Best vitamin D supplements 2024, tried and tested
In the UK we’re advised to take vitamin D during the winter months, as we mainly source it from sunlight. Read our review to discover the different types of supplements you can take, and the best brands to choose
Most of us get our vitamin D from sunlight: our skin, liver and kidneys are involved in converting it into a form our bodies can use. We need vitamin D for strong bones and teeth as it helps us absorb calcium from our food. It also has a link with mood and mental health, immune system health and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Although a few foods (especially oily fish, egg yolks and fortified breakfast cereals and margarine) contain vitamin D, our main source is sunshine. This is why, especially in UK winters, a supplement may be advised.
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We tested a range of capsules, gummies, sprays and liquids to find the best vitamin D supplements on the market. Plus, find out everything you need to know about how much vitamin D to take, which form of vitamin D is best and what to look for in a vitamin D supplement below.
Find out if you’re getting enough vitamin D.
Best vitamin D supplements at a glance
Best vitamin D capsules:
- Vitabright Vitamin D3, £18.99
- JS Health Vegan Vitamin D, £19.99
- Zooki Vitamin D3+K2, £19.80
- Vitl Vitamin D3, £5.95
- VitamoreD D3, £12.99
- Performance Lab D3+K2, £57
Best vitamin D gummies:
- Nutrigums Delicious Vitamin D3 Gummies, £7.99
Best liquid vitamin D:
- Zooki Vitamin D, £22.49
Best soluble vitamin D:
- Holland & Barrett High Strength Effervescent Vitamin D3 (tablets to dissolve in water), £8.49
Best spray vitamin D:
- BetterYou D3000+K2, £6.70
Jump to section:
- Best vitamin D supplements 2024
- How much vitamin D should I take?
- How should I take a vitamin D supplement?
- What form of vitamin D is best?
- What we looked for in vitamin D supplements
Best vitamin D supplements 2024
Best vitamin D capsules
Vitabright Vitamin D3
Available from Amazon (£16.99), Vitabright (£18.99), Superdrug (£18.99)
Price per day (recommended dose) 4.5p
Star rating: 4.5/5
At the a maximum dose of 100mcg (2000% NRV) vitamin D3, it’s combined with sunflower oil for better absorption, but not vitamin K. The capsule shell contains gelatin so these aren’t vegetarian, although they are gluten- and lactose-free. The huge pack of 425 1-a-day softgels offers excellent value. This product is best suited to those who have had their vitamin D levels checked and as a result have been advised to supplement at a higher dose.
Available from:
JS Health Vegan Vitamin D
Available from Amazon (£17.99), JS Health (£19.99)
Price per day (recommended dose) 33p
Star rating: 4/5
Small and smooth, these capsules still contain the recommended daily dose of 25mcg (500% NRV) of vitamin D3. Combined with bran oil to help your body absorb the vitamin, these are suitable for vegans.
Available from:
Zooki vitamin D3+K2
Available from QVC (£19.80), Healf (£22.49), Zooki (£24.99), Amazon (£24.99), Bodykind (£24.99)
Price per day (recommended dose) 83p
Star rating: 4/5
The manufacturers claim that ‘liposomal technology’ increases absorption, although you might still want to take it with a high-fat food to ensure maximum absorption. These contain a generous 75mcg (1500% NRV) of vitamin D3 along with vitamin K (avoid if you’re on blood thinners). Suitable for vegans and those on a gluten-free diet.
Available from:
Vitl Vitamin D3
Available from Vitl (£5.95)
Price per day (recommended dose) 17p
Star rating: 4/5
An optimum serving of vitamin D. Supplying 25mcg (500% NRV) of vitamin D3, these vegan softgels contain sunflower oil to help you absorb more vitamin D. They’re also available in a nifty, portable little tin and are excellent value.
Available from:
VitamoreD D3
Available from Vitamore (£12.99)
Price per day (recommended dose) 43p
Star rating: 4/5
Made from calcifediol, the form of vitamin D that we make in the liver, the manufacturers claim that this form of vitamin D is more potent and better absorbed than cholecalciferol (used in the other supplements here). So, no oil and vitamin K is deemed necessary. Contains 50mcg (1000% NRV) of vegan-suitable vitamin D3. The tiny capsules are very portable and easy to take.
Available from:
Performance Lab D3+K2
Available from Performance Lab (£57)
Price per day (recommended dose) 48p
Star rating: 3.5/5
Although a hefty initial outlay (£57), this does get you a four-month supply of the recommended daily dose of 25mcg (500% NRV). Containing vitamin K to help draw calcium into the bones, remember these aren’t suitable if you’re on blood thinners or have certain health conditions. Containing vitamin D3 from freeze-dried algae, they’re suitable for vegans. You’ll need to take them with fat-containing foods as they don’t contain any oil. Free from gluten, additives, preservatives and artificial colours.
Available from:
Best vitamin D gummies
Nutrigums Delicious Vitamin D3 Gummies
Available from Nutrigums (£7.99), Amazon (£8.99), Superdrug (£9.99)
Price per day (recommended dose) 13p
Star rating: 3.5/5
These gelatine-free gummies contain 25mcg (500% NRV) of vitamin D3. Inevitably higher in additives than some other formats, these gummies contain coconut oil to help with vitamin D absorption, although gummies generally aren’t as efficient a delivery mechanism as capsules. Suitable for age 12+ but beware the high sugar content.
Available from:
Other options for supplementing
Best vitamin D drinks
Zooki Vitamin D
Available from Amazon (£22.49), Zooki (£24.99), Victoria Health (£24.99)
Price per day (recommended dose) £1.67
Star rating: 4.5/5
These sachets contain 75mcg (1500% NRV) of vitamin D3 plus vitamin K2 in an oil base. You can drink them straight from the sachet or add them to a smoothie. Our tester described the flavour as reminiscent of a mixed berry yogurt. Suitable for vegans (derived from lichen algae), and free from preservatives. Among the most expensive of the supplements products we tested.
Available from:
Best soluble vitamin D
Holland & Barrett High Strength Effervescent Vitamin D3
Available from Holland & Barrett (£8.49)
Price per day (recommended dose) 42p
Star rating: 3.5/5
Dissolve these tables in water to make an effervescent drink containing 75mcg (1500% NRV) of vitamin D3. Our tester enjoyed the pleasant raspberry flavour, but described it as ‘quite sweet’. Vegan-friendly.
Available from:
Best vitamin D spray
BetterYou D3000+K2
Available from Amazon (£6.70), Superdrug (£10.49), Boots (£10.50), Better You (£10.95), Holland & Barrett (£10.95)
Price per day (recommended dose) 37p
Star rating: 4.5/5
Three sprays to the inside of your cheek provides 75mcg (1500% NRV) of vitamin D3. It also contains vitamin K2, to support bone strengthening, and is one of the few supplements to carry a warning that people on blood thinners shouldn’t take vitamin K. Extracted from lanolin, this is not vegan. Our tester appreciated the clear instructions and the pleasant peppermint oil flavour.
Available from:
How much vitamin D should I take?
The NHS advises a daily dose of 10 micrograms (or 400 International Units or IU) for most adults and children over the age of one, but individual requirements will vary depending on your age, skin colour, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, and how much time you spend outdoors (with your skin uncovered). Our expert nutritionist suggests that 10-25mcg per day should be sufficient for most people. The NHS advises adults should not take more than 100mcg (4000 IU) a day.
For labelling purposes, the nutrient reference value (NRV) or recommended daily amount, that you will see on labels, is 5mcg. This is the amount set by the EU for food labelling purposes, this figure has been retained and now forms part of our UK food law.
How should I take a vitamin D supplement?
Vitamin D is fat-soluble, so a supplement is best taken with food to improve absorption. Most people in the UK should consider a supplement daily between October and late March, although individual needs vary.
What form of vitamin D should I take?
Vitamin D2 and D3 can both help a deficiency, although D3 is naturally produced in the skin and is generally considered slightly more active and longer-lasting.
Vegans should be aware that D3 is often sourced from sheep’s lanolin; so, look for a product made from lichen or micro-algae to avoid animal derivatives.
What format of vitamin D is best?
Look for an oil-based formula as D3 is fat soluble. This could be in capsule (or ‘pearl’) form, in a spray (as it bypasses the gut, the delivery is more direct) or in drops which can be added to food or drink.
Tablets tend not to be as easy to digest; gummies or chewables – although easier for children to take – may be more susceptible to heat and moisture which can affect stability and shelf life.
Vitamin K can be a useful addition to the supplement as it helps the body use calcium appropriately (although it is not suitable for all people including those on blood thinners).
What we looked for in vitamin D supplements
All supplements were tested within the same time period, with observations recorded based on the testing criteria. We included samples from various manufacturers, offering diverse formats such as capsules, gummies, soluble offerings, liquids, and sprays, with a range of price points to suit different budgets. The key areas we assessed were as follows:
- Taste and flavour: is the consuming experience pleasant?
- Nutrient profile: how much vitamin D per daily dose? How does this compare to the NRV?
- Additives: does the vitamin D contain additives, for example: preservatives, artificial sweeteners or colourings?
- Dietary requirements: does the product meet any specific dietary needs– is it vegetarian, vegan?
- Value for money: how does it compare to other products on a cost-per-day basis
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Always keep supplements out of the reach of children.
Unless otherwise stated we tested products available in the UK market and suitable for adults.
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