The 3 best vitamin D supplements, according to a pharmacist

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# Partner offer
> Plant-based Vitamin D3 – Naturavignon
🎁 promo code -10%: D3-DN

# Best vitamin D drops 🥇
> Plant-based Vitamin D – Nutri&Co

# Best vitamin D capsules
> Plant-based Vitamin D3 & Micro-encapsulated – Novoma

# Excellent capsule alternative
> Vitamin D3 – Dynveo

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We analyzed 13 products according to 6 criteria and selected 3 vitamin D supplements.

The dietary supplements we’ve selected are all made in France and contain no additives.

Best over-the-counter vitamin D

Our selection criteria

• Form : vitamin D is available in liquid form (drops, sprays or ampoules), and in solid form (softgels, capsules, tablets). The liquid format is generally more economical.
• Bioavailability : the supplement’s formulation influences its effectiveness: an oily, microencapsulated or liposomal form will be more effective than a tablet or a standard capsule.
• Origin : vitamin D3, more effective than vitamin D2, can be extracted from plants (mushrooms, algae) or animals (sheep’s wool). We have selected only plant-based vitamin D.
• Price / day (1000 IU) : this is the price for 1 day of treatment, for a dose of 1000 IU (International Units) of vitamin D.
• Customer reviews : these reviews are sourced from the brand’s website, Amazon, or review platforms.
• Our opinion on the brand : based on the tests of supplement brands we conduct every month.

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Partner offer

# PLANT-BASED VITAMIN D3

Verified customer reviews (Naturavignon.fr):

✪✪✪✪✪ 5/5
“Vitamin D3 is absolutely essential for maintaining overall health. I confirm that I absolutely no longer need to see a doctor. I also confirm that I am absolutely not afraid of COVID or the flu.”
Bernard L.

✪✪✪✪✪ 5/5
“I am satisfied with this product”
Paul M.

✪✪✪✪✪ 5/5
“Great for replacing sunlight”
Annick R.

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# Best vitamin D drops 🥇

Nutri&Co’s Vitamin D is liquid and 100% plant-based. Its quality/price ratio is particularly good, with a daily treatment cost of €0.06.

To optimize its absorption by the body, vitamin D3 is incorporated into organic rapeseed oil. The presence of vitamin E reduces the risk of rancidity.

Daily dosing is easy, with 1000 IU per drop. Usable from age 4, the product is ideal for the whole family.

We like the Nutri&Co brand because it is reliable and transparent (read our full review here). We also note that customer reviews are very good.

This brand is based in Aix-en-Provence and places particular importance on the quality of the active ingredients in its products.

Use the promo code DARWINGIFT to receive a free surprise product (minimum purchase of €70).

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# Best vitamin D capsules

Novoma’s vitamin D3 is a 100% plant-based vitamin D and is micro-encapsulated in capsules. 

Novoma uses a highly bioavailable D3V vitamin. This vitamin is derived from algae, is suitable for vegans, and provides traceability across the entire supply chain with full quality control. The production of this oil is guaranteed pesticide-free.

Each bottle contains a 2 to 4 month supply. From age 6.

Novoma offers dietary supplements developed and manufactured in France, in accordance with French standards. The active ingredients are high-quality and benefit from strict traceability: the products’ certificates of analysis are available.

Novoma develops products without GMOs or controversial chemical additives, cruelty-free, and at a fair price (see our full review).

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# Excellent capsule alternative

Dynveo’s vitamin D is a vitamin D3 extracted from lichen, available in 1,000 or 2,000 IU per capsule.

Vitamin D3 is microencapsulated for optimal absorption: powdered vitamin D is encased in a plant matrix (acacia fiber), which allows better solubilization in water. This form provides improved stability and reduces the risk of rancidity, with no added additives.

The pullulan capsules are made from tapioca and are natural.

Conveniently, Dynveo sells two vitamin D strengths: 1,000 IU and 2,000 IU, the latter suited for higher needs.

Dynveo is a laboratory based in the south of France. The products are guaranteed pure with no additives or allergenic excipients. Ingredient selection criteria are strict and the products are 100% natural (read our full Dynveo review).

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What are the benefits of vitamin D?

Supports bone and muscle health

The vitamin D or calciferol is a prohormone. We synthesize it in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol under the effect of UV rays from the sun.

It can also be obtained through the diet (fatty fish, eggs, milk…) and dietary supplements, recommended to prevent deficiencies in winter, when we are less exposed to the sun.

By improving bone density, it reduces the risk of fractures and the onset of certain conditions like osteoporosis.

It also contributes to proper muscle function. On the one hand, it promotes the renewal and regeneration of muscle fibers. On the other hand, it increases strength, enhances muscle tone and promotes muscle contraction.

Whatever its origin, it plays an essential role in bone health. It is particularly involved in calcium absorption and in the mineralization of bones and joints.

Supports cognitive function

Beneficial for the brain, it supports intellectual and cognitive functions such as memory. That is why the risk of cognitive disorders is higher in people who are deficient in vitamin D.

Thanks to its protective action on neuronal cells, it slows cognitive decline. As shown by this study, it appears to be able to prevent or treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers disease.

Strengthens the immune system

As shown by this study, it is of great help in fighting microbes and viruses. Thus, it prevents infectious diseases such as the flu or the common cold.

It stimulates various immune cells, including T lymphocytes or “natural killer cells”. These white blood cells protect the body in the event of viral or bacterial infections or autoimmune diseases.

Regulates hormones

Vitamin D is considered a true hormone and plays a key role in the hormonal balance, fluctuations of the menstrual cycle, and female reproduction.

In a clinical trial carried out on 897 adolescents suffering from premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea, vitamin D supplementation for 9 weeks a significantly improved the symptoms (notably pain and mood disturbances).

Reduces skin inflammation

Vitamin D allows the proliferation of keratinocytes, the cells that cover our skin and provide its protection. Additionally, it is essential for a proper hydration of the stratum corneum.

This study indicates that a deficiency in vitamin D increases skin dryness and promotes the onset of itching. 

Vitamin D plays an essential role in the severity of atopic dermatitis (eczema) but also in the case of psoriasis. Thus, another study of 86 patients (43 patients with psoriasis and 43 control subjects) concludes that psoriatic patients have a lower level of vitamin D in the blood, and blood markers of inflammation are higher.

Where to buy vitamin D?

• The pharmacies and parapharmacies
• The organic stores
• The specialty stores (sports nutrition, dietary supplements…p)
• The specialized e-commerce sites

If you want to buy online, prefer low-cost organic online stores like Kazidomi or La Fourche. Also check the websites of resellers, laboratories, and supplement brands.

In what form ?

In drops

The preparation can be liquid (microemulsion) or oily and is taken in drops. Vitamin D is fat-soluble: an oily form is more advantageous than a tablet form, as observed by this study.

The microemulsion is made of fatty substances and acacia gum. Very stable, the body absorbs it quickly and assimilates it fully. Moreover, the drops mix easily with water, unlike the oily form.

The oil form offers good bioavailability. However, it is sensitive to oxidation. Vitamin D can therefore degrade quickly.

The richer an oil is in fatty acids, the faster it oxidizes. For better stability, favor oil-based preparations made from olive oil or high-oleic sunflower oil, and avoid formulations based on rapeseed (canola) oil. They should contain vitamin E, which protects against rancidity.

In ampoules

More readily absorbed than hard capsules, softgels contain vitamin D in an oil solution. The encapsulation process provides greater protection against oxidation.

It’s also a convenient format and easier to take than drops.

This format is reserved for medications.

In capsules and tablets

This is a dry form. These dietary supplements are convenient to take and easy to find. However, they do not offer optimal absorption by the body.

Since it is fat-soluble, vitamin D should be taken with a meal that is high in fat (lipids).

Moreover, they often contain controversial synthetic additives. Therefore, these forms are not to be preferred.

In micro-encapsulated capsules

Unlike standard powder-filled hard capsules, microencapsulation allows vitamin D powder to be enclosed within an acacia fiber. The capsule is thus water-soluble and its absorption is facilitated.

The other advantage of this technique is that it does not require the addition of additives for the transport of vitamin D. The oxidation of the product is also reduced.

What is liposomal vitamin D ?

It is called liposomal when it is encapsulated in fatty microbeads called  liposomes . It is available in dry form (capsules/tablets) or in liquid form (microemulsion/oil).

This form shows superior absorption and very good stability.

What criteria should be taken into account ?

1. Synthetic or natural ?

Vitamin D can be synthetic or natural. The former is manufactured by pharmaceutical laboratories using various chemicals.

The latter, for its part, is of animal origin or derived from plant sources such as lichen. 

The human body absorbs the natural form better than the synthetic form.

2. Animal-derived or plant-based ?

When it is of animal origin, it most often comes from lanolin (fat or wool wax of 

sheep). Quality is very variable, so it is essential to be able to obtain the products’ certificates of analysis, specifying the chemicals used to produce vitamin D.

 It can also be extracted from fish liver oil such as cod or halibut.

Cod liver oil is an important source of vitamin A. To avoid the risk of hypervitaminosis A, daily use of cod liver oil is not recommended.

It is also present in certain plants such as boreal lichen (Cladonia rangiferina) or red algae, notably lithothamnion. It is therefore suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Whether animal or plant-based, the origin of vitamin D does not affect its effectiveness.

3. Vitamin D2 or D3 ?

Vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol is naturally present in certain plants such as mushrooms and yeasts. 

Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol is the one mainly produced by the body under the action of UVB. It can also come from lanolin or from plants exposed to UVB radiation. It’s the one most often found on the market.

Favor the D3 form rather than D2. It is better absorbed, more stable, and appears more effective as shown by this study.

4. Daily or intermittent intake? 

Vitamin D supplementation is available as daily doses, or as monthly or quarterly doses (depending on needs), in the form of ampoules highly concentrated in vitamin D. These are produced by chemical synthesis and generally contain excipients.

Ampoules are classified as medicines and are only dispensed with a prescription from the treating physician.

Please follow medical prescriptions. 

Although administering high doses has some advantages, several studies find that daily doses are more effective for obtaining the benefits of vitamin D compared with a single concentrated dose.

5. Vitamin D content

It is most often expressed in IU (International Unit) or in µg (microgram). For balanced intakes, choose a supplement providing 800 to 1500 IU per day, depending on your needs (risk factors and biological analysis*).

6. Manufacturing method

The production of vitamin D3 from sheep lanolin sometimes involves the use of chemicals or solvents. Check this point to avoid finding residues in the final product.

If it is plant-derived, choose products made without chemicals or pesticides.

7. Composition

Choose a dietary supplement without preservatives, without flavorings, and without synthetic colorings. If possible, opt for a certified organic product.

8. Price

The price is about €20 for 60 organic capsules.

Expect about €20 for 30 ml of vitamin D in microemulsion or in oil form.

Capsules can be found for around €15 per 100.

To summarize

To be sure to choose high-quality vitamin D, check:

1. Form : opt for a natural form rather than a synthetic one. Prefer D3 over D2
2. Origin: prefer plant-based sources if you are vegetarian or vegan
3. Daily or intermittent intake: unless medically prescribed, a daily intake is recommended
4. Vitamin D content : choose a supplement providing 1000 to 2000 IU per day
5. Manufacturing method: free from chemicals, solvents, and pesticides
6. Composition: the product should be free of preservatives, artificial flavors, and synthetic colorants
7. Price : it’s about €20 for 60 organic capsules or for 30 ml in microemulsion or oil form. Expect €15 for 100 capsules

*Precautions for use

A long-term regimen should be based on a biological analysis to avoid unjustified supplementation.

Some populations are at higher risk of deficiencies: older adults (the body’s ability to absorb vitamin D decreases with age), people with medium or dark skin (synthesis from sun exposure is less effective), strict vegetarians, and people suffering from intestinal diseases.

A lack of sunlight and a diet low in vitamin D can be risk factors for deficiency.

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Best vitamin D drops

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Report produced by Louise Talleu (pharmacist) and Julia Perez (health editor).

When you buy the selected products, a commission may be paid to us to support the site, pay our writers and ensure you receive quality information. This does not affect the prices.