The 3 Best Vitamin D Options, According to a Pharmacist

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# Partner Offer
> Plant-based Vitamin D3 – Naturavignon
🎁 promo code -10%: D3-DN

# Best Vitamin D in Drops 🥇
> Plant-based Vitamin D – Nutri&Co

# Best Vitamin D in Capsule
> Plant-based & Micro-encapsulated Vitamin D3 – Novoma

# Excellent Capsule Alternative
> Vitamin D3 – Dynveo

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We analyzed 13 products according to 6 criteria and selected 3 vitamin D supplements.

The dietary supplements we selected are all made in France and contain no additives.

Best Vitamin D Without Prescription

Our Selection Criteria

• Form: Vitamin D is available in liquid form (drops, sprays, or ampoules) and solid form (capsules, tablets, pills). Liquid format is generally more economical.
• Bioavailability: The formulation of the supplement influences its effectiveness: an oily, micro-encapsulated, or liposomal form will be more effective than a traditional tablet or capsule.
• Origin: Vitamin D3, more effective than Vitamin D2, can be extracted from plants (mushrooms, algae) or animals (sheep’s wool). We have selected only plant-based Vitamin D3.
• Price per Day (1000 IU): This is the price for 1 day of treatment for a dose of 1000 IU (International Units) of Vitamin D.
• Customer Reviews: These reviews are sourced from the brand’s website, Amazon, or review platforms.
• Our Brand Review: Following the monthly tests of dietary supplement brands we conduct.

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Partner Offer

# PLANT-BASED VITAMIN D3

Verified Customer Reviews (Naturavignon.fr):

✪✪✪✪✪ 5/5
“Vitamin D3 is absolutely essential for preserving one’s health throughout the body. I confirm that I absolutely no longer need to see a doctor. I also confirm that I am not at all afraid of COVID or the flu.”
Bernard L.

✪✪✪✪✪ 5/5
“I am satisfied with this product”
Paul M.

✪✪✪✪✪ 5/5
“Great for replacing the sun”
Annick R.

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# Best Vitamin D in Drops 🥇

The Vitamin D from Nutri&Co is liquid and 100% plant-based. Its quality/price ratio is particularly good, with a daily cure price of 6 euro cents.

To optimize absorption by the body, the D3 is integrated into a rapeseed oil derived from organic farming. The presence of vitamin E reduces the risk of rancidity.

Daily dosing is easy, with a dosage of 1000 IU per drop. Usable from 4 years old, the product is ideal for the whole family.

We like the Nutri&Co brand because it is reliable and transparent (read our full review here). Moreover, we note that customer reviews are very good.

This brand is based in Aix en Provence and places particular importance on the quality of the active ingredients in its products.

Use the promo code DARWINGIFT to receive a free surprise product (minimum purchase of €70).

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# Best Vitamin D in Capsule Form

Novoma’s Vitamin D3 is a 100% plant-based vitamin D and micro-encapsulated in capsules. 

Novoma uses a highly assimilable D3V vitamin D. This vitamin is derived from algae, suitable for vegans, and offers traceability of the entire supply chain with complete quality control. The production of this oil is guaranteed pesticide-free.

Each bottle contains 2 to 4 months of treatment. Suitable from age 6.

Novoma offers dietary supplements developed and manufactured in France, in accordance with French standards. The active ingredients are high-quality and benefit from strict traceability: product analysis certificates are available.

Novoma develops products free from GMOs and controversial chemical additives, cruelty-free, and fairly priced (see our complete test).

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# Excellent Capsule Alternative

Dynveo’s Vitamin D is a vitamin D3 extracted from lichen, available in 1000 or 2000 IU per capsule.

Vitamin D3 is micro-encapsulated to be absorbed optimally: vitamin D in powder form is surrounded by a plant-based matrix (acacia fiber), which allows better water solubilization. This form ensures better stability and limits the risk of rancidity, without adding additives.

The pullulan capsules are derived from tapioca and are natural.

Conveniently, Dynveo markets two dosages of vitamin D: a 1000 IU dosage, and a 2000 IU dosage, suited for greater needs.

Dynveo is a laboratory located in the south of France. The products are guaranteed to be pure without allergenic additives or excipients. The ingredient selection criteria are rigorous and the products are 100% natural (read our full Dynveo test).

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What are the benefits of vitamin D?

Ensures bone and muscle health

The vitamin D or calciferol is a pro-hormone. We synthesize it via the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol under the effect of UV rays from the sun.

It can also be obtained through the diet (fatty fish, eggs, milk…) and dietary supplements, recommended to prevent deficiencies in winter when we are less exposed to sunlight.

By improving bone density, it limits fractures and the onset of certain diseases like osteoporosis.

It also contributes to the proper functioning of the muscles. On one hand, it promotes the renewal and regeneration of muscle fibers. On the other hand, it increases strength, enhances tonicity, and promotes muscle contraction.

Regardless of its origin, it plays an essential role in bone health. It notably influences the absorption of calcium and the mineralization of bones and joints.

Supports cognitive functions

Beneficial for the brain, it supports intellectual and cognitive functions such as memory. This is why the risk of cognitive disorders is higher in individuals deficient in vitamin D.

Thanks to its protective action on neuronal cells, it delays cognitive decline. As shown in this study, it seems to be able to prevent or treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.

Strengthens the immune system

As shown in this study, it is a valuable aid in fighting microbes and viruses. Thus, it prevents infectious diseases like the flu or the common cold.

It stimulates various immune cells including T lymphocytes or “natural killer cells”. These white blood cells protect the body in the event of viral, bacterial infections, or autoimmune diseases.

Regulates hormones

Vitamin D is considered a true hormone and plays an essential role in hormonal balance, menstrual cycle fluctuations, and female reproduction.

During a clinical trial conducted on 897 adolescents suffering from premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea, vitamin D supplementation over 9 weeks significantly improved symptoms (notably pain and mood disorders).

Reduces skin inflammation

Vitamin D allows the proliferation of keratinocytes, the cells that cover our skin and ensure its protection. Additionally, it is essential for proper hydration of the stratum corneum.

This study indicates that a lack of vitamin D increases skin dryness and promotes the onset of itching. 

Vitamin D plays an essential role in the intensity of atopic dermatitis (eczema) as well as in cases of psoriasis. Thus, another study of 86 patients (43 with psoriasis and 43 control subjects) concluded that psoriatic patients have a lower level of vitamin D in the blood, and blood markers of inflammation are higher.

Where to buy vitamin D?

• Pharmacies and parapharmacies
• Organic stores
• Specialized shops (sports nutrition, dietary supplements…)
• Specialized e-commerce

If you want to buy online, prioritize low-price online organic stores like Kazidomi or La Fourche. Also check the websites of retailers, laboratories, and supplement brands.

In what form?

In drops

The preparation can be liquid (microemulsion) or oily and is taken in drops. Vitamin D is liposoluble: an oily form is more advantageous than a tablet form, as observed in this study.

The microemulsion is composed of fats and acacia gum. Very stable, the body quickly absorbs and fully assimilates it. Additionally, the drops mix easily with water, unlike the oily form.

The oily form offers good bioavailability. However, it is susceptible to oxidation. Vitamin D can thus rapidly degrade.

The richer an oil is in fatty acids, the faster it oxidizes. For better stability, prioritize oily preparations based on olive or oleic sunflower oil, and avoid formulations based on rapeseed oil. They should contain vitamin E which prevents rancidity.

In ampoules

Better absorbed than capsules, the ampoules contain vitamin D in an oily solution. The encapsulation process provides more protection against oxidation.

It is also a practical format and easier to take than drops.

This format is reserved for medications.

In capsules and tablets

This is a dry form. These dietary supplements are practical to take and easy to find. However, they do not offer optimal absorption by the body.

Being liposoluble, vitamin D should be taken with a meal rich in lipids (fats).

Furthermore, they often contain controversial synthetic additives. Therefore, they are not forms to prioritize.

In micro-encapsulated capsules

Unlike conventional capsules in powder form, micro-encapsulation allows vitamin D powder to be enclosed in acacia fiber. This makes the capsule water-soluble and its absorption is facilitated. 

The other advantage of this technique is that it does not require additives for the transport of vitamin D. Oxidation of the product is also reduced.

What is liposomal vitamin D ?

It is called “liposomal” when it is encapsulated in fatty microbeads called “liposomes”. It can be found in dry form (capsules/tablets) or liquid form (microemulsion/oil).

This form shows superior assimilation and very good stability.

What are the criteria to consider ?

1. Synthetic or natural ?

Vitamin D can be synthetic or natural. The first is manufactured by pharmaceutical laboratories using various chemicals.

The second, on the other hand, is of animal origin or derived from plant sources such as lichen. 

Our body absorbs the natural form better than the synthetic form.

2. Animal or plant-based ?

When of animal origin, it most often comes from lanolin (sheep 

wool grease or wax). The quality varies greatly, so it is essential to be able to obtain the product analysis certificates, with indications of the chemicals used to obtain the vitamin D.

 It can also be extracted from fish liver oil such as cod or halibut.

Cod liver oil is an important source of vitamin A. To avoid the risk of hypervitaminosis A, daily use of cod liver is not recommended.

It is also present in some plants such as boreal lichen (Cladonia rangiferina) or red algae, particularly lithothamnion. It is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Whether animal or plant-based, the origin of vitamin D does not affect its efficacy.

3. Vitamin D2 or D3 ?

Vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol is naturally present in some plants like mushrooms and yeasts. 

Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol is primarily produced by the body under the action of UVB rays. It can also come from lanolin or plants, exposed to UVB radiation. It is the most commonly found on the market.

Favor the D3 form over D2. It is better absorbed, more stable, and seems more effective as indicated by this study.

4. Daily or intermittent intake? 

Vitamin D supplements are available as daily intake, or monthly or quarterly intake (depending on needs), in the form of highly concentrated vitamin D ampoules. These are chemically manufactured, and generally contain excipients.

Ampoules have the status of medication and are only provided on prescription by the attending physician.

I urge you to follow medical prescriptions. 

Although administering high doses has some advantages, several studies observe that daily doses are more effective for benefiting from the effects of vitamin D, compared to a single concentrated dose.

5. Vitamin D content

It is most often expressed in IU (International Unit) or µg (microgram). For balanced intakes, choose a supplement providing 800 to 1500 IU per day, according to your needs (risk factors and biological analysis*).

6. Method of manufacture

The production of vitamin D3 from sheep lanolin sometimes involves the use of chemicals or solvents. Check this point to avoid residues in the final product.

If it is of plant origin, favor productions without chemicals or pesticides.

7. Composition

Choose a dietary supplement without preservatives, flavors, and synthetic colorings. If possible, opt for an organic certified product.

8. Price

The price is approximately €20 for 60 organic capsules.

Expect to pay around €20 for 30 ml of vitamin D in microemulsion or oily form.

You can find capsules around 15€ per 100.

To summarize

To ensure you choose quality vitamin D, check:

1. The form: opt for a natural form rather than synthetic. Prefer D3 over D2
2. Origin: prefer plant-based if you are vegetarian or vegan
3. Daily or intermittent intake: without medical prescription, a daily intake is recommended
4. Vitamin D content: choose a supplement providing 1000 to 2000 IU per day
5. Manufacturing method: without chemicals, solvents, or pesticides
6. Composition: the product should be without preservatives, flavors, and synthetic colorings
7. Price: it is about 20€ for 60 organic capsules or for 30 ml in microemulsion or oily form. Count 15€ for 100 capsules

*Usage precautions

A long-term treatment should be supported by a biological analysis, to avoid unnecessary supplementation.

Certain populations are more at risk of deficiencies: the elderly (the body’s capacity to absorb vitamin D decreases with age), people with dark or tanned skin (synthesis through sun exposure is less efficient), strict vegetarians, and those suffering from intestinal diseases.

A less sunny environment and a diet low in vitamin D can be risk factors for deficiencies.

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Best vitamin D drops

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Report by Louise Talleu (pharmacist) and Julia Perez (health writer).

When you purchase selected products, a commission may be paid to us to support the site, compensate our writers, and ensure quality information. This does not impact the prices.