Best Vitamin D Supplements in Malaysia 2020 / 2021
In recent weeks and months, several publications and studies have suggested that maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D would seem potentially beneficial in fighting the COVID-19 infection.
What Is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that it dissolves in fats and oils and can be stored in your body for a long time.
Two main dietary forms exist (Trusted Source):
Two main dietary forms exist (Trusted Source):
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Found in some animal foods, like fatty fish and egg yolks.
- Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). Found in some plants, mushrooms, and yeasts.
Best Vitamin D Brands in Malaysia 2020
We have done our research and shortlisted the best for you. The list is based on recommendations by third party organizations, online reviews and popularity on the local search results and forums.
Here are the best vitamin D supplements that you can buy in Malaysia today.
1. Sports Research Vitamin K2 + D3 with Organic Coconut Oil (60 Veggie Gels)
More than 100 customer reviews and a 4.9/5 overall rating on Lazada Malaysia. One of the top 3 supplement brands on Amazon Best Sellers 2020.
- 2-in-1 SUPPORT: 5000 IU (125mcg) of Vitamin D3 & 100 mcg of Vitamin K2 MK-7 for Strong Bones and a Healthy Cardiovascular System.*
- BETTER THAN THE REST: The only Non-GMO Verified, Vegan Certified, 100% Plant Based Vitamin K2+D3 available. Free of Animal Ingredients such as Lanolin and Bovine.
- 2 PATENT INGREDIENTS: Featuring Vitashine D3 - a patent, plant based form of Vitamin D3 from Lichen and MenaQ7 - a patent form of MK7 from Chickpea.
- ENHANCED ABSORPTION: Vitamin K2 & D3 are both fat soluble and difficult for the body to absorb if not taken with a fat. To help enhance absorption we blend our product with Coconut Oil.
2. Now Foods Vitamin D3 & K2 (120 Veg Caps)
- 1,000 IU / 45 mcg (D3 / K2) per veg capsule
- Also has 3 mg of vitamin C per veg capsule
- Supports Bone Health
- Plus Cardiovascular Support
- Non-GMO
- Family Owned Since 1968
- GMP Quality Assured
3. Caltrate 600 Plus (Calcium Health Supplement with Vitamin D and Minerals)
One of the popular vitamin D brands in Malaysia. More than 200 customer reviews on Lazada Malaysia.
- Contains most concentrated form of calcium which is calcium carbonate
- Each tablet contains Elemental calcium 600mg, Vitamin D3 200IU, Magnesium 50mg, Zinc 7.5mg, Copper 1mg and Manganese 1.8mg
- Sugar free, salt free, lactose free and preservative free
- suggested to take one or two tablets daily or as directed by your physician
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Vitamin D Do in Your Body?
Vitamin D needs to undergo two conversion steps to become active (Trusted Source, Trusted Source).First, it is converted to calcidiol, or 25(OH)D, in your liver. This is the storage form of the vitamin.
Second, it is converted to calcitriol, or 1,25(OH)2D, mostly in your kidneys. This is the active, steroid-hormone form of vitamin D.
Calcitriol interacts with the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which is found in almost every single cell in your body (Trusted Source, Trusted Source).
When the active form of vitamin D binds to this receptor, it turns genes on or off, leading to changes in your cells. This is similar to how most other steroid hormones work (Trusted Source, Trusted Source).
Vitamin D affects various cells related to bone health. For example, it promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from your gut (Trusted Source).
But scientists have recently discovered that it also plays roles in other areas of health, such as immune function and protection against cancer (Source).
Vitamin D3 supplements appear to be more effective at raising vitamin D levels than D2 supplements.
Vitamin D ensures that your blood levels of calcium are high enough to meet your body’s demands. However, vitamin D does not fully control where the calcium in your body ends up. That’s where vitamin K steps in. Vitamin K2 supplements have been proven to be more effective than vitamin K1. That's why most of the top vitamin D supplement brands do combine their vitamin D3 with K2.
Vitamin D ensures that your blood levels of calcium are high enough to meet your body’s demands. However, vitamin D does not fully control where the calcium in your body ends up. That’s where vitamin K steps in. Vitamin K2 supplements have been proven to be more effective than vitamin K1. That's why most of the top vitamin D supplement brands do combine their vitamin D3 with K2.
Can vitamin D help against COVID-19?
A study published in November 2020 from Singapore (CW Tan, Nutrition 2020), found that those who were started on a daily oral dose of vitamin D3 (1,000 IU), magnesium (150 mg) and vitamin B12 (500 mcg) within the first day of hospitalisation and continued up to 14 days were significantly less likely to require oxygen therapy and further intensive care.
The statement released on 2 October by the U.S. president’s physician said that in addition to the antibodies, Trump “has been taking zinc, vitamin D, famotidine, melatonin and a daily aspirin.”
Several publications and studies have suggested that maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D would seem potentially beneficial in fighting the COVID-19 infection.
A recent study, published in JAMA (JAMA Netw Open. 2020) found that persons who are likely to have deficient vitamin D levels at the time of COVID-19 testing were at substantially higher risk of testing positive for COVID-19 than were persons who were likely to have sufficient levels.
A recent study, published in JAMA (JAMA Netw Open. 2020) found that persons who are likely to have deficient vitamin D levels at the time of COVID-19 testing were at substantially higher risk of testing positive for COVID-19 than were persons who were likely to have sufficient levels.
What is the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for vitamin D?
The RDI for vitamin D is as follows (nih.gov):
- 400 IU (10 mcg): infants, 0–12 months
- 600 IU (15 mcg): children and adults, 1–70 years old
- 800 IU (20 mcg): older adults and pregnant or breastfeeding women
What is the Best Vitamin D Foods?
Here is the vitamin D3 content of a few of the best food sources (nih.gov):| Food | Amount | % RDI |
| Cod liver oil, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) | 1,360 IU / 34 mcg | 227% |
| Salmon, cooked, 3 ounces (85 grams) | 447 IU / 11 mcg | 75% |
| Tuna, canned in water, 3 ounces (85 grams) | 154 IU / 4 mcg | 26% |
| Beef liver, cooked, 3 ounces (85 grams) | 42 IU / 1 mcg | 7% |
| 1 large whole egg (D is found in yolk) | 41 IU / 1 mcg | 7% |
| 1 sardine, canned in oil, drained | 23 IU / 0.6 mcg | 4% |
The only excellent dietary source of vitamin D is fish liver oil — such as cod liver oil — which contains upwards of two times the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) in a single tablespoon (15 ml).
Keep in mind that dairy products and cereals are often fortified with vitamin D (Trusted Source).
Some rare mushrooms also harbor vitamin D, and egg yolks contain small amounts.
Best Time to Get Vitamin D from Sun in Malaysia
The amount of sun exposure needed to synthesize adequate vitamin D depends upon the type of skin, time of the day, the month of the year, and the latitude.[Reichrath, 2014] The duration needed in an individual with dark skin is about 10 times that in fair-skinned individuals.
Editor's Note: That said, UV (Ultraviolet) rays are immunosuppressive. UV rays damage the the skin and stimulate the regulatory T cells to produce the immunosuppressive cytokine. UV radiations can also lead to DNA strand breaks.
However, a recent study from India found that despite an intense sun exposure, 90% of infants continued to have vitamin D insufficiency and needed supplementation.[Karthikeyan, 2017] This fact is often not emphasized. A similar study from New Delhi, India that was carried out in school-age children found no increase in vitamin D levels, 4 weeks following sun exposure.[Marwaha, 2016]
Farrar et al. (2013) published a study from the United Kingdom (UK) that included volunteers from South Asian countries (India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh) staying in the UK and exposed 35% of their body surface area to variable doses of UV rays in a controlled environment for 6 weeks.[Farrar, 2013] It was found that vitamin D levels rose significantly after UV exposure. However, a significant proportion of subjects still remained vitamin D insufficient. A similar study carried out in the UK by Farrar et al. (2011) found that UV exposure may correct vitamin D deficiency in white skin individuals but not in South Asian individuals.[Farrar, 2011]
However, a recent study from India found that despite an intense sun exposure, 90% of infants continued to have vitamin D insufficiency and needed supplementation.[Karthikeyan, 2017] This fact is often not emphasized. A similar study from New Delhi, India that was carried out in school-age children found no increase in vitamin D levels, 4 weeks following sun exposure.[Marwaha, 2016]
Farrar et al. (2013) published a study from the United Kingdom (UK) that included volunteers from South Asian countries (India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh) staying in the UK and exposed 35% of their body surface area to variable doses of UV rays in a controlled environment for 6 weeks.[Farrar, 2013] It was found that vitamin D levels rose significantly after UV exposure. However, a significant proportion of subjects still remained vitamin D insufficient. A similar study carried out in the UK by Farrar et al. (2011) found that UV exposure may correct vitamin D deficiency in white skin individuals but not in South Asian individuals.[Farrar, 2011]
Therefore, sun exposure alone may not be an adequate source of vitamin D for dark skin children and adults. Dietary supplementation of vitamin D is necessary. The commonly recommended daily dose of vitamin D is 600 IU (15 mcg) (nih.gov).
Further, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has stated that “Use of deliberate sun exposure to maintain vitamin D sufficiency is not recommended” and “Infants younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible.”
Also, UV (Ultraviolet) rays are immunosuppressive. UV rays damage the the skin and stimulate the regulatory T cells to produce the immunosuppressive cytokine. UV radiations can also lead to DNA strand breaks.Further, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has stated that “Use of deliberate sun exposure to maintain vitamin D sufficiency is not recommended” and “Infants younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible.”
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