5 Best Vitamin D Supplements in 2024

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Finding the best vitamin D supplement can depend on various factors, such as age, dose, and how they are taken. Mindbodygreen, Ritual, and NOW are some of the best brands for vitamin D supplements.
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A quick look at the best vitamin D supplements
Best multivitamin: Ritual Essential for Women 18+ Multivitamin | Skip to review
Ritual Essential for Women 18+ Multivitamin
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Best for most dietary requirements: Persona Vitamin D3 | Skip to review
Persona Vitamin D3
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Best for a chewable vitamin: NOW Foods Chewable Vitamin D3 | Skip to review
NOW Foods Chewable Vitamin D3
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Best for bioavailability: Mindbodygreen Vitamin D3 Potency+ | Skip to review
Mindbodygreen Vitamin D3 Potency+
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Best science-backed formula: Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 | Skip to review
Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3
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This article looks at how much vitamin D people need by age, who may need a supplement, and some options to consider. It also discusses how to get more vitamin D naturally.
How we chose
Medical News Today chooses products that fit the following criteria:
Safety: The products contain safe doses of vitamin D for adults.
Manufacturing process: The companies adhere to the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs)
Quality: The products have third-party certification for safety and quality.
Suitability: The products suit most people’s dietary requirements, including those with vegan diets.
Ordering process: Various products are available by subscription or as one-off purchases.
The best vitamin D supplements
Below are some of the best vitamin D supplements available.

Ritual Essential for Women 18+ Multivitamin

Form: capsule
Number of servings: 30 per bottle
Dose: 2 capsules per day
$33.00 AT RITUAL
*Price may vary.
Ritual is a vitamin subscription service. It sells products with simple, traceable ingredients, including this multivitamin designed for women ages 18 and over.
Each serving contains 50 mcg (2,000 IU) of vitamin D3 sourced from lichen. This exceeds the daily requirement for this age group.
Ritual claims that all of its vitamins are “made traceable” with a visible supply chain that a person can see online. The Essentials for Women 18+ multivitamin is vegan, gluten-free, allergen-free, and United States Pharmacopeia (USP)-verified.
United States Pharmacopeia (USP)-verified
The company recommends taking 2 capsules a day.
“[I would recommend this product as] it’s comprehensive and contains B12, omega-3s, vitamin D, and other micronutrients that I typically have to take in multiple separate supplements.
“I’ve been looking for a MVI option that contains more in one dose versus taking multiple products to supplement my plant-based diet. This one does that. It’s also easy to take and has a nice minty smell to help it go down. It was convenient to take as part of my daily routine.”
– Lauren Panoff, Healthline contributor
“[I would recommend this product as] it’s comprehensive and contains B12, omega-3s, vitamin D, and other micronutrients that I typically have to take in multiple separate supplements.
“I’ve been looking for a MVI option that contains more in one dose versus taking multiple products to supplement my plant-based diet. This one does that. It’s also easy to take and has a nice minty smell to help it go down. It was convenient to take as part of my daily routine.”
– Lauren Panoff, Healthline contributor
contain additional nutrients, such as folate and iron
has a visible supply chain
has USP verification
vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and does not contain additives
not suitable for people who only want to buy a vitamin D supplement
no information on whether the ingredients are organic
people must take two capsules per day
contain additional nutrients, such as folate and iron
has a visible supply chain
has USP verification
vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and does not contain additives
not suitable for people who only want to buy a vitamin D supplement
no information on whether the ingredients are organic
people must take two capsules per day
Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): vitamin D3 50 mcg (250% DV), vitamin E 6.7 mg (45% DV), folate 1,000 mcg DFE (250% DV), vitamin B12 8 mcg (333% DV), iron 8 mg (44% DV), magnesium 30 mg (7% DV), boron 0.7 mg, omega-3 DHA 330 mg, vitamin K2 90 mcg
Certifications: USP verified, non-GMO verified, Made Traceable
Price per serving: $1.10 per serving (30-count)
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping
Women-Founded
Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): vitamin D3 50 mcg (250% DV), vitamin E 6.7 mg (45% DV), folate 1,000 mcg DFE (250% DV), vitamin B12 8 mcg (333% DV), iron 8 mg (44% DV), magnesium 30 mg (7% DV), boron 0.7 mg, omega-3 DHA 330 mg, vitamin K2 90 mcg
Certifications: USP verified, non-GMO verified, Made Traceable
Price per serving: $1.10 per serving (30-count)
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping
Women-Founded

Persona Vitamin D3

Form: softgel
Number of servings: 28 per container
$1.68 AT PERSONA
*Price may vary.
Persona uses vitamin D3 sourced from Vitashine. This is a plant-based form of vitamin D.
Each tablet contains 25 mcg (1,000 IU) of vitamin D3. The product is free from major allergens, including soy, dairy, wheat, fish, nuts, eggs, and shellfish.
soy
dairy
wheat
fish
nuts
eggs
shellfish
Learn more about food allergies.
Learn more about food allergies.
Persona claims that its vitamins are tested for quality and purity and inspected by a professional before shipping.
The company recommends taking 1 gelatin capsule per day.
free from most common allergens
might be easier to swallow gelatin capsules
gluten-free and non-GMO
contains gelatin, so it is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
no information on whether the product contains additives or is organic
free from most common allergens
might be easier to swallow gelatin capsules
gluten-free and non-GMO
contains gelatin, so it is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
no information on whether the product contains additives or is organic
Dose: 1 softgel per day
Active ingredients: vitamin D (25 mcg)
% DV: 125%
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Dose: 1 softgel per day
Active ingredients: vitamin D (25 mcg)
% DV: 125%
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout

NOW Foods Chewable Vitamin D3

Form: chewable tablet
Number of servings: 120 per container
Dose: 1 tablet every 2 days
$9.17 AT IHERB
*Price may vary.
NOW Foods offers a chewable vitamin D supplement that contains 5,000 IU of vitamin D. This may be a more suitable choice for those who find it difficult to swallow pills or simply prefer to chew them.
The chewables use flavorings such as xylitol and sorbitol and are sugar-free. They also contain natural flavors of peppermint and vanilla.
These supplements do not contain soy or gluten, so they may be suitable for those avoiding these ingredients.
The price is low, and a person only needs to take 1 tablet every 2 days, making this a good option for those on a budget.
only 1 tablet needed every 2 days
low price compared to others
contains natural flavors and is sugar-free
vitamin D is from cellulose, and so not as easily absorbed as oil-based vitamin D
contains sugar alcohols
not suitable for vegans
only 1 tablet needed every 2 days
low price compared to others
contains natural flavors and is sugar-free
vitamin D is from cellulose, and so not as easily absorbed as oil-based vitamin D
contains sugar alcohols
not suitable for vegans
Active ingredients: vitamin D3 (125 mcg)
% DV: 625%
Source: lanolin
Returns:
Shipping:
Active ingredients: vitamin D3 (125 mcg)
% DV: 625%
Source: lanolin
Returns:
Shipping:

Mindbodygreen Vitamin D3 Potency+

Form: softgel
Number of servings: 30 per container
Dose: 1 softgel daily
Use code “HEALTHLINE20” for 20% off.
$30.00 AT MINDBODYGREEN
*Price may vary.
According to the manufacturers, these gel caps benefit the entire body.
Each gel cap contains 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 in the form of organic algal, VegD3, which, according to the manufacturers, is the purest form of plant-origin vitamin D3 in the world.
Mindbodygreen uses a unique, organic oil trio of omega-9 fatty acids sourced from Persea americana, omega-3 fatty acids from organic virgin flaxseed oil, and cold-pressed organic extra virgin olive oil sourced from Olea Europaea. The company claims these ingredients support the bioavailability in the body. They may also provide antioxidant properties and a healthy inflammatory response.
These gel caps come in bottles of 30, and the recommended dose is 1 gel cap a day.
The manufacturer recommends people take this supplement with or without food at any time of the day, alongside calcium supplements as vitamin D3 supports calcium absorption in the body.
supports calcium absorption
this supplement contains organic ingredients
according to the manufacturer, these gel caps contain the purest form of plant vitamin D3 in the world
the supplement may support bioavailability and have antioxidant properties
reviews on the company website say the supplements benefitted the digestive system and skin tone
the bovine gelatine is unsuitable for vegans or vegetarians
the product is quite expensive and may not suit everyone’s budget
some reviewers reported that they had to stop taking the supplements due to their high cost
this supplement contains organic ingredients
according to the manufacturer, these gel caps contain the purest form of plant vitamin D3 in the world
the supplement may support bioavailability and have antioxidant properties
reviews on the company website say the supplements benefitted the digestive system and skin tone
the bovine gelatine is unsuitable for vegans or vegetarians
the product is quite expensive and may not suit everyone’s budget
some reviewers reported that they had to stop taking the supplements due to their high cost
Active ingredients: organic algel vitamin D3
% DV: 625 %
Source: algae
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $98
Active ingredients: organic algel vitamin D3
% DV: 625 %
Source: algae
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $98

Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3

Form: capsule
Number of servings: 120 per container
Dose: 1 capsule per day, up to 5 days per week
$49.20 AT PURE FORMULAS
*Price may vary.
According to the manufacturer, these capsules contain science-backed high quality ingredients. Over 50 product-specific clinical studies in leading peer-reviewed journals have studied the company’s formulations.
journals
The company claims that it tests these supplements in-house to verify potency and purity. They state that they may benefit bone and immune health, including breast and colon health.
This offering is free from common allergens, GMOs, artificial additives, and ingredients.
People can purchase it in bottles of 60 or 120 counts.
Pure Encapsulations recommends people take 1 capsule for up to 5 days per week, with a meal, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
suitable for vegetarians and people who have allergies
the product is tested to verify potency and purity
free from artificial ingredients and GMOs
the supplements may benefit bone health and the immune system
some reviewers report that the product lowered their vitamin D count so they changed brands
other reviewers report that their hair and nails began to fall out while taking the supplement
some reviewers say that although the capsules are unflavored, they taste of fish
suitable for vegetarians and people who have allergies
the product is tested to verify potency and purity
free from artificial ingredients and GMOs
the supplements may benefit bone health and the immune system
some reviewers report that the product lowered their vitamin D count so they changed brands
other reviewers report that their hair and nails began to fall out while taking the supplement
some reviewers say that although the capsules are unflavored, they taste of fish
Active ingredients: vitamin D (250 mcg)
% DV: 1250%
Source: lanolin
Returns: free returns for Prime members
Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Active ingredients: vitamin D (250 mcg)
% DV: 1250%
Source: lanolin
Returns: free returns for Prime members
Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Comparing the best vitamin D supplements
The following table compares the supplements in this article on form, dose, price, and more.
Ritual
Persona
NOW
Mind
bodygreen
Pure Encapsulations
What to look for in vitamin D supplements
In supplements, two forms of vitamin D are available: D2, called ergocalciferol, and D3, called cholecalciferol. Both are effective, but D3 seems to be more effective at higher dosages.
more effective
Manufacturers use yeast to make D2, and they can produce D3 from several sources, including:
lanolin, which comes from sheep’s wool
fish oils, such as cod liver oil
cod liver oil
algae oil, which is suitable for people with vegan diets
vegan diets
Learn more about the best supplements for vegans.
best supplements for vegans
Vitamin D supplements are available as chewable tablets, liquids, and sprays, among other forms.
The best type of supplement may depend on preferences and medical needs. For example, a liquid or spray may be easier to take than a capsule.
Learn more about the differences between vitamins D2 and D3.
the differences between vitamins D2 and D3
For more in-depth resources about vitamins, minerals, and supplements, visit our dedicated hub.
dedicated hub
Who needs to take vitamin D? 
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for healthy bones, immune function, and cell growth.
Some people are more at risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency. According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), these groups can include:
National Institutes for Health (NIH)
Infants drinking breast milk: This does not contain much vitamin D. The NIH reports that exclusively and partially breastfed infants receive 10 micrograms (mcg), or 400 international units (IU), of vitamin D per day until weaning.
People who get less exposure to sunlight: People who cannot leave the house, work night shifts, or cover their skin for religious reasons may not get the sun exposure that the body needs to create enough vitamin D. People who live in colder climates may also get less sunlight exposure during the winter months.
Older adults: Older adults who spend more time indoors may be at risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency. According to the NIH, around half of older adults with hip fractures in the United States may have inadequate vitamin D levels. Also, the skin’s ability to synthesize vitamin D declines with age.
People with dark skin: Dark skin tones contain more melanin, which can reduce the amount of vitamin D the skin makes. People with darker skin tones generate vitamin D from the sun more slowly than people with lighter skin. However, it is unclear whether this has any health consequences.
lighter skin
People with obesity: Having a body mass index of 30 or over is associated with lower vitamin D levels, according to the NIH. People who have undergone gastric bypass surgery may also need more vitamin D.
body mass index
People with malabsorption: Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease affect the gut’s ability to absorb vitamin D. People with such conditions may not eat foods that contain vitamin D due to dietary restrictions.
inflammatory bowel disease
How much vitamin D do we need? 
A person’s daily requirement for vitamin D depends on age, whether they are pregnant, and whether they have any underlying medical conditions.
The NIH provides these general guidelines:
NIH
Pregnant or breastfeeding people should aim to get 15 mcg (600 IU) of vitamin D per day.
Most people meet at least some of their vitamin D requirements by having safe exposure to sunlight. According to the NIH, spending 5–30 minutes in the sun, with the face, arms, legs, or back exposed, at least twice a week is usually enough.
However, the American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends getting vitamin D through food sources and supplements rather than sun exposure to limit the risk of developing skin cancer.
American Academy of Dermatology Association
Learn more about vitamin D levels.
Learn more about vitamin D levels.
Risks and side effects
Taking high amounts of vitamin D by mouth can be toxic. Research suggests that the tolerable upper limit for adults is 100 mcg (4,000 IU) per day.
100 mcg (4,000 IU)
Some symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include:
anorexia
anorexia
weight loss
frequent urination
frequent urination
heart arrhythmias
heart arrhythmias
It is important to note that vitamin D toxicity usually only stems from excessive supplementation rather than from spending a lot of time in the sun or absorbing too much of the vitamin from food.
usually
Vitamin D supplements can also react with certain medications, such as steroids, weight loss drugs, and medications that lower cholesterol. A person should check with a healthcare professional before taking a new supplement.
also react
Learn when vitamin D can be harmful.
Learn when vitamin D can be harmful.
How can someone get more vitamin D? 
Safe exposure to sunlight is one of the most effective ways to get more vitamin D, but a person cannot get vitamin D from sitting near a window or outside in the shade.
Some foods contain this nutrient, including:
foods
oily fish, such as salmon and mackerel
oily fish, such as salmon and mackerel
mushrooms that grow under UV light
mushrooms
beef liver
egg yolks
fortified milk
fortified breakfast cereals
fortified orange juice
Learn about the best food sources of vitamin D.
Learn about the best food sources of vitamin D.
When to contact a doctor 
If a person is concerned that they might not be getting enough vitamin D, a doctor can check for a deficiency via a blood test.
Vitamin D deficiencies can cause conditions that affect the bones, such as osteomalacia and osteoporosis. This is because a deficiency reduces calcium absorption.
Vitamin D deficiencies
osteomalacia
osteoporosis
Learn more about the best at-home vitamin deficiency tests.
best at-home vitamin deficiency tests
A deficiency in vitamin D can also lead to rickets, a childhood condition that causes the bones to be softer and more prone to fracture. Most companies fortify milk with vitamin D in the United States, reducing rickets’ prevalence.
rickets
Learn more about vitamin D deficiency.
Learn more about vitamin D deficiency.
A person should contact a healthcare professional if they notice any of the following symptoms, which can indicate a vitamin D deficiency:
bone pain
muscle weakness
fatigue
fatigue
frequent colds and infections
fractures
fractures
depression
depression
slow wound healing
A person should contact a doctor immediately if they have new or worsening symptoms after taking vitamin D.
Frequently asked questions about vitamin D supplements
According to the NIH the best way to take vitamin D supplements are via food, sun exposure, and dietary supplementation.
NIH

Food: The two main types of vitamin D available in food are D2 and D3. Fatty fish, such as trout and mackerel, and fish liver oil are the best sources of this vitamin. The U.S. and Canada also fortify milk and some milk alternatives with the nutrient.
best sources

Sun exposure: UVB radiation can penetrate the skin and lead to the production of vitamin D3. However, the season, time and length of the day, and the weather can influence this. Also, older people and people with more melanin cannot produce as much vitamin D3 from sun exposure.

Dietary supplements: Supplements contain vitamin D2 or D3. While the way the body processes these in the same way, vitamin D3 may increase the amount of serum 25(OH)D for longer than vitamin D2. Low amounts of this serum can indicate a risk of vitamin D deficiency.
may increase

Learn how to get the most vitamin D from the sun.
Learn how to get the most vitamin D from the sun.
According to the NIH the best way to take vitamin D supplements are via food, sun exposure, and dietary supplementation.
NIH

Food: The two main types of vitamin D available in food are D2 and D3. Fatty fish, such as trout and mackerel, and fish liver oil are the best sources of this vitamin. The U.S. and Canada also fortify milk and some milk alternatives with the nutrient.
best sources

Sun exposure: UVB radiation can penetrate the skin and lead to the production of vitamin D3. However, the season, time and length of the day, and the weather can influence this. Also, older people and people with more melanin cannot produce as much vitamin D3 from sun exposure.

Dietary supplements: Supplements contain vitamin D2 or D3. While the way the body processes these in the same way, vitamin D3 may increase the amount of serum 25(OH)D for longer than vitamin D2. Low amounts of this serum can indicate a risk of vitamin D deficiency.
may increase

Learn how to get the most vitamin D from the sun.
Learn how to get the most vitamin D from the sun.

The body converts vitamin D into two forms: D2 and D3.

The NIH states that the body appears to absorb the two types at the same rate. The body then turns the vitamin into serum 25(OH)D.
NIH

However, levels of this serum are higher and present in the body for longer with D3 than with D2. This may mean a person has a lower risk of a deficiency if they take D3 supplements.
for longer

Learn the signs of getting enough vitamin D.
Learn the signs of getting enough vitamin D.

The body converts vitamin D into two forms: D2 and D3.

The NIH states that the body appears to absorb the two types at the same rate. The body then turns the vitamin into serum 25(OH)D.
NIH

However, levels of this serum are higher and present in the body for longer with D3 than with D2. This may mean a person has a lower risk of a deficiency if they take D3 supplements.
for longer

Learn the signs of getting enough vitamin D.
Learn the signs of getting enough vitamin D.

As the NIH notes, people require different amounts of vitamin D at different ages. The recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) are 0–12 months: 10 mcg (400 IU), 1–70 years: 15 mcg (600 IU), over 70 years: 20 mcg (800 IU).
NIH

Learn about typical levels of vitamin D.
Learn about typical levels of vitamin D.

As the NIH notes, people require different amounts of vitamin D at different ages. The recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) are 0–12 months: 10 mcg (400 IU), 1–70 years: 15 mcg (600 IU), over 70 years: 20 mcg (800 IU).
NIH

Learn about typical levels of vitamin D.
Learn about typical levels of vitamin D.
Taken in appropriate doses, vitamin D is safe to take daily. A person should be careful not to exceed the daily recommended doses of vitamin D as taking too much can be toxic. The upper intake level for people over 19 is 100 mcg (4,000 IU). More information on the safe dosages of vitamin D is on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) website
A person should speak with a doctor before taking any new supplements. They should always follow the instructions on their chosen product and stop using the supplement if they develop any adverse reactions.
Taken in appropriate doses, vitamin D is safe to take daily. A person should be careful not to exceed the daily recommended doses of vitamin D as taking too much can be toxic. The upper intake level for people over 19 is 100 mcg (4,000 IU). More information on the safe dosages of vitamin D is on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) website
A person should speak with a doctor before taking any new supplements. They should always follow the instructions on their chosen product and stop using the supplement if they develop any adverse reactions.
Vitamin D is best taken with meals to enhance the absorption into a person’s circulation. Many brands recommend taking the supplement with meals.
According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin D is fat-soluble. A person can consider taking it with food that contains some fat.
National Institutes of Health
Vitamin D is best taken with meals to enhance the absorption into a person’s circulation. Many brands recommend taking the supplement with meals.
According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin D is fat-soluble. A person can consider taking it with food that contains some fat.
National Institutes of Health
Two forms of vitamin D are available as a supplement, vitamin D3, cholecalciferol, and vitamin D2, ergocalciferol. Both can help correct the body better absorbs vitamin D deficiency, however, vitamin D3 because this is what the body makes from sunlight.
Two forms of vitamin D are available as a supplement, vitamin D3, cholecalciferol, and vitamin D2, ergocalciferol. Both can help correct the body better absorbs vitamin D deficiency, however, vitamin D3 because this is what the body makes from sunlight.
Doctors may prescribe various strengths of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Doctors most commonly prescribe vitamin D3 because the body easily absorbs it.
Doctors may prescribe various strengths of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Doctors most commonly prescribe vitamin D3 because the body easily absorbs it.
According to a research review, people should avoid taking more than 4,000 IU per day which is the safe upper limit of daily vitamin D. However, the study also reports that the safety of the dose depends on the person’s current vitamin D status, age, and sex.
research review
A person should seek medical advice from their doctor or healthcare professional before taking vitamin D supplements to avoid potential overdose.
According to a research review, people should avoid taking more than 4,000 IU per day which is the safe upper limit of daily vitamin D. However, the study also reports that the safety of the dose depends on the person’s current vitamin D status, age, and sex.
research review
A person should seek medical advice from their doctor or healthcare professional before taking vitamin D supplements to avoid potential overdose.
Summary
Limited, safe sunlight exposure several times a week can help a person get enough vitamin D, but this may not be possible for many reasons. As a result, some people need to take supplements to get their recommended dose of vitamin D.
A person may only need this supplement during winter, while others may need it year-round.
It is important to note that vitamin D supplements can interact with other medications. As always, check with a healthcare professional before taking a new supplement.
A doctor can take a blood test to look for a vitamin D deficiency. They may then recommend a supplement dosage, considering the person’s age and any other medications.