Vitamin D supplements
Understand when vitamin D may be needed and how to choose an amount that fits your situation.
What it does
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and contributes to normal bone and muscle function. Some comes from food, and your skin can make it with sunlight. A supplement is useful in some situations where intake or vitamin D status is inadequate.
When it may help
Someone with a confirmed deficiency or a specific risk of low vitamin D may need supplementation. A clinician can decide whether testing or a treatment dose is appropriate.
What to keep in mind
A low-energy day does not diagnose vitamin D deficiency. Taking a high dose without a reason is not better preventive care.
How this relates to energy
Vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle weakness. Treating a deficiency is different from taking extra vitamin D to treat tiredness when levels are already sufficient.
Do not expect a vitamin D tablet to provide an immediate energy effect. Persistent or unexplained fatigue needs assessment, even if you take this nutrient.
Read more: Vitamin D — NIH · Vitamin K and medicines — NIH
What to look for
The amount in both units
Labels may show micrograms and IU, another unit. For vitamin D, 1 microgram equals 40 IU.
The whole formula
Some vitamin D products contain vitamin K or calcium as well. Those ingredients can change whether a product is suitable.
Your combined intake
Add up vitamin D in multivitamins, bone products and daily packs before taking a separate tablet.
Independent quality testing
Look for independent quality testing, such as NSF or USP verification. It checks aspects of product quality, not whether you will benefit.
A daily amount is not a treatment plan
A bottle’s serving is not necessarily the amount needed to correct a diagnosed deficiency. Follow the plan from your clinician, including any recommended follow-up.
Before taking it
Ask first if you have kidney disease, kidney stones or high blood calcium. Too much vitamin D can be harmful.
Vitamin K can interfere with warfarin. Check for added K before buying a combination product.
Further reading
These sources provide general education. They do not endorse the product below.
Optional product recommendation
Recommended by Dr. Brittany Snustad
Dr. Brittany Snustad recommends Nutrilite Vitamin D. Whether it is appropriate for you depends on your needs, medicines and other supplements.
Nutrilite™ Vitamin D
Vitamin D tablets with vitamin K2
90 tablets · 90-day supply
Item 119346
What it contains
- 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) vitamin D from D3 and D2 per tablet. IU is another unit used on vitamin labels.
- 20 micrograms vitamin K2 per tablet.
Where this product fits
This product adds vitamin D and K2. It may suit a person with an identified need for vitamin D, but should not be selected solely because they feel tired.
How it is taken
Label directions: take one tablet daily, with or without a meal.
Before ordering
- If you take warfarin, speak with your prescriber before using this vitamin K-containing product.
- Perfect Pack and Bone Health Pack already contain Vitamin D. Also check amounts in Double X and other supplements.
- Ask your clinician before use if you have kidney disease, high blood calcium, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take medicines.
Products are optional and purchased separately from the Reset Method membership. Member discounts are applied manually while paid membership access is active. Opening the link does not apply the discount.
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If you prefer another brand, we recommend looking for a product with comparable ingredients, amounts and 3rd party testing.
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