Vitamin D, also known as the ‘Sunshine Vitamin’ is essential for our body. Vitamin D is vital as it helps the body to absorb calcium, the important mineral for promoting bone growth and maintaining bone density. While a large proportion of vitamin requirements are met through your diet, there are a very few natural foods that contain vitamin D. These include fortified milk and cereals, fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel.

The recommended daily dosage of vitamin D is 400 IU for children up to 1 year, 600 IU for those in the age group 1 to 70 years, and 800 IU for those aged over 70. Studies have proved that Vitamin D intake has an effect on reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, improves cognitive health, reduces the risk of multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, and osteomalacia. Vitamin D is helpful to treat inherited disorders, plaque-type of psoriasis, and rickets as well.

Hence, it is very important that you get the recommended dose of vitamin D. If inadequate, supplements can be taken under advice from a doctor. Here are some of the best vitamin D supplements that can help meet the recommended daily dosage. These supplements are the best for those who live in cold places and do not get sufficient exposure to the sun.

Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3

Each softgel capsule provides concentrated 5000 IU of vitamin D3, dissolved in olive oil and oleic acid (omega 9 fatty acid). Flavored with a natural orange extract, the softgels are preserved with rosemary extract. This is the pure source of vitamin D.

It provides vitamin D3 in a purely concentrated form, ensuring that your daily needs are met by a single capsule. However, vegans might have to think twice as the softgel is made of gelatin.

Do Vitamins Daily D D3

If you’re a vegan, Do Vitamins Daily D offers your best source of vitamin D. Each capsule contains 2500 IU of D3, derived from plant sources. Lichens are used to source this vitamin. There is no chance of contamination with doping agents, making it a suitable supplement for sportspersons.

With limited sources of plant vitamin D, the Do Vitamins Daily D is a tad expensive compared to other brands of vitamin D supplements.

Carlson Labs D3

The fast soluble D3 vitamin dissolved in safflower and corn oil is encased in a soft gelatin capsule, each delivering 1000 IU of the sunshine vitamin. Available in its most concentrated and pure form, this is one product that can meet your Vitamin D supplemental needs.

Nutrigold Vitamin D3

It is an allergen-free supplement and perfect choice for those who are allergic to products like soy, wheat or fish. These gelatin capsules are manufactured on exclusive equipment reducing the chance of any other additions. Each capsule delivers 1000 IU of vitamin D3. You get capsules delivering 2000 IU as well. With no compromise on quality, you’re assured to get your money’s worth.

Naturewise Vitamin D3

If you live in the extreme North, with hardly any sunshine to bank on, Naturewise Vitamin D3 is your best choice. Delivering 5000 IU per capsule, the main ingredients are vitamin D and olive oil along with gelatin and glycerin in the softgel encasing the vitamin supplement. With 360 capsules contained in each bottle, it’s total value for money.

Although the recommended intake is set at a maximum of 600 IU per day, it is believed that the body on its own can synthesize several thousand IUs per day by sunlight exposure. Hence, the supplements deliver a higher concentration of vitamin D.

It is best to monitor your vitamin D supplement intake as a higher intake of supplements can lead to several health issues which include nausea, constipation, disorientation, kidney damage, vomiting, weight loss, poor appetite, weakness, and heart rhythm problems. It is best to monitor the levels and adjust the supplementation accordingly.