Best Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplements, Reviews and Prices 2023
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 D3 and K2 Supplement Brands in 2023
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 search results and forums.
Here are the best vitamin D3 and K2 supplements that you can buy today.
1. Sports Research Vitamin K2 + D3 with Organic Coconut Oil (60 Veggie Gels)
Sports Research Vitamin D3 + K2: From $19.95 > Check Price on Amazon
More than 100,000 customer reviews and a 4.8 out of 5 overall rating on Amazon.
- 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.
I basically avoid the sun at all costs like some kind of vampire. Even with good diet and exercise, I was clearly getting vitamin d deficiency from lack of sun. This stuff helped almost immediately.
2. Now Foods Vitamin D3 & K2 (120 Veg Caps)
More than 7,600 customer reviews and a 4.7 out of 5 overall rating on Amazon.
- 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
My last Vit D levels were slightly low, so I’m increasing this to twice per day. I also take magnesium to help absorption. Summertime will help raise my levels also. 20 minutes of sun exposure everyday is recommended. Thankfully, I don’t burn easily.
3. Bronson Vitamin K2 (MK7) with D3 Supplement
Around $15.00 - Check Price on Amazon
Amazon Best Sellers: #7 in Vitamin D Supplements
About this item:
- Amazon Customer Reviews: 4.8 out of 5 (more than 12,000 ratings)
- Bronson vitamin D3 supplements are available in different dose forms: 2,000 IU, 5,000 IU and 10,000 IU.
- Caution and Concern: Bronson organic vitamin D3 supplement 10,000 IU is a high dose vitamin D3 supplement. Do not take this dose unless instructed and monitored by your healthcare professional.
I had critically low vitamin D levels for years. These supplements with vitamin K were the resolution to my problem. I take 2 doses daily, per my doctor’s recommendation, and now have had healthy levels of vitamin D per my labs since taking them for a year now. As a tip, you need to take them with a fat as vitamin D is fat soluble. I take them with my omega 3 supplements and haven’t had any issues with absorption. I hope this information can help others as you work with your doctor to get those important vitamin D levels up.
4. SmarterNutrition Plant-Based Vitamin D3 with Vitamin K2
Around $25.00 - Check Price on Amazon
– Remium Plant-based Vitamin D3:
Unlike other Vitamin D supplements that contain lanolin excreted from sheep’s glands, then chemically processed, Smarter Nutrition’s Vitamin D3 comes from the most premium plant source of active Vitamin D3.
– 4 Natural Ingredients:
Smarter Nutrition Vitamin D3 is encapsulated in vegetarian softgels with organic extra virgin coconut oil for faster bioavailability than powdered products. The medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil provide quick energy for the body and enable absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins D3 and K2.* It’s the optimal blend of ingredients for safety and maximum benefits.
– Fully Bioavailable Vegetable Softgels:
Using cutting-edge technology, Smarter Nutrition Vitamin D3 is encapsulated in vegetarian softgels without chemical coatings, fillers, and synthetic binders.
– Includes Vitamin K2:
Smarter Vitamin D3 includes vitamin K2 to support bone health.* Vitamin D3 pulls calcium into the bloodstream, but it’s actually vitamin K2 that pushes calcium from your blood and into your bones.
– 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3:
Vitamin D supports a healthy immune system, as well as various other processes and systems throughout the body. It is an essential nutrient for overall health and wellness.
Ratings
4.8 out of 5 – more than 3,000 global ratings
SmarterNutrition Plant-Based Vitamin D3 with Vitamin K2 Reviews
I love this product! Having had skin cancer I avoid the sun so getting other forms of Vitamin D is essential. D3 is the natural form and added vitamin k helps with absorption. I also like that it uses coconut oil as the carrier They are small and easy to swallow. I have noticed my skin is less dry and my knees don’t hurt like they did. I will definitely order again. Thank you for quality products.
5. Life Extension Bone Restore* Calcium, Vitamins K2 D3
Around $18.00 - Check Price on Amazon
- Bone Building Vitamins
Vitamin D is essential for absorbing calcium from the digestive tract into the blood stream. And vitamin K2 helps maintain bone density by promoting calcium transport from the bloodstream into the bone. Both of these nutrients are essential for helping maintain strong, healthy bones and teeth.
- Bone Healthy Minerals
Magnesium, zinc and other bone-healthy minerals are needed to maintain strong bones. Bone Restore with Vitamin K2 contains 300 mg of magnesium from magnesium oxide.
- With Boron
Boron is a trace mineral with beneficial effects for bone and joint strength. This formula contains patented Fruitex B OsteoBoron, made from a calcium/carbohydrate/boron complex similar to what’s found in fruits and vegetables.
- Ingredients Matter
Sourced using only the finest raw ingredients with the purity and potency your body deserves; This product is certified non-GMO and gluten-free; Manufactured in the USA and a Certificate of Analysis is available
Ratings
4.6 out of 5 - more than 1,500 global ratings
I have been taking this Life Extension Bone Restore supplement for months, and it really helps me a lot. My bones and joints do not give me problem at all. I love this product. Thank you!
FAQ
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. Vitamin D Market Size
The Global Vitamin D Market size was worth US$ 1.1 billion in 2022 (R), and it is estimated to reach a valuation of US$ 1.7 billion by the end of 2028, expanding at an annual compound rate of 7.0% between 2023 and 2028.
6. What is the Best Form of Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that it does not dissolve in water and is absorbed best in your bloodstream when paired with high-fat foods. For this reason, it's recommended to take vitamin D supplements with a meal to enhance absorption.Both vitamin D2 and D3 are effectively absorbed into the bloodstream. However, vitamin D2 and D3 are not equal equal when it comes to raising your vitamin D status. Of the two, D3 (cholecalciferol) seems to be almost twice as effective at increasing blood levels of vitamin D as D2 (ergocalciferol) (R, R).
Is vitamin D better absorbed in liquid form? Although no studies have been conducted specifically on liquid vitamin D-3, liquid supplements are considered more bioavailable.
For even better absorption of vitamin D, you must include vitamin K, magnesium, and zinc in your diet. They speed up the absorption procedure and reduce your likelihood of being vitamin D deficient.
7. Vitamin D2 vs Vitamin D3
8. Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin K2
When supplementing, also remember to take synergistic effects with other nutrients into account. If you take high-dose vitamin D, you may also need to increase your intake of:- Magnesium
- Vitamin K2
- Calcium
These four nutrients — vitamins D and K2, calcium and magnesium — all work in tandem, and rely on sufficient amounts of each to work optimally. Lack of balance between these four nutrients is why calcium supplements have become associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and why some experience symptoms of vitamin D toxicity. Here’s a summary of some of the most important correlations between these nutrients:
- Excessive vitamin D in combination with lack of vitamin K2 may cause over-absorption of calcium, which in turn may result in calcium deposits in your heart and kidneys. Part of the explanation for these adverse side effects is that vitamin K2 keeps calcium in its appropriate place — in your teeth and bones and out of soft tissues and arteries.
- While the optimal ratios between vitamin D and vitamin K2 have yet to be established, taking somewhere between 100 to 200 micrograms (mcg) of K2 is beneficial. Telltale signs of vitamin K2 insufficiency include osteoporosis, heart disease and diabetes. You’re also more likely to be deficient if you rarely eat vitamin K2-rich foods.
- Vascular calcification is also a side effect of low magnesium, so when taking vitamin D3, you need both vitamin K2 and magnesium to make sure everything is working properly.
- Maintaining an appropriate calcium-to-magnesium ratio is also important, as magnesium helps keep calcium in your cells so they can function better. Based on your personal health needs an ideal ratio of calcium-to-magnesium may vary from 1-to-1 to an optimal 1-to-2. (R)
- Magnesium and vitamin K2 also complement each other, as magnesium helps lower blood pressure, which is an important component of heart disease.
9. What is the difference between Vitamin D and D3?
There are two main dietary forms (NIH):
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Found in some animal foods, like fatty fish and egg yolks.
- Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). Found in some plants, mushrooms, and yeasts.
Of the two, D3 (cholecalciferol) seems to be almost twice as effective at increasing blood levels of vitamin D as D2 (ergocalciferol) (NIH, NIH).
10. Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies.Some people are at a greater risk than others. In the United States, 41.6% of the total population is deficient, although minorities fare worse — 82.1% and 69.2% of blacks and Hispanics are deficient, respectively (Trusted Source).
Additionally, older adults are at a much greater risk of being deficient (Trusted Source).
Those who have certain diseases are also very likely to be deficient. One study showed that 96% of people who had experienced heart attacks were low in vitamin D (Trusted Source).
Overall, vitamin D deficiency is a silent epidemic. The symptoms are usually subtle and may take years or decades to surface.
The most well-known symptom of vitamin D deficiency is rickets, a bone disease common in children in developing countries.
Rickets has been mostly eliminated from Western countries because of the fortification of some foods with vitamin D (Trusted Source).
Deficiency is also linked to osteoporosis, reduced mineral density, and increased risk of falls and fractures in older adults.
What’s more, studies indicate that people with low vitamin D levels have a much greater risk of heart disease, diabetes (types 1 and 2), cancer, dementia, and autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (Trusted Source).
Finally, vitamin D deficiency is linked to a reduced life expectancy (Trusted Source, Trusted Source, Trusted Source).
That said, it’s unclear whether deficiency contributes to these diseases or whether people with low levels are just more likely to get them.
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