Our Picks: Best Vitamin D Supplements of 2025

What to look for in a vitamin D supplement

TOP VITAMIN D

SUPPLEMENTS 2025

Key Ingredients

Try To Avoid

Important Criteria

Vitamin D as D3 Cholecalciferol

Min. 50 mcg Vitamin D

Calcium (min. 1000 mcg)

Other Nutrients Included 

Plant Extracts

Type of Vit. D Listed

No Vitamin D2

Money-Back Guarantee Min. 3 Months

Third-Party Tested

Subscribe & Save Program

Vitamin D3 2000 IU by MegaFood

Here Comes The Sun by HUM Nutrition

Vitamin D3 with Sea-Iodine™ by Life Extension

Vitamin D3 1000 IU by NOW Supplements

DISCLAIMER: This scientific research is for informational purposes only. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Primal Harvest provides this information as a service but does not endorse it. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific products.

Green R, Allen LH, Bjørke-Monsen AL, et al. Vitamin B12 deficiency [published correction appears in Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2017 Jul 20;3:17054]. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2017;3:17040. Published 2017 Jun 29. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2017.40

To see a list of our other references, please click here. 

CITATIONS

What to try to avoid in a vitamin D supplement

Our Choice

• 50 mcg of vitamin D3 
• 1200 mg of calcium
• Plant extracts 
• Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients
• Third-party lab tested

Vitamin D is available in two main forms:

Vitamin D plays a role in a number of vital functions. From supporting immune health to balancing mood, getting sufficient amounts of this vitamin is crucial. And perhaps most crucially for your bones. Unfortunately, vitamin D is not always so easy to come by, especially when approaching those dark winter months. 

Our bodies can turn direct sunlight into vitamin D when the skin is exposed to the sun. However, limited sun exposure due to seasonal changes, being indoors, or simply avoiding the sun to protect your skin can have an effect. This may cause low vitamin D, which can in turn impact your bones. 

Find out exactly why we need vitamin D and why you should start prioritizing your bone health today.

What is vitamin D and what does it do?

Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be found as vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. It’s an essential nutrient that helps the body absorb and regulate calcium and phosphorus, two vital minerals for healthy bones. Vitamin D is involved in a number of important bodily functions, including:

Calcium absorption: Vitamin D supports calcium and phosphorus metabolism, both needed for our bones, muscles, nerves, and more.

Note: We try to update product information as often as we can. Please visit product websites for more information. 

Both types perform the same role in the body but Vitamin D3 is thought to be more effective at supporting vitamin D levels. This is because it’s metabolized in a different way. Vitamin D2 found in supplements may also be more sensitive to temperature changes and humidity. [1] 

Bone health: Maintaining the health, strength, and density of our bones is an important, though often overlooked, aspect of our health.

Immune support: Immune cells produce a protein to help fight microbes. Vitamin D is used to support the production of these proteins and healthy blood cell function.

Mood regulation: More recently, researchers are turning their attention to the role vitamin D plays in regulating our mood, especially during the winter.

Not getting enough vitamin D in your diet can cause low vitamin D or even vitamin D deficiency (a lack of vitamin D). Some signs include:

What are possible signs of low vitamin D?

• Tiredness and fatigue
• Poor sleep quality
• Easily getting sick
• Muscle and bone discomfort 
• Low mood

Note: These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition, nor are they intended to be substitutes for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider for accurate advice, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

Who might benefit?

Despite its importance, some people may be unable to get enough vitamin D, especially during darker times of the year. 

• As they age: Bone health becomes more of a concern as we age. We begin to absorb less calcium, our skeleton loses calcium, bone density begins to drop, and our bones become more brittle. It’s never too late to start supporting your bones. In fact, starting as early as 25-30 may help individuals build and maintain healthy bones for later life. [3]
• During darker months: Less sun means less vitamin D for many people living in colder, darker climates during winter months. 
• With active lifestyles: Vitamin D and calcium are needed by muscles and bones, making them essential for staying active throughout life.
• Who limit their sun exposure: Even those that live in warmer, sunnier climates year-round may struggle if they spend a lot of time indoors, live in big cities with sunlight-blocking buildings, or limit sun exposure to preserve their skin health. 
• Who can’t drink or don’t like milk (cow or plant): Milks, yogurts, and cheeses are typically fortified with vitamin D. 
• Finding it hard to follow a well-balanced diet: A balanced diet includes foods rich in vitamin D and calcium, those who don’t like these foods or have busy lifestyles may not focus on nutrition.

This is why some people choose to turn to vitamin D supplements. It’s important to bear in mind that we all have individual needs and supplements impact each of us differently.

Note: These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition, nor are they intended to be substitutes for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider for accurate advice, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

That being said, certain groups of people who may choose to use vitamin D supplements include people:

Benefits of vitamin D

Because vitamin D is vital for so many bodily functions, there are several benefits associated with getting enough of this must-have nutrient.* 

Some potential benefits of vitamin D include:

Bone health support*

Mood support*

Hair, skin, and nail health support*

Immune support*

Note: Individual results may vary. The benefits stated are based on personal experiences and subjective feedback and may vary from person to person.

• Convenience: Offers a convenient way to get your daily dose of vitamin D and it saves the time and hassle of adding many different vitamins and minerals to a supplement routine.
• Price: Not needing to buy a range of separate products can save money.
• Other nutrients: Bone support supplements typically combine vitamin D with calcium. But some may also contain other nutrients and ingredients used for bone support, such as vitamins C and K, magnesium, zinc, and plant extracts. This can be helpful if you are not getting enough of these through diet alone.*

Why You Should Take Vitamin D With Calcium

As you know now, vitamin D plays a big role in bone health. And that having (and maintaining) healthy and strong bones at all life stages is a key part of active and healthy aging.

One popular method some people use to support their vitamin D intake is through calcium supplements or bone supplements. Aside from the fact that vitamin D can help calcium absorption, there are many other reasons to consider taking vitamin D in a combined calcium supplement for bone support. 

Some choose to do it so they can “stack their vitamins”, the practice of taking multiple vitamins and minerals together to support absorption and potential effectiveness.* 

Other reasons to consider taking Vitamin D with Calcium include:

4. Vitamin D3 with Sea-Iodine™

by Life Extension

PROS

• 125 mcg of vitamin D3
• 1 capsule per day
• Include iodine

CONS

• No calcium
• No other vitamins or minerals

BOTTOM LINE

Vitamin D3 with Sea-Iodine™ 125 mcg by Life Extension is a vitamin D3 supplement that combines 125 mcg of vitamin D3 as cholecalciferol with 1000 mcg of iodine from a Sea-Iodine Complex. 

Although the combination is unique, this formula does not include other vitamins or minerals for bone support like vitamin K and calcium. 

C+

GRADE

2. MegaFood Vitamin D3 2000 IU

by MegaFood

PROS

• 50 mcg of vitamin D3
• Includes a food blend
• Third-party tested 
• Subscribe & Save

CONS

• No calcium
• No additional vitamins or minerals
• 30-day return policy

BOTTOM LINE

Vitamin D3 2000 IU by MegaFood is a vitamin D3 supplement that delivers 50 mcg of vitamin D3 as calciferol per serving. The formula also includes a Food Blend with extracts from ingredients like brown rice, broccoli, parsley, and carrot. It has been third-party tested and is gluten-free and vegetarian. 

While the serving size is convenient, at one capsule per day, the formula does not contain calcium or other vitamins and minerals. Additionally, some may want to note that the money-back guarantee is shorter than with some of the other products featured here. 

B+

GRADE

5. Vitamin D3 1000 IU

by NOW Supplements

PROS

• Vitamin D as cholecalciferol D3
• 1 softgel per day
• Price

CONS

• Only 25 mcg of vitamin D3
• No calcium or other vitamins
• No other ingredients
• Returns policy

BOTTOM LINE

Vitamin D3 1000 IU by NOW Supplements delivers 25 mcg of vitamin D3 in each serving of one softgel. Although it delivers vitamin D3 in the form of cholecalciferol, the quantity is on the lower end when compared to the other products featured here (which have at least 50 mcg). While it’s an affordable option for a vitamin D3 supplement, the lower vitamin D3 content and the fact that it doesn’t include other nutrients may be factors to consider. Additionally, the returns policy is only 30 days which is shorter than the policy from some of the other brands featured here. 

C

GRADE

by HUM Nutrition

PROS

• 50 mcg of vitamin D3 as cholecalciferol
• 1 softgel per day
• Third-party tested
• Vegan-friendly

CONS

• No other ingredients
• 30-day money-back guarantee

BOTTOM LINE

Here Comes The Sun by HUM Nutrition is a vegan-friendly vitamin D3 supplement that comes in softgels. It delivers 50 mcg of vitamin D3 per serving and can be taken at any time of the day. The product is third-party tested and, like most of the other products featured here, is available on subscription. However, for those looking for a supplement that combines vitamin D3 with other ingredients like calcium. This means those looking to supplement their diets with other nutrients for bone health would need to take a separate product or be sure that their diet includes sufficient amounts of the nutrients they need to support their bones.* Additionally, you may want to note that HUM only offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Here Comes The Sun

B

GRADE

Primal Bone Health by Primal Harvest is a calcium-vitamin D3 supplement that includes a diverse range of ingredients to support bone health.* This premium formula combines 50 mcg of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), 1300 mg of calcium with the minerals magnesium, zinc, boron, manganese, and potassium as well as the vitamins C, D, and K. But it doesn’t stop there. Primal Bone Health goes one step further by including unique ingredients like turmeric, black pepper extract, Cissus quadrangularis, Coleus Forskohlii, and the amino acid L-carnitine to offer well-rounded support for bones, muscles, and joints.*

This unique calcium-vitamin D complex comes in capsules that are convenient to add to any supplement routine. Primal Bone Health offers great value and quality for a reasonable price. It is independently third-party lab tested and manufactured in the USA.

Good to know: Primal Harvest has a convenient Subscribe & Save program that comes with free shipping and up to 20% discount on all products. They also offer a 90-day money-back guarantee for all of their products.

• 50 mcg of vitamin D
• 1300 mg of calcium
• Vitamins C, K, and minerals magnesium, zinc, potassium, and more.
• With herbal extracts and adaptogens like turmeric
• Easy-to-take capsules
• Third-party tested
• Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients

1. Primal Bone Health

by Primal Harvest [1]

PROS

CONS

• Only available online
• Sometimes runs out of stock

BOTTOM LINE

A+

GRADE

• Unclear labels: All high-quality supplements should clearly list exactly what’s included in the formula. Avoid products lacking transparency about what is inside their vitamin D supplement.
• Missing safety testing & certifications: Choose a supplement that has been independently third-party lab tested and manufactured in the USA. These precautions will guarantee that the product is top quality and free from unwanted extras, such as contaminants, traces of heavy metals, or pesticides.
• Choosing according to price: When it comes to your health, this is definitely not an area to test out suspiciously cheap products. Before you’re tempted to go for the cheapest option, keep in mind that there are plentiful options to choose from that are high value and still affordable.

• Type of vitamin D: Try to look for a vitamin supplement made with vitamin D3, as this is thought to be more effective than vitamin D2. 
• Amount of vitamin D: The amount of vitamin D varies from supplement to supplement. Consult with your doctor to help select the right amount for your individual needs. 
• Ease of use: You are more likely to be consistent with a supplement that best suits your lifestyle, needs, and personal preferences. 
• Other nutrients: Check the label to find out whether the supplement combines vitamin D with calcium and other bone-supporting nutrients.

• Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol): Found in plant sources like mushrooms, yeast, and lichen.
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): Comes from animal sources like oily fish, liver, and egg yolks. This is the type formed in your skin when exposed to sunlight. 

Vitamin D deficiency is common around the world - affecting around 1 billion people globally. It is estimated that in the US, around 35% of adults have low vitamin D. [2]