A fat-soluble vitamin with widespread low intake in northern climates.
How it works
Acts via the vitamin D receptor on calcium homeostasis, bone health, and immune cell signalling.
Evidence
Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline summarizes evaluation, treatment, and prevention of vitamin D deficiency, including recommended daily intake and tolerable upper limits.
Studies
Holick et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2011 (Endocrine Society guideline)
Recommends supplementation at suggested daily intake and tolerable upper limit levels (1000-4000 IU range for adults is detailed in the guideline body) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D measurement as the initial diagnostic test.
Bouillon et al., Endocr Rev, 2019
Reviews vitamin D physiology; cites 400 IU for rickets/osteomalacia prevention and 800 IU with calcium for fracture prevention in elderly.
Top products
Sorted by effective monthly costNow Foods Vitamin D3 2000 mg
Now Foods
- Per serving
- 2000 mg
- Studied midpointStudied range midpoint is used. Pricing assumes label-recommended servings.See methodology
- 2500 mg · 2/day
Effective cost
$0.11/day·$3/month
Nature Made Vitamin D3 2000 mg
Nature Made
- Per serving
- 2000 mg
- Studied midpointStudied range midpoint is used. Pricing assumes label-recommended servings.See methodology
- 2500 mg · 2/day
Effective cost
$0.19/day·$6/month
Thorne Vitamin D3 1000 mg
Thorne
- Per serving
- 1000 mg
- Studied midpointStudied range midpoint is used. Pricing assumes label-recommended servings.See methodology
- 2500 mg · 3/day
Effective cost
$0.60/day·$18/month