7 min
What is the best vitamin D3? Our advice and opinions (2024)
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the proper functioning of our body. Considered the “vitamin of the sun”, it is naturally synthesized by our body when we expose our skin to the sun’s rays.🌞
However, many people are deficient in vitamin D, in winter and even summer, due to lack of sun exposure or other factors. The effects of a vitamin D deficiency can be problematic, including, for example , muscle or bone discomfort .
To avoid this, we will examine in detail the benefits of this nutrient, the selection criteria for choosing the best vitamin D3 , how it works in our body, as well as practical advice for effective supplementation. Get ready to discover everything you need to know about the best vitamin D3 to optimize your well-being. 🧘♀️
I. Vitamin D Overview
To determine which is the best vitamin D3 , we will already look at the characteristics and benefits of vitamin D in general.
1. Vitamin D: a short presentation
Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in our well-being.
It comes in different forms: the two main ones being vitamin D2 ( ergocalciferol ) and vitamin D3 ( cholecalciferol ). Vitamin D2 is found primarily in plant sources, including mushrooms, while vitamin D3 is of animal origin and is also produced by our skin during exposure to ultraviolet B rays from the sun.
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Scientifically speaking, vitamin D is converted in our body to an active form called calcitriol. This conversion occurs in the liver and kidneys, where specific enzymes convert vitamin D into a biologically active form. Calcitriol then acts as a hormone that binds to receptors found in different cells in our body. Once bound to receptors, calcitriol regulates the expression of many genes, which allows a multitude of beneficial effects on our health.
Vitamin D is fat-soluble, meaning it is stored in fatty tissues in our body. This allows for a certain reserve, but it is also essential to maintain an adequate and regular intake, to meet daily needs. 👪
2. The many benefits of the sun vitamin
Vitamin D3 offers a multitude of benefits.
First of all, it plays an essential role in bone balance by promoting the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which contributes to the density of bones and therefore to their strength and maintenance.
Additionally, vitamin D3 plays a role in the functioning of our immune system, which helps us defend against infections.
Finally, it plays an important role in muscle function, by stimulating protein synthesis in muscle cells.
We recommend you
Vitamin D3
100% natural and bioavailable vitamin D3: cholecalciferol. Each dose provides 2000 IU of vitamin D3V®.
- ✅ Vitamin D3 of algal origin
- ✅ Micro-encapsulated form for maximum absorption
- ✅ Optimal dosage (2000 IU / 2 capsules)
- ✅ 2 to 4 months of treatment
II. How to choose the best vitamin D3: 9 selection criteria
In your quest for the best vitamin D3 (especially for a food supplement ), several criteria must be taken into account. Here are the main ones:
1. The shape
When choosing a vitamin D supplement, the form is an essential criterion to take into account. Capsules, powder, ampoule… each form has its advantages and it is important to choose the one that best suits your preferences and needs. We'll talk about it a little further.
2. Vitamin D2 or D3?
Vitamin D2
✅ Advantages : derived from plant sources, it adapts to the specific lifestyle of vegetarians and vegans. Additionally, vitamin D2 can be a cost-effective option compared to vitamin D3.
❌ Disadvantages : It is less well absorbed by the body and may require higher doses to achieve optimal vitamin D levels.
❔ For whom : suitable for vegans who cannot consume vitamin D3 of animal origin.
Vitamin D3
✅ Advantages : much better assimilated than vitamin D2, it maintains optimal levels of vitamin D in the body.
❌ Disadvantages : in extremely rare cases, it has been shown to be toxic in large overdoses.
❔ For whom : being considered more effective than its counterpart vitamin D2, vitamin D3 is recommended for anyone lacking exposure to the sun and/or people deficient in vitamin D who do not have dietary restrictions
3. Synthetic or natural vitamin D3?
Synthetic vitamin D3
✅ Benefits : Can offer accurate and consistent dosages, which can be beneficial for those who require controlled vitamin intake. It is often more affordable than vitamin D3 of natural origin.
❌ Disadvantages : further from the form naturally present in our body.
❔ For whom : those looking for a more economical option and precise dosages.
Natural vitamin D3
✅ Advantages : closer to the form naturally present in the body and superior bioavailability.
❌ Disadvantages : more expensive.
❔ For whom : those who favor sources of natural origin and who seek optimal bioavailability.
4. Animal or vegetable vitamin D3?
Animal vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 in animal form generally comes from lanolin , which is a fat or wax from sheep's wool.
✅ Advantages : naturally present in certain animal products, it is. easy to absorb and has optimal bioavailability. It is closer to the biologically active form of vitamin D3.
❌ Disadvantages : it is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
❔ For whom : for those who are looking for an easy source of vitamin D and do not exclude food of animal origin.
Vegetable vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 in plant form is found in lichen. Lichen is a plant which results from the fusion between a microscopic algae and a fungus. It is also known as boreal lichen. It is mainly found in cold countries.
✅ Advantages : it is accessible to everyone and offers a complementary source of quality vitamin D. Respectful of the environment, it is also perfectly absorbed by our body.
❌ Disadvantages : it is less easy to find than vitamin D3 of animal origin.
❔ For whom : for everyone, including vegetarians or vegans who are looking for a supplement compatible with their lifestyle.
5. The composition
Choosing your vitamin D3 supplement must also take into account its composition. Be sure to check the ingredients, so there are no chemical additives, and opt for quality supplements containing a highly bioavailable form of vitamin D3 .
⛔️ Avoid supplements containing additives or allergens.
6. Absorption and bioavailability
The absorption and bioavailability of vitamin D varies among different supplements. For better vitamin D3 , opt for this form, rather than vitamin D2.
🔍 Also check for the presence of co-factors and formulas that promote better assimilation, thus ensuring effective use of vitamin D by your body.
7. The origin of vitamin D
When choosing a vitamin D supplement, pay attention to its source . Choose vitamin D3 supplements of natural origin, whether from animals or plants.
Opt for quality sources that ensure authentic vitamin D, free from unwanted contaminants, for supplementation with complete confidence. 👼
8. Quality and manufacturing method
The quality and manufacturing method of vitamin D supplements are important criteria when choosing your supplement.
Choose supplements manufactured to strict quality standards, using reliable and transparent manufacturing processes. Make sure the manufacturer conducts regular quality checks to ensure the effectiveness and safety of your vitamin D supplement.
9. Vitamin D content
The vitamin D content of supplements is, of course, an important criterion to take into account when choosing your supplement. Check the label carefully to see how much vitamin D is in each dose.
➡️ Choose supplements that provide adequate levels of vitamin D to meet your specific needs.
III. Vitamin D3 in capsules, gummies, powder or drops: which form to choose?
As we mentioned, a vitamin D3 supplement can come in several forms: capsules, gummies, powder and drops/ampoules. Each form has its advantages and disadvantages to claim the title of best vitamin D3. 💪
1. Capsules 💊
The capsule form is one of the popular options for vitamin D3 supplements. A capsule is a shell, usually made of gelatin or plant materials, containing the precise dose of vitamin D3.
✅ Advantages : allows easy and precise administration, has better stability of vitamin D3 and can be stored over time. In addition, the capsules have no taste, which makes it possible to please as many people as possible! They can be just as assimilable as in liquid form thanks to the micro-encapsulation process which allows protection of the active ingredients and thus better assimilation of the product.
❌ Disadvantages : May be difficult to swallow for some people or children.
❔ For whom : those looking for a practical and precise method to supplement their vitamin D3 intake.
2. Gummies 🍬
Vitamin D3 supplements in the form of chewing gums, or “gummies,” are gaining popularity thanks to their fun appeal and sweet taste. Gummies are small sweets with a soft texture, containing a dose of active ingredients, vitamins and/or minerals.
✅ Advantages : pleasant to consume and fun, especially for children or adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets.
❌ Disadvantages : often contain sugar and other harmful additives ( we talk about gummies in this article ). In addition, the quality and quantity of vitamins is often altered by heating during their manufacture.
❔For whom : mainly children.
3. Powder 🧂
Vitamin D3 supplements in powder form offer a convenient and versatile alternative for those who prefer to avoid capsules or tablets. Vitamin D3 powder usually comes in individual sachets containing the recommended dose.
✅ Advantages : easy to mix with liquids or smoothies, therefore easy to consume; easy to dose.
❌ Disadvantages : The taste can be quite unpleasant.
❔ For whom : people who have problems swallowing tablets or want to vary their type of supplementation.
4. Drops 💦
Vitamin D3 supplements in drop form are a convenient option for those who prefer an alternative to solid forms. Vitamin D3 drops usually come in a dropper bottle, which allows for precise dosing and easy administration.
✅ Advantages : easy to mix with other foods, therefore to consume, easy to dose.
❌ Disadvantages : The taste can be quite unpleasant.
❔For whom : people having difficulty swallowing tablets or wanting to vary their type of supplementation.
IV. Novoma’s choice: vitamin D3V®
At Novoma, we have tried to bring together all these criteria to arrive at the ultimate and best vitamin D3 .
Our food supplement offers a course of vitamin D3 for 2 to 4 months, and has multiple advantages:
100% natural and bioavailable vitamin D3.
Micro-encapsulated vitamin D3 for maximum absorption and effectiveness.
Optimal dosage of 2000 IU for 2 capsules.
Vitamin of plant origin suitable for everyone, vegetarians and vegans included.
100% clean product, made in France and delivered in a recycled and recyclable bottle.
In short, we have put all our know-how to work to offer you the best possible vitamin D3 . Labeled D3V®, the bioavailability study shows that this type of vitamin increases the vitamin D3 level of the people tested by 77.3%!
So, with a vitamin D3 treatment carried out at Novoma, you can say goodbye to deficiencies. 👋
V. So, what is the best vitamin D3?
🥁...drumroll... well, it will simply be yours, that is to say the one that best suits your specific needs! You now have all the cards in hand to make your choice, based on the different criteria to take into account, which we have just reviewed.
In any case, don't forget to vary your diet to limit deficiencies, get your fill of sunshine, and finally, let your health shine thanks to the sun's vitamin. 🌞
Lucas PINOS
Co-founder of NOVOMA
Passionate and expert in micro-nutrition, Lucas founded Novoma in 2012. It is with conviction that he develops food supplements with effective, carefully chosen and 100% clean active ingredients, to best meet the body's needs.
