Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because your body produces it when your skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light. It is an essential nutrient for bone health, supporting calcium absorption and bone development, but it can also influence inflammation, regulate the immune system and affect blood sugar control. Many of us may benefit from a vitamin D supplement, given that there aren’t many food sources of vitamin D. If you don’t get much direct sun exposure, have difficulty absorbing fat, or have elevated needs due to life stages like pregnancy, you may especially benefit from adding a vitamin D supplement.
To find the best vitamin D supplement, look for quality options that have been independently verified to ensure that you're getting what's advertised on the bottle. Also, keep in mind that vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means taking your supplement alongside a meal or snack that contains fat will help your body absorb more of the nutrient. Our team of registered dietitians researched and reviewed the most popular vitamin D supplements to bring you the best of the best, considering form, dosage, taste, testing, and value.
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Editor's Note
Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every single supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology.
Vitamin D supplements may not be a good idea for those taking statins or Thiazide diuretics.
Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs, and to find out what dosage to take.