What Kind of Vitamin D Supplement Should You Take?

Post by Stephani Waldron-Trapp, N.D.
February 20, 2016

There are several types of vitamin D supplements available on the market. So how do you choose the best one for you? Determining individualized needs is my goal. I have worked with people on optimizing their vitamin D levels, among other nutrients, for years. What I have learned is that one supplement is not for all! Each person has individualized needs and this is very important when determining which vitamin D supplement your body will absorb best.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that comes in two forms, vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). Vitamin D3 is the active form and is made in our skin after sun exposure. It is found in some fish oil and cod liver oil and in some wild caught fish, such as salmon. Vitamin D3 is found in professional quality vitamin D3 supplements as well. Since vitamin D3 is the active form, it is better than vitamin D2, which is the inactive form. Vitamin D2 is found in some vegetables, fortified foods, poor quality supplements, and prescription vitamin D.

Supplements can contain vitamin D3 or vitamin D2. Professional high quality supplements (purchased through a qualified health care provider, like myself) contain vitamin D3, the active form. Oher supplements that are not professional quality (purchased at convenience stores) typically contain vitamin D2, the inactive form.  It is also available by prescription, but I do not recommend this since it is the inactive form of vitamin D. I only recommend taking the active form so it can function in the body.

Supplemental Vitamin D is available in capsules, either in liquid form or powdered form, as well as liquid drops. I prefer the liquid form over the powder as I tend to see better results when retesting vitamin D levels for those using a liquid form. This liquid form could be encapsulated in a soft gel or be dispensed as liquid drops. The most bio-available (able to absorb) forms of vitamin D are micellized or emulsified, often marked on the label. The micellized form of vitamin D is more of a water soluble form, good for people who have issues with fat digestion or have had their gall bladder removed. The emulsified vitamin D is a fat soluble form that is more readily absorbed, compared to other fat soluble forms. I carry both micellized and emulsified forms of vitamin D available in soft gels and liquid form to ensure good absorption and great results!

All of my vitamin D supplements are on sale for 15% off through the end of this month, so feel free to place an order!

For more information about how my services may be beneficial for your needs, contact me for a complimentary 10 minute consultation. I would be happy to talk with you!