten, soy, nuts, dairy, sugar
  • Non-GMO: yes
  • Form: Liquid

Mary Ruth’s Organic Toddler Vitamin D3 + K2 Liquid Drops are safe for kids between 1 and 3 years old, and the liquid form is easy both for parents to administer and for little ones to take. The drops are vegan, organic, non-GMO, and free of gluten, sugar, and nuts.

Mary Ruth’s supplements are manufactured in a facility that follows the WHO’s GMPs, are third-party tested, and are certified by the Clean Label Project. Each 1 milliliter serving delivers 600 IU of vitamin D and 30 mcg of vitamin K2, both of which align with the daily recommended value for children.

 The drops are flavorless, so they can be taken as is or mixed into food or drinks.

Since this vitamin is in liquid form, it’s important to pay close attention when administering the drops because there is more room for error in dosage.

Best for Kids

Garden of Life Kids Organic Vitamin D3 Gummies

$19.82 at Amazon
Buy on Amazon $19.82

Pros

  • Formulated for kids
  • Orange-flavored gummy
  • No added sugar

Cons

  • Only one flavor is available, which some kids may not like
  • Slightly higher dosage than DRV

Key Specs

  • Third-party tested: Yes
  • Free of: Sugar, gluten, dairy, soy, peanuts, tree nuts
  • Non-GMO: Yes
  • Form: Gummy
Kids 4 and up can safely take Garden of Life Kids Organic Vitamin D3 Gummies. They have a delicious orange flavor, and each gummy delivers 800 IU of vitamin D3 (slightly higher than the RDV for kids).

These non-GMO gummies are third-party tested, certified organic, and free of added sugar, artificial flavors, and toxic pesticides. Garden of Life Kids Organic Vitamin D3 Gummies are a good choice for environmentally conscious consumers because the company is committed to sustainability (it supports carbon-neutral efforts and recycled packaging) and is a certified B Corp.

The suggested serving for this supplement is one gummy per day, and there are 60 gummies per bottle. The gummies are only available in the orange flavor.

Best for Older Adults

Theralogix Thera-D 2000 Vitamin D Supplement

$30.53 at Amazon
Buy on Amazon $30.53

Pros

  • Combines vitamin D and calcium
  • Gluten-free
  • Vegetarian

Cons

  • Higher cost
  • Doesn’t meet the DRV for calcium

Key Specs

  • Third-party tested: Yes
  • Free of: Gluten
  • Non-GMO: Not listed
  • Form: Tablet
We like the Theralogix Thera-D 2000 Vitamin D Supplement for older adults because it is formulated with added calcium to support bone health. Older adults are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency because the body’s production and metabolism of vitamin D change with aging. This can result in reduced bone mineral density and osteomalacia, or bone fractures. It’s recommended that vitamin D supplements be combined with calcium to address the risk of vitamin D deficiency and help strengthen the bones.

A Theralogix Thera-D 2000 Vitamin D Supplement provides 2,000 IU of vitamin D3, which is higher than the DRV of 800 IU for adults age 71 and older, and 50 mg of calcium, which is lower than the DRV of 1,200 IU for adults age 71 and older (which means you may need an additional calcium supplement, depending on your diet).

 These supplements are formulated into smaller tablets, so they are easier to swallow.

All Theralogix supplements are manufactured in the United States in a certified current GMP-compliant facility. The supplements are also third-party tested, contain no artificial dyes or colorants, and are certified gluten-free.

Comparison Table

Superlative
Serving size
Dose per serving
Form
Thorne Vitamin D Liquid
Best Liquid
2 drops
25 mcg; 1,000 IU
Liquid
Buy Now $19
NatureWise Vitamin D3
Best Budget-Friendly
1
125 mcg; 5,000 IU
Softgel
Buy Now $14.99
Nature's Way Alive! Calcium & Vitamin D3 Gummies
Best for Vitamin D3 and Calcium
2
50 mcg; 2,000 IC
Gummy
Buy Now $11.94
Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3
Best Brand Transparency
1
25 mcg; 1,000 IU
Softgel
Buy Now $15.26
Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 & K2
Best for Bone Health
1
100 mcg; 4,000 IU
Capsule
Buy Now $33.60
Igennus Healthcare Nutrition Vegan Vitamin D3
Best Vegan
1
25 mcg; 1,000 IU
Tablet
Buy Now $17.85
Mary Ruth’s Organic Toddler Vitamin D3 + K2 Liquid Drops
Best for Toddlers
1 ml
15 mcg; 600 IU
Liquid
Buy Now $19.95
Garden of Life Kids Organic Vitamin D3 Gummies
Best for Kids
1
20 mcg; 800 IU
Gummy
Buy Now $19.82
Theralogix Thera-D 2000 Vitamin D Supplement
Best for Older Adults
1
50 mcg; 2,000 IU
Tablet
Buy Now $30.53

How We Tested the Vitamin D3 Supplements

When curating this list, we reviewed more than a dozen vitamin D3 supplements, considering the dose, ingredient quality, and third-party testing. We interviewed DeVito and Huff to gain further insight into vitamin D3 supplements and learn what brands they recommend, who they recommend them to, and whether there are any special considerations to factor into decision-making.

Ashley Braun, RD, has recommended vitamin D supplements to her clients throughout her career. In addition to gaining insight from fellow experts, she used her professional experience and current industry research to create this list.

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time writer and editor with extensive experience in health journalism. She understands the importance of science-backed information and is well versed in what makes a health company stand out from its competitors.

Who Are Vitamin D3 Supplements Recommended For?

Few foods naturally contain vitamin D, so the body’s primary source of the nutrient comes from sun exposure — UV rays trigger the skin’s production of the vitamin.

 However, decreased sunlight during the winter months or limited exposure to the outdoors on a regular basis can decrease the body’s vitamin D production. “Individuals living in areas with limited sunlight or those who do not receive adequate sun exposure, such as during winter, would benefit from taking a vitamin D supplement,” says Huff.
Similarly, DeVito explains, “I recommend vitamin D3 supplements to those at risk for a deficiency or those who have low serum blood levels.” More people may fall into this category than they realize. A study published in 2022 that analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2001 to 2018) found that out of more than 71,600 people, only 34.5 percent had sufficient level of vitamin D.

You can talk with your healthcare provider about testing your vitamin D level. If your vitamin D level is low, a supplement could help bring it to healthy level.

Recommended Dose of Vitamin D3 Supplements

The RDV of vitamin D varies based on age. For healthy people between ages 1 and 70, the RDV is 600 IU; for adults, age 71 and older, the RDV is 800 IU.

Some research suggests that greater intakes may be needed to maintain a healthy level of vitamin D. A study published in 2024 suggests that a daily dose of 2,000 IU is an effective and safe amount for preventing and treating vitamin D deficiency.

 The same study notes that the upper intake level for vitamin D3 is 4,000 IU, meaning it’s not recommended to exceed 4,000 IU for long periods of time. Higher doses of vitamin D may be recommended when correcting a deficiency, followed by a lower maintenance dose.

Before starting a vitamin D supplement, no matter the dose, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure that you’re giving your body what it needs to be healthy.

FAQs

How can I get vitamin D naturally?
Very few food sources contain vitamin D, and most adults need a minimum of 5 to 30 minutes of sun exposure to the face, arms, hands, or legs (without sunscreen) at least twice per week between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to reach the recommended value.
The recommended daily intake of vitamin D3 is 600 IU for adults (800 IU for adults age 71 and older). If you’re not getting enough vitamin D through food or sunlight, taking a daily supplement to reach the DRV is safe. It’s best not to take large doses of vitamin D3 long term unless under the supervision of your healthcare provider.
While you can take vitamin D3 supplements on an empty stomach, Huff recommends taking vitamin D with foods that contain healthy fats, such as avocados, seeds, nuts, and olive oil, to enhance absorption, as vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin.

Why Trust Everyday Health

We independently investigate and recommend products and services we believe will enrich the lives of our readers and meet their specific needs. You can trust our reviews because we do the legwork for you. Read more about why you can trust us.
Meet Our Team
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
Kara-Andrew-bio

Kara Andrew, RDN, LDN

Medical Reviewer

Kara Andrew, RDN, LDN, is the director of health promotion for Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois. She is also licensed as an exercise physiologist and certified in lifestyle medicine by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Her experience includes corporate wellness, teaching for the American College of Sports Medicine, sports nutrition, weight management, integrative medicine, oncology support, and dialysis.

She earned her master's in exercise and nutrition science at Lipscomb University.

Andrew has served as a president and board member of the Nashville Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She was recently elected a co-chair of the fitness and medicine group in the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

See full bio

Ashley Brafman, MPH, RD

Author

Ashley Brafman worked as a registered dietitian who specialized in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and health education for over seven years before she became a freelance health and nutrition journalist five years ago. Her byline has been featured in Verywell Health, Ro, and Healthline.

Ashley received a bachelor's degree in dietetics with a minor in psychology at Eastern Michigan University and a master's in public health with an emphasis in health education from Grand Valley State University.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys gardening, reading, and hiking.

See full bio

Ashley Ziegler

Author

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time writer with extensive experience covering women’s health, babies' and kids' health, mental health, and wellness. Her work has appeared on websites including The Bump, Health, Pregnancy & Newborn, People, Parents, Romper, Scary Mommy, and more.

Before transitioning into her full-time writing career, Ashley worked in the departments of pediatric cardiology and general medicine at Duke University Medical Center, and later at the North Carolina Medical Board. During undergrad, she majored in communications at Purdue University and then earned her master’s degree with a concentration in healthcare management from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Ashley lives with her husband and two young daughters in North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, taking barre classes, and catching up on her favorite podcasts.

See full bio
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Passeri G et al. Benefits of Vitamin D in Health and Diseases. Nutrients. May 23, 2023.
  2. Vitamin D. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. March 2023.
  3. What’s the Deal with Vitamin D? Columbia University Irving Medical Center. August 24, 2022.
  4. Vitamin D. Office of Dietary Supplements. November 8, 2022.
  5. Vitamin D Deficiency. MedlinePlus. April 22, 2024.
  6. Ross AC et al. Overview of Vitamin D. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. 2011.
  7. Get Enough Calcium. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. February 28, 2025.
  8. What To Know About Vitamin K2 and Its Health Benefits. Cleveland Clinic. March 9, 2023.
  9. Vitamin K. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
  10. Šimoliūnas E et al. Bioavailability of Different Vitamin D Oral Supplements in Laboratory Animal Model. Medicina. June 10, 2019.
  11. Vitamin D for Babies, Children and Adolescents. HealthyChildren.org. August 24, 2022.
  12. Vitamin K. Mount Sinai. January 19, 2023.
  13. Giustina A et al. Vitamin D in the older population: a consensus statement. Endocrine. January 2023.
  14. Calcium and Vitamin D: Important for Bone Health. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. May 2023.
  15. Calcium. Office of Dietary Supplements. September 14, 2023.
  16. Cui A et al. Prevalence, trend, and predictor analyses of vitamin D deficiency in the US population, 2001–2018. Frontiers in Nutrition. October 3, 2022.
  17. Pludowski P et al. Vitamin D Supplementation: A Review of the Evidence Arguing for a Daily Dose of 2000 International Units (50 µg) of Vitamin D for Adults in the General Population. Nutrients. January 29, 2024.