

Theralogix Thera-D 2,000 IU tops our list because of its simple ingredients, easy to swallow capsule, and third-party certification by NSF-one of our most trusted third-party testing organizations. Along with the D3 form, we considered dose and third-party or in-house testing for potency and purity for our top vitamin D recommendations. When choosing a vitamin D supplement, you’ll want to look for D3, which is the most absorbable form. “No matter what time of year, older adults, people with darker skin, and anyone who has difficulty absorbing fat could benefit from a vitamin D supplement because of decreased production from sunlight or a limited ability to absorb the vitamin,” says Kelsey Kunik, RDN, nutrition advisor at Fin vs Fin. Supplements are helpful to increase blood levels of vitamin D and are often recommended to both correct deficiency as well as to maintain adequate levels throughout the winter months. Vitamin D is available in some foods such as fortified milk, sockeye salmon, mushrooms, and soy products, as well as from supplements. It’s estimated that at least 30% of the U.S population is vitamin D deficient, and many more are considered vitamin D insufficient (blood vitamin D levels < 30nmol/L). it is not possible to get enough sun exposure during the fall, winter, and early spring months to produce adequate levels of vitamin D.

However, time of year, time of day, your age, and the color of your skin all affect how much vitamin D you’re able to produce from sun exposure. Sun exposure is the main source of vitamin D for most people. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a number of health concerns including type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and autoimmune diseases, though more research is needed to understand the relationship. It may also play a role in depression, though more research is needed. Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in bone health, immune health, muscle function, hormones, and carbohydrate metabolism.
