What Is A Good Vitamin D Supplement

Should I Take Vitamin D Or D3

Vitamin D and vitamin D3 are each effective vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D2 is approved in the treatment of hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D resistant rickets, and hypophosphatemia. Both supplements are commonly used for vitamin D supplementation.

Studies have shown that vitamin D3 supplements may be superior in raising the bodys vitamin D stores. There are many health benefits to vitamin D supplementation, but your doctor should use lab tests to recommend the amount of vitamin D you should take and which form.

Natures Way Vitamin D3

Natures Way Vitamin D3 is a vitamin D product that comes in the form of a liquid soft gel. It is manufactured by a reliable company and helps you obtain vitamin D benefits. This product is free of gluten, yeast-derived ingredients, wheat, soy, dairy or artificial colors. If you are looking for a simple and affordable vitamin D supplement that has a good vitamin D dosage but isnt too powerful, this supplement may fit the bill.

Whats in it:

• One Serving contains
• 50 mcg Vitamin D3

Who makes it: Natures Way is a natural supplement brand that was the first to be Tru-ID certified, which is a certification that comes from an independent testing facility that ensures authenticity. For 40 years the company has been providing consumers with quality, natural dietary supplements.

Why Do You Need Vitamin A

The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin A is between 700 and 900 micrograms for adults . There are many reasons the body needs vitamin A, including the following:

Eye health: Without vitamin A, the body is unable to produce an essential protein for vision function. Without the protein, things like night blindness and corneal ulcers can occur. Theres also some evidence that regular consumption of vitamin A can help stave off vision issues that come with ageing.

Skin health: Topically administered retinoids can help treat a variety of skin issues from texture irregularities to general signs of ageing. Without vitamin A, epithelial tissues throughout the body run into trouble.

Immune system function: Without vitamin A, the immune system is in dire straits. The vitamin is vital in the creation of T cells, which help the body fight off intruders like bacteria and cancer cells.

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What Are The Benefits Of Vitamin B

Vitamin B has many benefits for our bodies. Some B vitamins help produce DNA, get energy from our food, and promote the growth and development of cells in our bodies. Not getting enough vitamin B can lead to diseases or conditions such as anemia, or leave us feeling lethargic and low energy. Research is ongoing into additional benefits of vitamin B.

Which Vitamin D Supplements Are Best: Tablets Capsules Or Sprays

Tablets, capsules and oral sprays have all been proven to be effective methods of raising nutrient levels. So, it does come down to personal preference.

While lots of people take vitamin D tablets or capsules, at BetterYou weve pioneered a method of vitamin D supplementation in the form of oral sprays. These have the advantage of delivering vitamin D directly into the mouth, where the soft tissues and rich vein systems can absorb it, rather than relying on the digestive system.

Watch our YouTube video on how vitamin oral sprays work.

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Signs Of Deficiency And Toxicity

Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency may occur from a lack in the diet, poor absorption, or having a metabolic need for higher amounts. If one is not eating enough vitamin D and does not receive enough ultraviolet sun exposure over an extended period , a deficiency may arise. People who cannot tolerate or do not eat milk, eggs, and fish, such as those with a lactose intolerance or who follow a vegan diet, are at higher risk for a deficiency. Other people at high risk of vitamin D deficiency include:

• People with inflammatory bowel disease or other conditions that disrupt the normal digestion of fat. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that depends on the guts ability to absorb dietary fat.
• People who are obese tend to have lower blood vitamin D levels. Vitamin D accumulates in excess fat tissues but is not easily available for use by the body when needed. Higher doses of vitamin D supplementation may be needed to achieve a desirable blood level. Conversely, blood levels of vitamin D rise when obese people lose weight.
• People who have undergone gastric bypass surgery, which typically removes the upper part of the small intestine where vitamin D is absorbed.

Conditions resulting from prolonged vitamin D deficiency:

Toxicity

Symptoms of toxicity:

• Weight loss
• Irregular heart beat
• Hardening of blood vessels and tissues due to increased blood levels of calcium, potentially leading to damage of the heart and kidneys

Can I Get Too Much Vitamin D

Yes, you can get too much vitamin D, but it is very rare. It can happen if you take high levels of vitamin D supplements over a long period of time. If you do this, you may be at risk of adverse effects, such as headaches and stomach upset, kidney stones, kidney failure and abnormal heart rhythms. For this reason, you should only take vitamin D as recommended and prescribed by a doctor.

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Why Should I Consult My Doctor Before Starting Supplements

If you think you are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, talk to your doctor before taking supplements. Taking supplements under the care and advice of your doctor helps ensure you are getting the full benefit of the supplements. It also reduces the risk of harm that can occur from taking too much vitamin D. Your doctor or pharmacist can also check for any interactions between other supplements and medications.

Vitamin D Strengthens Your Bones

Vitamin D is famous for its bone-building and strengthening powers. vitamin D promotes absorption of calcium in your gut, which ultimately allows for normal mineralization of your bones,Jackie Newgent, RDN, culinary nutritionist and author of The Clean & Simple Diabetes Cookbook, tells Health. Basically, the calcium that benefits your bones wouldn’t be able to do its job without vitamin D. You need vitamin D for bone growthand to prevent bones from becoming brittle. When teamed with calcium, it can help prevent osteoporosis, a disease that signifies that the density and quality of bone are reduced, she adds.

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Vitamin D Can Help Strengthen Oral Health

Because vitamin D helps our body absorb calcium, it plays a crucial role in supporting oral health, lowering the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. A 2011 review in The Journal of the Tennessee Dental Association notes that while the research is scant, there’s an “emerging hypothesis” that the vitamin is beneficial for oral health, due to its effect on bone metabolism and “its ability to function as an anti-inflammatory agent and stimulate the production of anti-microbial peptides.”

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The Vitamin D Supplement Calcifediol Is The Best Type Of Vitamin D Supplement Because It Raises Blood Vitamin D Levels Fast

Since a calcifediol supplement does not need to be processed by the liver, it can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream and throughout your body, which makes a calcifediol supplement three times more effective in raising vitamin D levels when compared to vitamin D3 on an equal microgram basis. When taking a supplement with calcifediol, you could reach your recommended levels of vitamin D in days instead of months, when compared to vitamin D2 or vitamin D3 supplements.

What’s more, several factors can directly affect an individual’s vitamin D status, including body weight. Because vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, it can get trapped in fat tissue. Calcifediol is less likely to be affected by body fat because it is less fat-soluble. Research has shown that individuals with higher body weight may benefit from using calcifediol as a source of vitamin D.

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Can Vegans Take A Vitamin D Supplement

Vegans can be more susceptible to a vitamin D deficiency. The double whammy of not getting enough sunlight during the winter months and not being able to eat most of the food sources of vitamin D can make it a little more difficult.

However, even with meat, dairy and eggs off the menu, there are still natural vegan sources of vitamin D like mushrooms for vitamin D2 and lichen for vitamin D3.

As these are limited, a vitamin D supplement is recommended. Especially for vitamin D3 as we dont think many vegans will be chowing down on some lichen!

How Will I Know If My Vitamin D Supplements Are Helping Me

If you’re taking vitamin D supplements to treat a deficiency, you should start to feel better within a few weeks. Your doctor will likely check your blood levels after six to eight weeks to make sure the supplements are working.

If you’re taking vitamin D for another reason, such as bone health, it may take longer to see results. Some studies have found that it takes up to two years of regular vitamin D supplementation to see an improvement in bone density.

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How To Choose The Best Vitamin D Supplement

As with all supplements, not every bottle of vitamin D is created equal. The good news is that finding a high-quality supplement doesnt have to be hugely complicated. Some factors to keep in mind while you shop:

• Choose vitamin D3, if you can. If you see vitamins D2 and D3 on the store shelf, go with the latter. Both vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 increase levels of the vitamin in the blood, but D3 might lead to a greater and longer increase than D2, explains Jinan Banna, R.D., Ph.D., associate professor of nutrition at the University of Hawaii at Mnoa.

• Dont go dose crazy. More isnt always better, and very high amounts can actually be toxic. Most people do well between 800 and 2,000 IU daily, Dr. Levitan says. Your doctor can help you decide the right amount for you based on a current blood test.

• Consider the delivery method. One study foundthat vitamin D in gummy form may be more absorbent than capsules or tablets. Another study concluded that liposomal vitamin Dthe kind delivered with certain lipidscan also enhance absorption. But if youd rather just take a pill, youll still benefit, Largeman-Roth says.

• Look for trusted verifications. Choose products that have been verified by independent certifiers, like the US Pharmacopeial Convention or NSF International, all three experts say. Either verification ensures that youre getting the amount of D listed on the product label, without a side of unwanted ingredients or additives.

Elm & Rye Vitamin D3 Capsules

Image courtesy Elm & Rye

Get plenty of vitamin D3 with Elm & Rye. This fat-soluble vitamin has been shown to aid the body to absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus, which are important for bone and muscular development.

Vitamin D has been linked to decreased cancer cell development, infection, and inflammation in studies. Vitamin D is not found in many natural foods, although certain foods are fortified with the vitamin.

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Is There More Than One Form Of Vitamin D

There are 2 main forms of vitamin D:

• ergocalciferol
• cholecalciferol .

Vitamin D3 is more potent than vitamin D2. Vitamin D3 is the natural form that is made in your body when you are exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D2 is available in some foods and also in supplements that often require a doctors prescription.

Vitamin D In Pregnancy

Supplementing with vitamin D in pregnancy is thought to have many health benefits for mother and baby. Research indicates that adequate blood serum levels of vitamin D can reduce the risk of premature birth. For pregnant mothers, vitamin D also helps in the absorbtion of calcium from food and helps the baby develop. In addition, if you are pregnant and intend to breastfeed your baby, boosting your vitamin D levels is a good measure for your own health in the long term, as breastfeeding can deplete the mothers vitamin and mineral stores over time.

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Vitamin D Can Help Treat Hypertension

According to a 2019 review published in the journal Current Protein & Peptide Science suggests that vitamin D may play a role in treatment of high blood pressureone of the markers of cardiovascular diseasesays Newgent. According to authors of the review, even short-term vitamin D deficiency may directly raise BP and promote target organ damage. The researchers went on to add that, “due to the high correlation between vitamin D and hypertension, vitamin D supplementation therapy may be a new insight in the treatment of hypertension.”

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Should I Take A Vitamin D Supplement

Lately theres been a lot of talk about vitamin D, which might be thanks, at least in part, to its benefits related to immunity and mood. However, vitamin D is also uniquely popular for far more reasons than these. If you know which supplement you need and how to take it, vitamin D can deliver a remarkable number of positive effects to your health.

While theres a lot to know about vitamin D, heres a quick overview of facts: While vitamin D is a vitamin, its also defined as a hormone thats acquired through food or produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight . Vitamin D is also fat-soluble, which means your body best absorbs it when you take it alongside a small serving of fat . Vitamin D plays a critical role in some of your bodys most crucial functions, such as the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, muscle development, bone health, and, yes, immune support.

The downside is that a reported one billion people worldwide are missing out on these benefits of vitamin D because theyre not getting enough. In many cases, this is due to lack of sun exposure, unhealthy lifestyle, andas the National Institutes of Health points outvitamin D isnt found naturally in many foods.

Read below for a helpful guide in determining the best vitamin D supplement for youand remember that you should speak with your healthcare provider about whether you should make any changes to your diet, including supplementing vitamin D.

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Common Side Effects Of Vitamin D Vs D3

There are no common side effects to therapy with either vitamin D2 or D3. Side effects related to vitamin D are the result of hypervitaminosis D, an extremely rare condition that occurs when you intake too much vitamin D. This is sometimes seen in patients who take megadoses of vitamin D, leading to vitamin D toxicity. The result is a build up of dangerously high levels of calcium in the blood which can lead to nausea, vomiting, constipation, and frequent urination. If left untreated, irreversible renal failure can occur along with calcification of organs and soft tissues.

The following table lists side effects related to hypervitaminosis D, not normal vitamin D supplementation. More information on vitamin D toxicity may be obtained from your doctor or pharmacist, as this may not be a complete list.

Source: DailyMed.

Best Fermented: Megafood Vitamin D3 2000 Iu

MegaFood’s vitamin D3 supplement provides 2,000 IU of fermented cholecalciferol, plus a blend of organic whole foods that provide synergistic cofactors, which includes organic broccoli, parsley, carrot, and beet root. In all, the supplement is free from glyphosate residue, gluten, dairy, and soy, and is Non-GMO Project verified and vegetarian, making it a versatile option for upping your vitamin D intake.

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How We Select Supplements

Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here.

We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science, as well as clinically tested and approved for use in humans. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products. These attributes include non-GMO, Organic, and allergy-friendly products that are free of most artificial ingredients including colors, flavors, preservatives, and sweeteners. When possible, we recommend products that are third-party tested and certified.

It’s important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend.

Here are the best Vitamin D supplements for your dietary needs.

• Encapsulated with extra virgin olive oil for better absorption

• Ingredients aren’t organic

Nordic Naturals D3 1,000 IU is an excellent product that is budget-friendly, non-GMO, and third-party tested. It’s also free of gluten, dairy, and additives. The mini soft-gels are easy to swallow, which is perfect for those who have trouble swallowing pills.

Key Nutrients: Vitamin D3 | Vegan: No | Gluten Free: Yes | Organic: No | Non-GMO: Yes | Additives: None

Thorne Vitamin C With Flavonoids

Price: $

Thorne is well known for producing some of the highest quality supplements on the market, and this product is no exception.Each capsule provides 500 mg of vitamin C and 75 mg of citrus-derived flavonoids. These compounds are found in fruits and vegetables and boast both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits .

Thorne manufacturing facilities are certified by several globally recognized third-party regulatory agencies, including NSF International and the Therapeutic Goods Administration .

All Thorne supplements are tested for potency, purity, and quality multiple times throughout the manufacturing process, so you always know youre getting a top-tier product.

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