Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for good health. Single-handedly, it is one of the most crucial nutrients. Vitamin D has a few very important functions, and perhaps the most vital are regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and enabling support to the immune system. Most people in the United States, as well as worldwide, take less than expert-recommended amounts of vitamin D. Optimal vitamin D intake is essential for normal growth and development of strong bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance against certain diseases. The natural type of vitamin D is produced on the skin only as a response to sun exposure, when ultraviolet (UV) energy from sunlight strikes the skin converting the precursor to vitamin D. Sometimes vitamin D is even called the “sunshine vitamin”.
It is currently estimated that nearly 1 bn people worldwide have Vitamin D deficiency, making it a major global public health issue in all age groups.
Homebound individuals who stay little time outside due to work, ill health, a lack of outdoor space in their neighborhood; people who wear complete body coverings or headscarves for cultural or religious reasons, are among the population groups that are unlikely to acquire adequate amounts of vitamin D from regular sun exposure. Sunscreen use also lowers vitamin D synthesis from sunlight. If this is the case, it is recommended either to take vitamin D supplements or include vitamin D-fortified food in the diet.
Vitamin D Contributes to:
- Preventing fractures of bones and keep bones healthy by increasing the intestinal calcium absorption
- In older people, preventing falls and osteoporosis
- Reducing the risk of some types of cancers (prostate, colorectal, and breast cancers)
- Reducing the risk of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, especially in young people and in those living at high altitude, as it stimulates the pancreas to make insulin
- Protecting against heart disease, including hypertension and heart failure, due to the high correlation between vitamin D and hypertension
- Reducing risk for multiple sclerosis
- Supporting mental health, improve cognitive function and battle depression. Individuals with vitamin D deficiency are at a greater risk of developing depression
- Supporting lung function and reducing the risk of viral upper respiratory infections. Some studies have found that vitamin D interacts with cells responsible for fighting infection.
Vitamin D Deficiency or Insufficiency:
- Results in impaired bone metabolism and bone damage
- In children, it can cause delays in growth and rickets, a condition that results in softening and weakening of bones.
- In adults, it triggers lower than normal bone mass, causing osteomalacia, osteoporosis, and the likelihood of hip and other non-spinal fractures.
Vitamin D deficiency can develop from limited exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) sunlight; inefficient production in the skin when kidneys cannot convert vitamin D to its active form; a strict vegan diet as most of the natural sources of Vitamin D are animal-based; certain medical problems, including Crohn’s disease, obesity.
The recommended intakes for vitamin D is difficult to judge, as it is dependent on sun exposure. Treatment for vitamin D deficiency involves getting more vitamin D — through diet and supplements. Vitamin D exists in two main biological forms: D2 (ergocalciferol, found in certain mushrooms) and D3 (cholecalciferol, found in flesh of fatty fish, egg yolks).
Vitamin D3 supplements may be taken daily, once a week, or once a month. Supplements come in a variety of forms, including tablets, gummies, oils, and sprays. Supplementation with vitamin D3 chewable gummies is an incredibly popular and convenient way to get the recommended daily vitamin D3 support and boost immunity for both kids and adults. Vitamin D3 gummies have appealing flavors, pleasant taste, they are easy to take.
BOTTOMLINE:
To maintain optimal blood levels, recommended dietary intakes of vitamin D3 are around 1000 international units per day (IU/day) for children and 2000 IU/day for adults. Do not exceed the recommended initial and subsequent dose without consulting a healthcare professional.
Supplements of vitamin D3 come in 6 different forms. Below are the reviews.
DR. MORITZ – Best Vitamin D3 Gummies for Kids
DR. MORITZ’s Vitamin D Gummies is an efficient and easily absorbed form of vitamin D supplementation. Gummies have a tasty multi-fruit flavor (available in peach, strawberry, mango), which is a convenient way to support the immunity of kids on a daily basis. Unlike typical vitamin D gummies, DR. MORITZ’s jellies are tooth-friendly; they do not stick to the teeth causing cavities. Each gummy contains 1000 IU of cholecalciferol (or 2000 IU per serving).
DR. MORITZ’s gummies are an all-natural plant-based (pectin) product, containing no preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors. No dairy, no gelatin. Non-GMO ingredients.
SUMMARY:
- Count: 120
- Amt per Package: 60
- 2000 IU of Vitamin 3 per serving
- Price: $19.98 ($0.33 / serving)
Pros: good for both adults and kids; kids’ favorite Vitamin D gummies because of multi-fruit flavors
Cons: jellies may change the original color, get darker
Source Naturals Vitamin D3
Source Naturals Vitamin D3 capsules is a bioactive form of Vitamin D. The product is specifically formulated to boost bone and joint health, provide beauty support, enable normal immune response, and ensure prenatal health.
The capsules contain no eggs, yeast, milk or milk derivatives, gluten, soy, or wheat. No artificial color, flavor, fillers, or fragrance. No preservatives. Dosage: 1 capsule daily, following, or with a meal.
SUMMARY:
- Count: 120
- Amt per Serving: 120
- 5000 IU of Vitamin 3 per serving
- Price: $8.99 ($0.07 / serving)
Pros: big package with high dosage
Cons: powder in capsules; capsules are large. Contains calcium
Bluebonnet Nutrition, Earth Sweet Chewables, Vitamin D3
Bluebonnet’s Vitamin D3 1000 IU (25 mcg) Chewables contain vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) commercially made from lanolin to ensure the strength of bones and joints, and support immunity. The chewable tablets are offered in a delicious mixed berry flavor and sweetened with a mixture of juice concentrates (raspberry, bilberry, prune, cherry, cranberry, strawberry, wild blueberry, grape, extracts of grape and raspberry seeds) and crystals of cane sugar. A chewable form of vitamin D3 enables most absorption and assimilation.
Non-GMO Ingredients. Free of sodium, egg, dairy, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, crustacean shellfish, wheat, soy, barley, rice, yeast, and gluten. For adults only.
SUMMARY:
- Count: 90
- Amt per Serving: 90
- 1000 IU of Vitamin 3 per serving
- Price: $8.76 ($0.10 / Serving)
Pros: great for anyone who prefers chewables, distinct raspberry flavor
Cons: chalky consistency, kids prefer gummies
Spring Valley Vitamin D3 Softgels
Non-GMO ingredients, gluten, dairy, lactose, and sugar-free. No wheat, no yeast. Contains a 100-day supply of softgels if taken daily.
SUMMARY:
- Count: 100
- Servings: 100
- 5000 IU of Vitamin 3 per serving
- Price: $4.88 ($0.05 / serving)
Pros: high vitamin D3 content to treat severe deficiency, affordable price, more than a 3 month supply
Cons: difficult to swallow for kids, softgels tend to melt together if stored at a room temperature
Solgar Vitamin D3 Liquid
Solgar Vitamin D3 Liquid (Cholecalciferol 5000IU Natural Orange Flavor) is recommended to contribute to and regulate calcium absorption. It helps your bones and teeth to grow stronger, increases immunity healthily, as well as provides support to pancreas, breast, and colon tissue. The natural Vitamin D3 in this formulation is offered in a delicious, natural orange flavor liquid form for daily supplementation.
The liquid can be added to beverages or taken from the dropper. For adults, the recommended dose is 0.5 ml 2500 IU or 1.0 ml 5000 IU daily, with a meal, or as instructed by your primary provider. No gluten, soy, sugar, sodium, wheat, yeast, milk, or milk derivatives. No preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colors, flavor, preservatives.
SUMMARY:
- Container: 2 fl oz (59 mL)
- Servings: 59
- 5000 IU of Vitamin 3 per serving
- Price: $9.58 ($0.16 / Serving)
Pros: high vitamin D3 value for severe deficiency, reputable brand
Cons: easy to overdose; some reviewers do not like the taste
Country Life, Vitamin D3 Spray
Vitamin D Spray from Country Life, a leader among Vitamin D3 providers, aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and keep strong bones and teeth, as well as to promote immune health. Country Life Vitamin D Spray offers a delicious and convenient way to take the sunshine vitamin.
Country Life spray is a blend of Vitamin D3 and MCT, medium-chain triglycerides. 5 sprays will give you 5000 IU. The only AVA certified Vegan D3 spray. The Country Life spray is a 100% plant-derived form made from Vitashine lichen, a natural source of Vegan D3. Cholecalciferol, the most easily absorbed and utilized form of Vitamin D. Appealing flavor of vanilla bean. No sugar.
SUMMARY:
- Container: 0,81 fl oz (24 ml)
- Servings: 75
- 2000 IU of Vitamin 3 per serving
- Price: $15.59 ($0.20 / Serving)
Pros: easy to use
Cons: some reviewers do not find the taste appealing