Best Vitamin D3 Supplements for Winter (2026)
During winter months, reduced sunlight exposure makes it difficult for the body to produce adequate vitamin D. With roughly 42% of U.S. adults deficient in vitamin D, supplementation becomes critical for maintaining immune function, bone health, and mood during the colder, darker seasons. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the body’s preferred form and is significantly more effective at raising blood levels than D2.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Dosage | Form | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunakai Calcium Magnesium Zinc + D3 K2 | D3 + K2 + Minerals | Gummies | Best Overall | 9.2/10 |
| Natures Craft D3 + K2 MK7 | 2000 IU D3 + K2 | Tablets | Best Value | 9.0/10 |
| NATURELO Vitamin D3 K2 | Plant-Based D3 + K2 | Capsules | Best Vegan | 9.1/10 |
| Nature Made D3 5000 IU | 5000 IU | Softgels | Best High Dose | 9.3/10 |
| Natures Craft Vitamin D Gummies | 2000 IU Vegan D3 | Gummies | Best Gummies | 8.9/10 |
| NatureWise Vitamin D3 5000 IU | 5000 IU + Olive Oil | Mini Softgels | Best Year Supply | 9.1/10 |
| Sports Research D3 + K2 | 5000 IU D3 + K2 | Veggie Softgels | Best Premium | 9.0/10 |
1. Lunakai Calcium Magnesium Zinc Gummies with Vitamin D3 & K2 — Best Overall
- Daily Nutritional Support – Calcium magnesium zinc d3 supplement in a delicious gummy form to support bone health, muscle function, and immune system balance each day.
- Family-Friendly Formula – Designed for women, men, and kids, our calcium magnesium zinc gummies provide safe and effective nutritional support for the whole household.
- Naturally Flavored Gummies – Enjoy tasty peach-flavored calcium gummies with vitamin D3, made with natural flavors and absolutely no artificial colors.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free – These calcium chews with vitamin D are vegan, gelatin-free, and gluten-free, making them an easy choice for a wide range of diets.
- With Vitamin D3 & K2 MK-7 – This magnesium zinc calcium supplement includes Vitamin D3 and K2 to support proper calcium absorption and effective nutrient delivery.
Lunakai’s 5-in-1 formula combines vitamin D3 and K2 with calcium, magnesium, and zinc in a single delicious gummy, addressing multiple winter nutrient gaps in one convenient supplement.
This comprehensive formula delivers vitamin D3 alongside K2 for proper calcium absorption and direction to bones. The added calcium, magnesium, and zinc support immune function, muscle health, and bone density — all areas that benefit from extra attention during winter. Manufactured in the USA in a GMP-certified facility, the gummies are designed for easy daily use without the need for multiple separate supplements.
- Pros:
- 5-in-1 formula covers D3, K2, calcium, magnesium, and zinc
- Delicious gummy format for easy daily compliance
- USA manufactured with GMP certification
- Cons:
- Multi-ingredient formula limits individual nutrient doses
- Higher price than standalone vitamin D
Best for: Those who want comprehensive winter nutrient support in a single, tasty gummy
2. Natures Craft Vitamin D3 with K2 MK7 — Best Value
- Immune booster for adults - Vitamin D3 2000 IU and Vitamin K2 are the top immunity vitamins for that much needed immune boost to keep your immune system fighting off invaders for optimal immune health
- Vitamin K2 with D3 supplement - Try our halal vitamin D3 K2 2000 IU and feels the difference in how you look and feel thanks to these Hair vitamins for faster hair growth and Natural Energy supplement
- Heart health supplement - Vit D3 supplements support a healthy heart but the D3 K2 vitamin combination adds more by redirecting calcium in the body which can remineralize teeth while helping your heart
- Joint supplements for men and women - Our K2 D3 vitamin supplement redirects calcium away from the heart which promotes stronger teeth and joint health plus hair growth vitamins keep locks healthy too
- Mood lift supplement - Vit D3 2000 IU works wonders as an immune supplement that also provides mood support so our halal vitamin D3 K2 2000 can help make you feel better and more stable
Natures Craft pairs 2000 IU vitamin D3 with vitamin K2 (as MK-7) in an affordable tablet format, delivering the D3+K2 synergy that maximizes calcium absorption and bone health at a fraction of premium pricing.
The formula provides a moderate 2000 IU dose of D3 — suitable for maintenance in most adults — alongside K2 in the highly bioavailable MK-7 form. K2 directs calcium to bones and teeth rather than arteries, making this combination more effective than D3 alone. The tablets are easy to swallow and suitable for daily immune and bone support throughout winter.
- Pros:
- Excellent price-to-value ratio for a D3+K2 combination
- K2 as MK-7 — the most bioavailable form
- Moderate 2000 IU dose suitable for daily maintenance
- Cons:
- 2000 IU may not be sufficient for those with significant deficiency
- Tablet form may not appeal to gummy lovers
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers seeking an effective D3+K2 combo for winter maintenance
3. NATURELO Vitamin D3 K2 — Best Vegan Option
- BETTER TOGETHER: Vitamin D3 and K2 are perfect partners that work together to help your body absorb and use calcium properly, so that it goes into your bones -- and away from your arteries and soft tissues.*
- HEALTHY BONES & HEART: Vitamin D3 + K2 work together to support healthy bone density and healthy blood vessels for healthy circulation.* If you take calcium, adding D3 + K2 will support healthy calcium metabolism.*
- PLANT-BASED D3: Most Vitamin D3 supplements are made from lanolin secreted from sheep skin. Our vegan D-3 is completely plant-based and sustainably sourced from wild-harvested lichen.
- ACTIVE K2: Vitamin K2 as MK-7, a bioactive form of the vitamin that shows better bioavailability in humans and has well researched benefits for healthy bone building.*
- CLEAN LABEL: Made in a GMP compliant facility. Non GMO, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free. Does NOT contain soy, dairy, yeast, eggs, nuts, caffeine, preservatives, or coloring.
NATURELO sources its vitamin D3 from lichen — a plant-based alternative to the sheep lanolin used in most D3 supplements — paired with K2 for a fully vegan D3+K2 formula.
The plant-based D3 from lichen provides the same cholecalciferol form the body prefers, without any animal-derived ingredients. Combined with vitamin K2 for synergistic bone and cardiovascular support, this is one of the few truly vegan D3+K2 options on the market. NATURELO uses vegetable capsules and maintains strict non-GMO and third-party testing standards.
- Pros:
- Plant-based D3 from lichen — genuinely vegan
- Combined with K2 for enhanced bone and heart support
- Free from synthetic additives, gluten, and soy
- Cons:
- Premium pricing for vegan sourcing
- Capsule form only
Best for: Vegans and vegetarians who need a plant-sourced D3 supplement for winter
4. Nature Made Vitamin D3 5000 IU — Best High Dose
- Immune, muscle, teeth and bone health support supplement: contains one 180 count bottle of Nature Made Extra Strength Vitamin D3 5000 IU (125 mcg) Softgels for a 180-day supply
- Nature Made Vitamin D 5000 IU softgels help improve calcium absorption, support bone health, teeth health, muscle health, and provide immune support
- This high dose Vitamin D 3 product is for those with higher Vitamin D needs and/or deficiency, as determined by a healthcare professional (1)
- Adults, take one Vitamin D3 Nature Made softgel daily with water and a meal
- Sourced from high-quality ingredients, this Nature Made Vit D3 supplement is gluten free and has no color added and no artificial flavors
Nature Made’s extra-strength 5000 IU vitamin D3 softgels are USP Verified and designed for those with higher vitamin D needs or diagnosed deficiency, delivering the highest dose from the most trusted pharmacy brand.
Each softgel provides 125 mcg (5000 IU) of vitamin D3 — the body’s preferred form — for maximum effectiveness at raising blood levels. The formula is gluten-free with no color added and no artificial flavors. Nature Made is the #1 pharmacist-recommended vitamin brand and carries USP (United States Pharmacopeia) verification, the gold standard for supplement quality. The 180-count bottle provides a full 6-month supply.
- Pros:
- USP Verified — independently tested for purity and potency
- 5000 IU per softgel for significant deficiency correction
- 180-count bottle lasts a full 6 months
- Cons:
- 5000 IU is a high dose — consult a healthcare provider before use
- Contains soybean oil (not suitable for soy-sensitive individuals)
Best for: Adults with diagnosed vitamin D deficiency who need a high-dose, pharmacy-trusted supplement
5. Natures Craft Vitamin D Gummies for Adults — Best Gummies
No products found.
Natures Craft delivers vegan vitamin D3 (2000 IU) in a delicious gummy format with daily immune support — perfect for adults who prefer chewing their supplements over swallowing pills.
These gummies provide a solid 2000 IU dose of vegan vitamin D3 per serving with a taste that makes daily supplementation enjoyable. The formula supports immune function and bone health during winter months when sun exposure drops significantly. Made in a GMP-certified facility with quality ingredients.
- Pros:
- Vegan D3 in a great-tasting gummy format
- 2000 IU per serving for daily maintenance
- Affordable price point
- Cons:
- Contains sugar for flavor
- 2000 IU may be insufficient for severe deficiency
Best for: Adults who prefer gummy supplements and want a vegan vitamin D3 for winter immune support
6. NatureWise Vitamin D3 5000 IU — Best Year Supply
No products found.
NatureWise delivers a full 360-day supply of 5000 IU vitamin D3 in mini softgels suspended in organic extra virgin olive oil for enhanced absorption — the best per-serving value for high-dose winter supplementation.
Each mini softgel contains 125 mcg (5000 IU) of vitamin D3 in organic olive oil, which serves as a natural fat carrier to improve absorption since vitamin D is fat-soluble. The non-GMO, gluten-free formula uses only two ingredients beyond the D3 — olive oil and softgel capsule. NatureWise is third-party tested and manufactured in a GMP facility. The year-long supply eliminates the need for frequent reordering.
- Pros:
- 360 mini softgels — full year supply at an excellent value
- Organic olive oil base enhances fat-soluble vitamin absorption
- Tiny, easy-to-swallow softgel format
- Cons:
- No K2 included — may want to pair with a separate K2 supplement
- Gelatin-based softgel — not vegan
Best for: Value-oriented shoppers who want a full year of high-dose vitamin D3 in one bottle
7. Sports Research Vitamin D3 + K2 — Best Premium Vegan
No products found.
Sports Research combines 5000 IU vegan vitamin D3 with K2 (MK-7) in coconut oil-based veggie softgels, delivering a premium plant-based formula with clinical-grade dosing.
The formula uses plant-based vitamin D3 and pairs it with 100 mcg of vitamin K2 as MK-7 for optimal calcium metabolism. The coconut oil carrier enhances absorption of both fat-soluble vitamins. Sports Research uses vegan-certified softgels and the product is non-GMO verified and soy-free. Third-party tested by Eurofins for purity and potency.
- Pros:
- Vegan-certified with plant-based D3 and K2
- Coconut oil carrier for enhanced absorption
- Third-party tested by Eurofins
- Cons:
- Premium price point
- 60-count bottle is a smaller supply
Best for: Vegans and health-conscious individuals seeking a premium D3+K2 formula with clean certifications
8. NATURELO Vitamin D 5000 IU Plant-Based — Best Plant-Based High Dose
- PLANT-BASED VITAMIN D3: Most vitamin D3 supplements are made from lanolin secreted from sheep skin. Our Vegan Vitamin D3 is sustainably sourced from wild-harvested lichen with no animal byproducts of any kind.
- HIGH POTENCY: 5000 IU of naturally bioactive Vitamin D3 can help restore blood levels in those who are deficient. Studies show that nearly half the U.S. population may be deficient in Vitamin D.*
- ESSENTIAL IMMUNE SUPPORT: Vitamin D is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system.* Vitamin D levels may be especially low in winter or when you are stuck indoors.
- SUPPORTS BONE HEALTH: Vitamin D is necessary for your body to absorb calcium for strong bones and teeth. Risk of bone loss increases with age, particularly for women, and is also a risk during pregnancy.*
- CLEAN LABEL: Made in a GMP compliant facility. Non GMO, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free. Does NOT contain soy, dairy, yeast, eggs, nuts, caffeine, preservatives, or coloring.
NATURELO’s plant-based 5000 IU vitamin D3 derived from lichen offers a high-dose vegan option for those with significant deficiency or increased winter needs.
Each capsule delivers 5000 IU of vitamin D3 sourced from lichen — one of the few plant sources that produces true D3 (cholecalciferol) rather than the less effective D2. The formula uses vegetable capsules with no synthetic fillers, binders, or additives. NATURELO maintains non-GMO and third-party testing standards throughout their product line.
- Pros:
- 5000 IU high-dose from lichen-derived plant-based D3
- No synthetic additives, fillers, or binders
- Vegetable capsule suitable for vegans
- Cons:
- No K2 included in this formula
- Higher price for lichen-sourced D3
Best for: Vegans with significant vitamin D deficiency who need a high-dose plant-based supplement
How to Choose the Best Vitamin D3 Supplement for Winter
Start with the right dosage for your situation. Most adults benefit from 1000–2000 IU daily for maintenance, while those with diagnosed deficiency or limited sun exposure may need 4000–5000 IU. A blood test measuring 25(OH)D levels is the most accurate way to determine your needs — optimal levels fall between 30–50 ng/mL.
Choose D3 (cholecalciferol) over D2 (ergocalciferol). Research consistently shows D3 is more effective at raising and maintaining blood levels of vitamin D. For vegans, look for D3 sourced from lichen rather than the standard lanolin (sheep’s wool) source.
Consider pairing D3 with vitamin K2 (as MK-7). K2 directs calcium to bones and teeth while keeping it out of arteries, making the D3+K2 combination more beneficial than D3 alone for bone and cardiovascular health. Many modern supplements include both.
Since vitamin D is fat-soluble, absorption improves when taken with a meal containing fat. Some supplements already include a fat carrier like olive oil, coconut oil, or MCT oil in the formula. Softgels with built-in oils generally offer better absorption than dry tablets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is vitamin D3 especially important in winter?
During winter, the sun sits lower in the sky and UVB rays (which trigger vitamin D production in the skin) are significantly reduced, especially above the 37th parallel (roughly north of Los Angeles or Richmond, VA). Most people in northern latitudes produce little to no vitamin D from sunlight between October and March.
How much vitamin D3 should I take in winter?
General recommendations range from 1000–2000 IU daily for most adults, with higher doses of 4000–5000 IU for those with diagnosed deficiency. The Endocrine Society suggests up to 4000 IU daily is safe for most adults. A blood test is the best way to determine your optimal dose.
When should I take vitamin D3?
Take vitamin D3 with your largest meal of the day, preferably one containing healthy fats. Since D3 is fat-soluble, absorption increases significantly when consumed alongside dietary fat. Consistency matters more than timing — choose a meal you eat daily to build the habit.
Can I take too much vitamin D3?
Yes, vitamin D toxicity is possible at very high doses over prolonged periods, typically above 10,000 IU daily for months. Symptoms include nausea, elevated calcium levels, and kidney issues. Stick to recommended doses and get periodic blood tests if taking 5000+ IU daily.
Should I take vitamin D3 with K2?
Taking D3 with K2 is increasingly recommended by health professionals. D3 enhances calcium absorption, while K2 ensures that calcium goes to bones and teeth rather than accumulating in soft tissues and arteries. The combination provides better overall bone and cardiovascular support.
How long does it take for vitamin D3 to raise my levels?
Blood levels of vitamin D typically begin rising within 1–2 weeks of consistent supplementation, but it can take 6–8 weeks to reach a new steady-state level. Those starting with significant deficiency may need higher initial doses (as directed by a healthcare provider) to reach optimal levels more quickly.
