What is the best vitamin D3? Our advice and opinions (2024)

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. 👪

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.

✅ 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.

✅ 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

✅ 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.

✅ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 👼

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.

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. 💪

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.

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.

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.