Best Vitamin D3 Supplements Ranked

According to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS), 20% of adults in the UK experience Vitamin D deficiency due to inadequate exposure to sunlight and low abundance of vitamin D in many plant-based foods.

Dietary supplements offer a convenient way to boost vitamin D uptake for people at risk of developing vitamin deficiency. Vitamin D supplements contain two different types, D2 (ergocalciferol) & D3 (cholecalciferol). Both forms are effective in restoring serum vitamin D levels, but D3 is better for the job and causes a more rapid and sustained increase in the vitamin D levels in the blood. 

Before going for vitamin D supplementation, check the blood vitamin D levels through blood tests. Welzo’s Vitamin D Blood Test is convenient and accurate and delivers accurate results within two days. To get instant results within 10 minutes, check the Suresign Vitamin D Test.

How did we select the products?  

To facilitate the readers, we thoroughly searched the nutraceutical market and sorted and ranked the top 7 vitamin D3 products. We consulted the registered nutritionists and asked their opinions and recommendations about different products. Then, we analysed each recommended product based on cost, doctors' recommendations, third-party verification, the dose of D3 present, user reviews and ratings by the Welzo health professionals.

The Welzo Health Content Advisors finally reviewed the article to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the information. 

The 7 best products that satisfy our ranking criteria are; 

Product’s Summary

Best overall: Lamberts Vitamin D3 1000iu Capsules 

Product specifications 

Price & availability: £13.01 (buy Lamberts Vitamin D3 1000iu Capsules at Welzo)

Packing size: 120 capsules

Form: Gelatin capsules

Dose of D3: 25 mcg (1000 IU)

Vegan friendly: No

Third-party tested: No

Serving size: 

User rating: 5/ 5 (based on 120 reviews at Welzo)

Why do we choose it?: Lamberts Vitamin D3 Capsules offer a practical and cost-effective solution for addressing vitamin D deficiency in regions of the UK with limited sunlight exposure. Its formulation consists of D3, gelatin, glycerin and sunflower oil tailored to the dietary needs of adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. The presence of gelatin, however, makes it unsuitable for vegetarians or vegans. It is free from common allergens, e.g., milk, eggs, soy, wheat, barley, nuts, lactose, yeast, gluten, fish and shellfish. Additionally, it has the best safety margin as no side effects occur at the recommended doses. 

Vegetarian approved product: Pro D3 400IU Capsules

Product specifications 

Price & availability: £8.98 (buy Pro D3 400IU Capsules at Welzo)

Packing size: 30 capsules

Form: Capsules 

Dose of D3: 10 mcg (400 IU)

Vegan friendly: No (only vegetarian)

Third-party tested: Yes (Kosher & Halal certified)

Serving size: 1-2 capsules per day (follow doctor’s recommendations)

User rating: 4.5/ 5 (based on 30 reviews at Welzo)

Why do we choose it?: Pro D3 400iu Capsules offer a fast-acting and odourless Vitamin D supplement with minimal unwanted ingredients and a moderate amount of D3 per capsule. It contains high-grade vitamin D3, which improves bone health by boosting the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. It is free from gluten, preservatives, salt, yeast, soy, peanuts, and gelatin and caters to the dietary needs of a diverse array of people. Manufactured in the UK under ISO and GMP/ HACCP certified facilities and externally tested for safety, it provides a convenient once-a-day dose for maintaining optimal health. Halal and Vegetarian certification are the additional plus points. 

Best hypoallergenic formula: YPV Vitamin D3 1000iu Tablets 

Product specifications 

Price & availability: £8.91 (buy YPV Vitamin D3 1000iu Tablets at Welzo)

Packing size: 180 tablets

Form: Tablets

Dose of D3: 25 mcg (1000 IU)

Vegan friendly: No (suitable only for vegetarians)

Third-party tested: Yes

Serving size: 1 capsule daily

User rating: 5/ 5 (based on 180 reviews at Welzo)

Why do we choose it?: The YPV Vitamin D3 1000iu Tablets support bone health and bolster the immune system by aiding calcium absorption. Sourced from natural ingredients and free from unwanted allergens, these tablets promise to fill the dietary gaps and are suitable for vegetarians. The availability in biodegradable bottles reflects the environmental consciousness of the company. Additionally, it is free from common allergens, e.g., nuts, gluten, and dairy and is the best choice for people with food sensitivities.

With a once-daily dosage recommendation and cautionary advice for specific groups, this product offers convenience and safety.

Best flavoured product: Pro D3 Liquid (2000 IU/ml)

Product specifications 

Price & availability: £26.60 (buy Pro D3 Liquid 2000 IU/ml at Welzo)

Packing size: 50ml

Form: Oral drops

Dose of D3: 50 mcg (2000 IU)/ ml

Vegan friendly: No (only vegetarian friendly)

Third-party tested: Yes

Serving size: 0.5-1 ml for adults, 0.2-0.4ml for children

User rating: 4.5/ 5 (based on 80 reviews at Welzo)

Why do we choose it?: Pro D3 2000IU Liquid offers British pharmacopoeia-grade vitamin D3 in an orange-flavoured formula. It is equally suitable for adults, children, and infants from 6 months. Approved by the Vegetarian Society and Halal Monitoring Committee, it's free from gelatine, preservatives, salt, yeast, peanuts, soy, alcohol, and polyethylene glycol. Due to liquid formulation, it is easy to blend with different foods and drinks. This supplement is gelatin-free, gluten-free, and contains no artificial colours, binders, fillers, or sweeteners, ensuring a high-quality, convenient option for vitamin D supplementation for people with dietary restrictions and food sensitivities.

Best for children: Zinplex D3 Syrup for juniors

Product specifications 

Price & availability: £5.85 (buy Zinplex D3 Syrup for juniors at Welzo)

Packing size: 200ml

Form: Oral syrup

Dose of D3: 10 mcg (4000 IU)/ 5ml serving

Vegan friendly: No

Third-party tested: N/ A

Serving size: 5ml

User rating: 5/ 5 (based on 52 reviews at Welzo)

Why do we choose it?: ZINPLEX® JUNIOR Syrup with Vit D3 is a sugar-free vitamin and mineral supplement for children. It is an excellent blend of essential nutrients that promotes immune function and overall health. Key ingredients include zinc, selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin D3, each crucial for various bodily functions. It is an oral syrup, and dosages vary according to age. The usage guidelines are;

• 3-12 months: 2ml daily
• 1-3 years: 5ml daily
• 4-10 years: 10ml daily
• 9-12 years: 12.5ml daily

It is well-tolerated as there are moderate doses of all nutrients. However, be cautious not to exceed recommended doses and consult healthcare professionals, especially when using during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or with concurrent medication use.

Queen’s Award winner: Vitabiotics ultra Vitamin D3 (2000 IU) 

Product specifications 

Price & availability: £8.60 (buy Vitabiotics ultra Vitamin D3 2000 IU at Welzo)

Packing size: 96 tablets

Form: Oral tablets

Dose of D3: 50 mcg (2000 IU)

Vegan friendly: No (only vegetarian friendly)

Third-party tested: Yes

Serving size: 1 tablet daily

User rating: 5/ 5 (based on 88 reviews at Welzo)

Why do we choose it?: Ultra Vitamin D 2000IU by Vitabiotics is Britain's leading vitamin D supplement, formulated for extra strength to support overall health. It provides 2000 IU of vitamin D3 per tablet, the preferred form for optimal absorption. It helps maintain immune function and supports the body's absorption and utilisation of calcium. Especially beneficial during winter months, this supplement is an essential safeguard against D3 deficiency. It shows Vitabiotics' commitment to the Science of Healthy Living.

Best high strength formula: HuxD3 D3 Capsules (20000 IU)

Product specifications 

Price & availability: £4.72 (buy HuxD3 D3 Capsules at Welzo)

Packing size: 30 vegetarian capsules

Form: Oral capsules

Dose of D3: 500 mcg (20000 IU)

Vegan friendly: No (only vegetarian friendly)

Third-party tested: No

Serving size: As per doctor’s recommendations

User rating: 4.29/ 5 (based on 72 reviews at Welzo)

Why do we choose it?: HUXD3 offers a high-potency vitamin D supplement that's allergen-free and Halal-compliant and caters to the dietary needs of different types of people. It boosts bone health, immune support, and overall well-being. It is free of common allergens like gluten, alcohol, and preservatives and has a vegetarian capsule shell made from botanically sourced ingredients. The health professionals recommend taking just one capsule every two weeks with the largest meal for optimal absorption. However, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the best vitamins to be used with D3 supplements? 

Several vitamins and minerals complement vitamin D. These include calcium, phosphorus, vitamin K, vitamin A and magnesium. Consult the dietician for other suitable combinations. 

The D3/ K2 combo is particularly very effective. Visit our informative page to learn about Best 7 Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplements UK.

Is it fine to take vitamin D supplements every day? 

There is no issue as soon as the doses are within the maximum tolerable limit. This limit for D3 is 4000 IU (100 mcg). Being a fat-soluble vitamin, the excess amount is not easily removed. According to health professionals, regularly taking more than 4000 IU of vitamin D3 is not recommended and doses higher than 10000 IU per day cause vitamin D toxicity in some users.

What is the recommended daily dose of D3? 

The reference daily intake (RDI) depends upon age and health status. According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, it is 400 IU for infants under one year, 600 IU for children and adults and 800 IU for seniors above 7. The RDI during pregnancy is variable and is in the range of 600-4000 IU.

What must be avoided when taking D3 Supplements? 

People allergic to any form of vitamin D must avoid D3 supplements. It is not suitable for people with adequate vitamin D and calcium. Likewise, any health condition that influences the absorption of nutrients from the digestive organs demands caution while using any dietary supplement.

Who should avoid D3 supplements? 

People with kidney diseases, e.g., kidney stones and kidney failure, having adequate or higher levels of D3, having calcification and sarcoidosis due to higher calcium levels, must avoid D3 supplements unless recommended by the healthcare provider.

What are the symptoms of excessive intake of D3? 

Regularly taking higher doses of vitamin D3 causes an unhealthy buildup of calcium in the body (hypercalcemia) that causes symptoms, e.g., frequent urination, weakness, bone pain,  vomiting and nausea. Sometimes, kidney stones develop.

How to boost vitamin D levels quickly and naturally? 

Vitamin D-rich foods offer an alternate and effective way to boost D3 levels. These include salmon, fortified cereals, cod liver oil, fortified dairy products, orange juice, oily fish, mushroom and whole milk. 

Conclusion 

The review summarised the best and top-ranked vitamin D3 supplements in the market that satisfy the needs of a wide variety of people. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, and for best absorption, taken with a fatty meal, e.g., peanut butter and olive oil. Before choosing any supplement, consult the healthcare provider or a dietician for personalised advice and to know how much vitamin D is necessary.

Visit Welzo to get personalised health advice and purchase the desired supplements after consulting the Welzo health professionals.