Best Vitamin D Supplements For a Healthy Body

Vitamin D. It's the most talked-about supplement in the wellness world right now, and not without good reason. Having optimal Vitamin D levels is vital for so many bodily functions, from maintaining a fighting-fit heart and immune system, to protecting brain, joint and circulatory health. But, with so many different vitamin options out there, how do you know what's right for you? When should you take Vitamin D - and does specific dosage matter? From tablets and capsules to gummies and sprays, we've rounded up the very best Vitamin D supplements of 2021 for every lifestyle, budget and health concern.

Just one thing to remember: Before you add any supplements to your routine, be sure to consult with a medical professional such as your GP - especially if you're concerned about your Vitamin D intake.

By Emily Kemp, 19 April 2021

How we choose the best Vitamin D supplements

When it comes to your health, it pays to spend time doing your research. But with so much information floating around online, it's not always that simple. That's why we've done the legwork for you. When choosing the best Vitamin D supplements, we combed through our sources far and wide, taking into account a combination of expert opinions, price considerations and of course: those all-important customer reviews. Yep, those five star ratings for your favourite sunshine supplements never go unnoticed.

How do you know if you should take Vitamin D?

We spoke to Dr. Sarah Brewer, Medical Director and supplement expert at Healthspan to get some professional insight. Her advice? Everyone should take Vitamin D during the autumn and winter months. That's because it's hard to get enough Vitamin D from your diet alone, and the sun isn't strong enough to provide it during these months. Also, some people are more at risk of Vitamin D deficiency than others. For example: if you're older, if you have limited sun exposure due to your lifestyle, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. If you fall into one of these categories, check with your doctor about how much Vitamin D is right for you.

How much Vitamin D should you take? Can you take too much?

Dr. Brewer explained that there's a safe upper intake level of Vitamin D recommended by the EU - it's 100mcg per day or 4000 IU (IU stands for International Unit and is used as an internationally accepted standard to measure fat-soluble vitamins). Too much Vitamin D can cause unpleasant side effects due to disturbances in calcium metabolism. Excess amounts can trigger headaches, a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, palpitations and fatigue - basically a whole host of unwanted symptoms. To stay safe, make sure you don't exceed the upper limit of 4000 IU a day.

Is there a difference between Vitamin D2 and D3?

Yes, there is a difference. Dr. Brewer explains, "Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is the form most important for human health, so it's the best form to take as a supplement. Vitamin D3 (Ergocalciferol) is the plant form of the vitamin, and it has a slightly different structure, making it less beneficial for maintaining our Vitamin D levels." That's why all our recommended supplements below contain Vitamin D3.