When to take it
Once daily with a meal containing fat, ideally in the morning or at lunch.
← All supplements
VitaminsStrong evidence
Vitamin D3
Also known as: cholecalciferol
Vitamin D3 is made in the skin in sunlight and is needed for calcium absorption, healthy bones, muscles and immunity. At central European latitudes the sun is too weak to make it from October to March, so low winter levels are very common.
What it is used for
- Treatment and prevention of vitamin D deficiency – strong evidence
- Maintenance of normal bones, muscles and immunity – strong evidence (EFSA)
- Slightly lower risk of acute respiratory infections with regular daily use – moderate evidence
- Better mood and prevention of chronic disease without deficiency – weak evidence
Forms and how they differ
cholecalciferol in oil or softgels
fat-soluble, well absorbed with food
spray
convenient dosing, comparable absorption
lichen-derived D3
vegan form of D3
D3 with K2
common pairing; benefit of the combination for bones and vessels is not clearly proven
Pairs well with
Vitamin K2, magnesium, calcium (if your dietary intake is low).
Do not combine / separate
Do not stack several vitamin D products (multivitamins, fish oil with D) so the doses do not add up beyond the limit.
Watch out for
Take care with kidney disease, sarcoidosis, high blood calcium and kidney stones. If you take medicines (e.g. diuretics, heart medicines), consult your doctor. In pregnancy discuss the dose with your doctor.
Safety
EFSA set an upper limit of 100 µg (4000 IU) per day for adults. Higher doses only based on a blood test and under medical supervision.
Practical tip
Have your 25(OH)D level measured in autumn or winter – then adjust the dose to the result.
Products containing Vitamin D3 45
Colostrum + Vitamin D3 800 mgpowder sachet · 800 mg / serving
Omega-3 fatty acids + Vitamin A + Vitamin D3 1000 mgcod liver oil · 1 000 mg / capsule
Omega-3 fatty acids + Vitamin D3 320 mgfish oil · 320 mg / serving
Omega-3 fatty acids + Vitamin D3 830 mgfish oil liquid · 830 mg / serving
Omega-3 fatty acids + Vitamin D3fish oil
Omega-3 fatty acids + Vitamin D3 900 mgfish oil · 900 mg / capsule
Calcium + Magnesium + Vitamin D3chewable
Calcium + Magnesium + Vitamin D3 + Zincmixed
Calcium + Vitamin D3 + Vitamin K2citrate + MK-7
Calcium + Vitamin D3 + Vitamin K2 + Boronmicrocrystalline hydroxyapatite
Vitamin A + Vitamin D3 10000 IUretinyl palmitate + cholecalciferol · 10 000 IU / capsule
Vitamin D3 vegetarian cholecalciferol 1000 IUvegetarian cholecalciferol · 1 000 IU / serving
Vitamin D3 + K2+ K2
Vitamin D3 + Vitamin K2 + Vitamin K1vegan
Vitamin D3 + Vitamin K2 5000 IUliquid · 5 000 IU / serving
Vitamin D3 + Vitamin K2liposomal
Vitamin D3 + Vitamin K2nanoemulsion
Vitamin D3 + Vitamin K2cholecalciferol + MK-7
Vitamin D3 + Vitamin K2 500 IUcholecalciferol + MK-7 in oil · 500 IU / serving
Vitamin D3 + Vitamin K2cholecalciferol + MK-7
Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol 1000 IUcholecalciferol · 1 000 IU / capsule
Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol + phylloquinone + menaquinone 1000 IUcholecalciferol + phylloquinone + menaquinone · 1 000 IU / capsule
Vitamin D3 + Vitamin K2 1000 IUcholecalciferol + MK-7 · 1 000 IU / capsule
Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol 1000 IUcholecalciferol · 1 000 IU / sp.per.kus
Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol 1000 IUcholecalciferol · 1 000 IU / serving
Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol 1000 IUcholecalciferol · 1 000 IU / tablet
Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol 1000 IUcholecalciferol · 1 000 IU / serving
Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol 2000 IUcholecalciferol · 2 000 IU / capsule
Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol 2000 IUcholecalciferol · 2 000 IU / tablet
Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol 400 IUcholecalciferol · 400 IU / serving
Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol 400 IUcholecalciferol · 400 IU / tablet
Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol 400 IUcholecalciferol · 400 IU / serving
Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol 4000 IUcholecalciferol · 4 000 IU / capsule
Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol + phylloquinone + menaquinone 4000 IUcholecalciferol + phylloquinone + menaquinone · 4 000 IU / capsule
Vitamin D3 + Vitamin K2 4000 IUcholecalciferol + all-trans MK-7 · 4 000 IU / capsule
Vitamin D3 + Vitamin K2 4000 IUlichen D3 + all-trans MK-7 · 4 000 IU / capsule
Vitamin D3 5000 IUcholecalciferol · 5 000 IU / capsule
Vitamin D3 + Vitamin K2 5000 IUcholecalciferol + MK-7 · 5 000 IU / capsule
Vitamin D3 5000 IUcholecalciferol · 5 000 IU / tablet
Vitamin D3 4000 IUcholecalciferol in oil · 4 000 IU / serving
Vitamin D3 500 IUcholecalciferol · 500 IU / serving
Vitamin D3 1000 IUcholecalciferol in oil · 1 000 IU / serving
Vitamin D3 400 IUcholecalciferol in oil · 400 IU / serving
Vitamin D3 1000 IUlichen cholecalciferol · 1 000 IU / serving
Vitamin A + Vitamin D3 + Vitamin E + Vitamin K2fat-soluble complex
How to read the evidence rating
Strong evidenceModerate evidenceWeak evidenceNo evidence
Strong = several good human studies or official recommendations; moderate = promising but smaller studies; weak = few studies or mixed results; no evidence = claims not confirmed.
Combination check
Select the supplements you take and, if relevant, your medicines. We show what interferes, what needs a time gap and what to watch out for.
Check Vitamin D3 with othersWhich supplements do you actually need?
Fénix Methode picks them from your blood results and schedules when to take what – no needless purchases.
From the same group
B complexModerate evidenceBeta-caroteneWeak evidenceBiotinWeak evidenceBrewer's yeastWeak evidenceCamu camuWeak evidenceCholineModerate evidence
Important notice
This information is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist. We do not give medicine dosages. Supplements are no substitute for a varied diet; if pregnant, breastfeeding, ill or on medication, consult a doctor first.