What variations of vitamin D3 exist?

A hormone-like vitamin that supports immunity, mood, bone strength, and hormone signaling. Low levels are common, especially in winter. It comes in 4 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.

For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult

Our top pick

The standard one

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)

Raises your vitamin D levels better than D2 does.

Good for: Everyday use

Also consider
Plant-based: the plant-based one (Vegan D3 (from lichen))

Every form, in plain words

Our top pick

The standard one

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)

Raises your vitamin D levels better than D2 does.

Good for: Everyday use

Also good

The plant-based one

Vegan D3 (from lichen)

The very same D3, made from lichen (a plant-like organism) instead of animal sources.

Good for: Plant-based

Also good

The D + K pair

D3 combined with K2

D3 teamed with vitamin K2, a sensible pairing at higher vitamin D amounts.

Usually skip

The weaker one (Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol))Not as good at raising your vitamin D levels or keeping them up.

Spotting a good one on the shelf

Look for

Look for 'Vitamin D3' on the label (the standard one)

Watch out for

Very high daily amounts (10,000 IU or more) taken for a long time without a blood test
Taking several products that each contain vitamin D

Check with your provider first if…

You've had high calcium, kidney stones, sarcoidosis, or a similar condition where the body forms small clumps of immune cells
You take a thiazide 'water pill' (such as hydrochlorothiazide)

In Dr. Lesher's store

8 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary have vitamin D3. Here's which form, where the label says.

Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.