Choosing Vitamin D Supplements: Top 5 Brands Compared with 4 Expert Tips

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“Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in various forms in nature, with the primary types being vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Its main function involves aiding the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the small intestine and regulating the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to abnormalities in bone metabolism. Vitamin D also regulates many physiological functions in the body, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties, nerve protection, immune regulation, muscle function, and brain cell activity (1).

When the skin is exposed to sunlight, it helps activate vitamin D. Through catalysis in the liver and kidneys, physiologically active vitamin D is produced (2). In Taiwan, 98% of people have a deficiency or insufficiency of vitamin D, leading to an increasing emphasis on supplementing vitamin D.

4 Key Factors in Choosing Vitamin D Recommended by Experts

1. Selecting Vitamin D3 Form

   Research suggests that the effectiveness of different forms of vitamin D intake varies. In a study administering equal amounts of vitamin D2 and D3 for 28 days, it was found that the concentration of vitamin D in the blood increased for the first three days in both cases. However, individuals taking vitamin D3 reached the highest blood vitamin D levels by the 14th day. Conversely, those taking vitamin D2 showed no difference in blood vitamin D concentration compared to their pre-supplement state. These results highlight that vitamin D3 is a more effective form to maintain blood vitamin D levels, with a longer duration of action (3).

   Another clinical study found similar results, stating that vitamin D3 increased and maintained blood vitamin D levels by 87% more than vitamin D2. Furthermore, vitamin D3 showed 2-3 times higher vitamin D storage in the body than vitamin D2. Therefore, in cases of vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D3 is suggested as the preferred form of supplementation (4).

   Analyzing multiple experimental studies also supports that supplementing vitamin D3 significantly improves blood vitamin D levels compared to vitamin D2. Hence, scholars recommend using vitamin D3 as the best choice when deficient in vitamin D (5).

2. Choosing Non-Active Form

   Ingesting the non-active form of vitamin D in healthy individuals undergoes metabolism in the liver and kidneys to transform into its active form. Vitamin D is measured in micrograms (mcg, ug) and International Units (IU); 1 mcg of vitamin D is equivalent to 40 IU (6). Active vitamin D is indicated in micrograms (ug), while non-active vitamin D is measured in International Units (IU). Differentiating between the two can be observed in the nutritional labeling of products.

   Generally, healthy individuals should consume the non-active form of vitamin D as it undergoes liver and kidney metabolism to regulate an appropriate amount of active vitamin D for the body’s use. Directly ingesting active vitamin D bypasses liver and kidney metabolism and can result in the body’s inability to regulate, potentially burdening the body if overconsumed. The active form is recommended for individuals with physiological issues, such as liver or kidney diseases. For healthy individuals, selecting a product containing <span style=”color: #ff9900;”>non-active vitamin D</span> (labeled in IU) is safer and more appropriate (7) (8).

3. Choosing 800IU High-Dose

   According to the Department of Health’s 8th edition of recommended nutrient intakes for Taiwanese individuals, the daily adequate intake for vitamin D is 10 mcg (400 IU) for those above 51 years old. The tolerable upper intake level (Tolerable Upper Intake Levels) is 25 mcg (1,000 IU) for infants under one year and 50 mcg (2,000 IU) for other age groups.

   Taiwan, being a subtropical region, often lacks sunlight, particularly in the northern part where there is an average of fewer than 3 hours of sunshine for six months a year. The average dietary intake of vitamin D among Taiwanese people was found to be only 40-50% of the sufficient intake based on two national nutrition surveys (1993-2001 and 2013-2015). This suggests an insufficiency in intake. Moreover, the vitamin D intake is even lower among vegetarians (9).

   Studies reveal a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the elderly and that supplementing with vitamin D can improve physiological functions. Daily doses ranging from 800-1000 IU have shown efficacy in various studies, with lower doses typically being ineffective (10). An analytical study found that daily oral supplementation of vitamin D at 700 to 800 IU can reduce the risk of hip and non-spinal fractures in the elderly, whereas a daily dose of 400 IU is insufficient to prevent fractures (11).

   Presently, the Taiwan FDA specifies that vitamin D content in tablet or capsule food products should not exceed 800 IU per day (12). Therefore, choosing a vitamin D supplement containing 800 IU is the most efficient and safe way, aligning with health benefits and regulatory standards.

4. Third-Party Testing

   When selecting a vitamin D supplement, the source of the product is essential. Products from international major manufacturers generally possess better, more stable material quality and production processes, providing greater consumer assurance. For vitamin D3 supplements, extraction from lanolin (sheep’s wool fat) is common. It’s crucial to pay attention to solvents used in the process. If manufacturers can provide relevant third-party test reports for solvents, heavy metals, plasticizers, and more, it provides consumers with greater confidence in consuming the product.

Top 5 Commercially Available Vitamin D Rankings for 2023″

1. Daiken Vitamin D3

   

   • Vitamin D Type: Vitamin D3
   • One Capsule Dosage: 800 IU
   • Vitamin D Source: Swiss DSM
   • Extraction Source: Lanolin (Sheep’s Wool Fat)
   • Form: Hard Capsules
   • Quantity: 90 Capsules

    

2. Mdformula Vitamin D3

   

   • Vitamin D Type: Vitamin D3
   • One Capsule Dosage: 800 IU
   • Vitamin D Source: Not Specified
   • Extraction Source: Lanolin (Sheep’s Wool Fat)
   • Form: Hard Capsules
   • Quantity: 60 Capsules

    

3. DHC Vitamin D3

   

   • Vitamin D Type: Vitamin D3
   • One Capsule Dosage: 800 IU
   • Vitamin D Source: Not Specified
   • Extraction Source: Not Specified
   • Form: Tablets
   • Quantity: 30 Tablets

    

4. Yohopower Vitamin D3

   

   • Vitamin D Type: Vitamin D3
   • One Capsule Dosage: 400 IU
   • Vitamin D Source: Swiss DSM
   • Extraction Source: Lanolin (Sheep’s Wool Fat)
   • Form: Tablets
   • Quantity: 120 Capsules

    

5. BlackMores Vitamin D3

   

   • Vitamin D Type: Vitamin D3
   • One Capsule Dosage: 400 IU
   • Vitamin D Source: Not Specified
   • Extraction Source: Aussie Goodness Vitamin D3
   • Form: Hard Capsules
   • Quantity: 90 Capsules

2023 Top 5 Commercially Available Vitamin D Recommendations and Comparison Table”

Brand	Daiken Vitamin D3	Mdformula Vitamin D3	DHC Vitamin D3	Yohopower Vitamin D3	BlackMores Vitamin D3
Product Image
Vitamin D Type	Vitamin D3	Vitamin D3	Vitamin D3	Vitamin D3	Vitamin D3
One Capsule Dosage	800 IU	800 IU	800 IU	400 IU	400 IU
Vitamin D Source	Swiss DSM	Not Specified	Not Specified	Swiss DSM	Not Specified
Extraction Source	Lanolin (Sheep’s Wool Fat)	Lanolin (Sheep’s Wool Fat)	Not Specified	Lanolin (Sheep’s Wool Fat)	Not Specified
Form	Hard Capsules	Hard Capsules	Tablets	Tablets	Soft Capsules
Quantity	90 Capsules	60 Capsules	30 Tablets	120 Tablets	90 Capsules

In addition to obtaining vitamin D through diet and sunlight exposure, if you cannot get enough through your diet, have limited sun exposure, or have abnormalities in liver and kidney metabolism, you may experience a vitamin D deficiency. Now, you can measure your vitamin D levels through a blood test to better understand your vitamin D nutritional status.

When it comes to selecting a vitamin D supplement, the above key points, including vitamin D3 form, high dosage of 800 IU, non-active form, and the inclusion of third-party test reports, are all factors that can help you choose a product that suits you better.