Most people know by now that vitamin D is important for all sorts, including supporting our natural immunity, bones, muscles, heart and more.
Sometimes we can’t get enough from sunlight and our diet, so may wish to take a supplement. Here are 12 of the best vitamin D supplements for babies, children, and adults.
What is the best form of vitamin D to take?
There are two main forms of vitamin D:
- Vitamin D2: ergocalciferol, aka vitamin D2, is made by plants like wild mushrooms grown under UV lights
- Vitamin D3: cholecalciferol, aka vitamin D3, is made by our own bodies when we are exposed to adequate sunlight. Animal products like meta, fish, eggs and dairy, as well as a vegan fungus called lichen also naturally contain vitamin D3.
What is better - vitamin D or vitamin D3?
Research suggests that vitamin D3 is more important for our overall health than vitamin D2. Choose a supplement that contain optimal levels of both types or stick with the pure vitamin D3 supplements; vitamin D2 is not enough on its own.
Is it better to take vitamin D at night or in the morning?
It doesn’t really matter when you take your vitamin D supplement, as long as you do take it, preferably with a meal.
Some people may remember to take their vitamin D in the morning better than they would in the evening, just see what works for you.
What is the best vitamin D3 supplement for adults?
Adults who don’t get much vitamin D through their diets, like vegetarians and vegans, as well as those who don’t get outside much may consider taking a vitamin D supplement all year round.
Everyone else should consider a vitamin D supplement in at least the autumn and winter months as it’s much harder to get any from sunlight.
Read more: Vitamin D deficiency - How to identify and treat
1. Vitamin D3 tablets
Holland & Barrett Vitamin D3 – 10ug
- Provides daily recommended dose for most people of 10ug (the NHS recommends 10ug for most people)
- Also available in 25ug
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Easy to swallow
What our customers think:
ToriiaLouise – Such an essential product – 5/5 stars
“Been taking these for just over a week now and I'm really happy with them. They contain the RDA for vitamin D3 and they're suitable for vegetarians as well which is fantastic. I will continue to take this supplement.”
Diddles – Good product – 5/5 stars
“Have been taking this product for years as I don’t get enough sunlight with being unable to get out much. I wouldn’t take any other brand.”
2. Strong vitamin D tablets
Vitabiotics Ultra Vitamin D 2000IU Extra Strength Tablets
- A stronger dose of 50ug vitamin D3
- Easy to swallow
- Suitable for vegetarians
What our customers think:
FCFC – High strength – 5/5 stars
“Highest strength I can find over the counter, makes a difference to energy levels on dark winter days.”
Tinkerbell – Great vit D – 5/5 stars
“I bought this a while ago. Good price for a high strength d vit. Happy with it”
3. Vitamin D capsules
Holland & Barrett Vegetarian Vitamin D3 Capsules – 10ug
- Contains daily recommended dose for most people of 10ug (the NHS recommends 10ug for most people)
- Gelatine-free and suitable for vegetarians
- Can be easier to swallow than tablets
What our customers think:
TrishF – Vegetarian Vitamin D3 Capsules – 5/5 stars
“Capsule size makes this very easy to take. Only one a day required to meet adult normal daily requirement.”
Franam – Great supplement – 5/5 stars
“I bought these for my husband. Who finds them great. They are easy to take with no aftertaste."
4. Vitamin D gummies for adults
Holland & Barrett Vegetarian Vitamin D Gummies – 25ug
- Vitamin D chewable tablets with tasty strawberry flavour
- Contains 25ug of vitamin D3 per gummy
- Vitamin D3 gummies suitable for vegetarians – gelatine free
What our customers think:
Anonymous – Clever way to get grownups taking their vitamins! – 5/5 stars
“These are so nice, I have to stop myself eating more than one a day!”
Hearty and Healthy – Yummy Gummies – 5/5 stars
“I bought these as my husband did not like the minty flavoured Vitamin D sprays. He is very happy to munch one of these gummies every day. I know that it is important to take vitamin D especially in the winter months when we don't have much sunshine and I am hopeful that these will keep us healthy.”
5. Vitamin D liquid
Nature’s Garden Fast Acting Liquid Vitamin D3
- Contains 10ug of vitamin D per 4 drops of orange-flavour liquid
- You can alter the dose daily to suit your needs (do not exceed maximum dose)
- Easy to take vitamin d drops for adults & children, and vegetarian-friendly
What our customers think:
Chris McCulloch – Good vitamin D Supplement – 5/5 stars
“With all of the information about the health benefits of taking a vitamin D supplement. I would strongly recommend this one. I have felt more alert and more energetic since taking this product.”
Ollykins – Brilliant – 5/5 stars
“Brilliant for anyone who dislikes taking tablets and easy to get correct dosage with pipet. Pleasant mild orange flavour.”
6. The best vitamin D spray
Betteryou Dlux 4000 Vitamin D Daily Oral Spray Peppermint Flavour
- Maximum strength 4000IU (100mcg) vitamin D spray
- Scientifically formulated to deliver vitamin D directly into the bloodstream (instead of via the gut)
- Natural peppermint flavour – fresh breath + vitamin D!
What our customers think:
Moloney 2 – Excellent! – 5/5 stars
“This is an excellent way to increase your vitamin D level - it’s easy to use, has a pleasant minty taste and gets vitamin D into you! Perfect for those of us who aren’t that keen on taking tablets but need to raise our vitamin D levels.”
Trishb63 – Easy to use support for my immune system – 5/5 stars
“Happy with my Vit D. Love the ease of use. Even tastes good.”
7. Fish oil vitamin D
Holland & Barrett Omega 3 Plus Vitamin D3
- Enjoy the benefits of omega 3 and vitamin D3 with this fish oil
- Contains 25ug of vitamin D3 per serving + 1200mg of omega 3
- Supports normal cardiac function (this benefit is achieved with a daily dose of 250mg of DHA & EPA)
What our customers think:
ATL Studio – Great product and a bonus with the added omega 3! – 5/5 stars
“Originally looking for a Vit D tablet to see me through lockdown and found these. Great to have the added benefit of Omega 3, couldn't have asked for more.”
Jam1975 – Great product – 5/5 stars
“Great product, have been using it for years. My GP on a recent test said I had very healthy levels of vitamin D so to keep doing what I was doing.”
What is the best calcium and vitamin D supplement?
If you want to take vitamin D to support healthy and functioning bones and muscles, a calcium and vitamin D supplement could be for you.
8. Calcium + vitamin D tablets
Holland & Barrett Calcium plus Vitamin D 60 Tablets
- Combination of calcium and vitamin D for bone and muscle health
- Contains 600mg of calcium + 3ug of vitamin D per caplet
- Suitable for vegetarians
What our customers think:
Nelly wizz – Calcium plus vitamin D – 5/5 stars
“Only been taking for a short while and already feeling the benefits.”
Jenny 47 – Best calcium and vitamin D tablets – 5/5 stars
“I have had trouble with some calcium tablets causing stomach problems due to other ingredients in them, but these are perfect for me.”
What is the best vegan vitamin D supplement?
There are a few different vegan-friendly vitamin D supplements you can take, including vegan vitamin D3. Choose from vegan vitamin D capsules and sprays like the one below.
9. Vegan vitamin D3 spray
BetterYou Dlux Vegan Vitamin D Daily Oral Spray – 1000IU
- A simple are pure vegan formulation to maintain vitamin D levels
- Contains 25ug of vegan vitamin D3 per daily serving
- Flavour free with packaging made from ocean waste plastic
What our customers think:
Liily – Best vegan vitamin D supplement – 5/5 stars
“This is the only vegan vitamin D supplement I've been able to find which uses the more useful form of vitamin d3 rather than d2. The spray bottle is easy to use and the supplement is almost tasteless although it does leave an odd oily feeling in the mouth for a few seconds after use. Nothing bad enough to prevent me using it though. Overall, would definitely recommend to vegans looking for a quick and easy daily vitamin D supplement.”
Shelbs – Very good, would recommend – 5/5 stars
“Really pleased with this product. Easy to use and doesn't really taste of anything which suits me.”
What is the best vitamin D supplement for babies?
It is recommended that breastfed babies are given a vitamin D supplement containing 8.5-10ug of vitamin D every day, even if the breastfeeding mother is taking a vitamin D supplement.
Babies being fed an infant formula milk will not need to supplement as they will contain vitamin D already.
10. Newborn baby vitamin D drops
Natures Aid Vitamin D3 Drops for Children
- Vitamin D drops containing vitamin D3 for newborn babies up to 5-year olds
- Contains 5ug per 1ml, so 1-2 drops would be enough per day
- Odourless and flavourless; drop it directly into their mouth or mix with juice / food
What our customers think:
Del5 – Good quality drops – 5/5 stars
“Good quality drops. My daughter quite likes them and is always looking forward to taking them.”
JoLu – Easy, no hassle – 5/5 stars
“So easy to give my 1 yr old granddaughter. She doesn't know it's in her drink or porridge, but I know she's getting what she needs.”
What is the best vitamin d supplement for kids?
Children need vitamin D throughout their childhood to grow and stay healthy. Here are some supplements they may actually enjoy taking instead of fearing!
11. Vitamin D drops for kids
Holland & Barrett Healthy Kids Vitamin D3 Drops
- Provides 170% of vitamin D3 recommended for children 1-5 years old
- Unflavoured, so you can easily mix with water milk or juice
- Vitamin D3 drops great for children who can’t swallow tablets
What our customers think:
Carlzed – Fab – 5/5 stars
“Love these drops, I pop them.in my daughter’s milk in a morning she doesn't even know as there's no flavour, nice and simple :).”
Sarah2790 – Great product and price – 5/5 stars
“I add to my daughter’s milk she doesn't seem to notice. Easy to dispense from the bottle. Great price.”
12. Vitamin D gummies for kids
Vitabiotics Wellkid Peppa Pig Vitamin D Strawberry Flavour Jellies
- Provides the perfect amount of vitamin D3 for 3-7 year olds
- Delicious natural strawberry flavour soft jellies
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
What our customers think:
Louise P19 – Love these! – 5/5 stars
“Fab for kids! My daughter asked for one every morning!”
Harriets Mummy – Loves the strawberry flavour – 5/5 stars
“Our 3-year-old looks forward to her daily Peppa jelly. She loves the strawberry flavour.”
Summary
- Tablets, sprays, or liquid drops; we hope this guide has helped you determine which vitamin D supplement is best for you and your family
Best vitamin D supplements...
Last updated: 2 September 2021
