Vitamin

Vitamin D3

Also known as: cholecalciferol, vitamin D3, D3, calciferol

Overview

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for calcium homeostasis, bone health, immune function, and modulation of cell growth. It is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight and can also be obtained through diet or supplementation. The primary marker of vitamin D status is serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], with levels below 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) generally indicating insufficiency and levels below 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) indicating deficiency. Supplementation with vitamin D3 effectively increases serum 25(OH)D concentrations in a dose-dependent manner, with higher and more frequent dosing regimens producing greater increases [6][2]. Vitamin D3 is more potent and produces more sustained increases in 25(OH)D levels compared to vitamin D2, particularly with daily dosing and in individuals with higher BMI or lower baseline levels [3][4]. Evidence suggests a threshold effect, where benefits of supplementation are more pronounced in individuals with baseline deficiency, supporting targeted correction of low vitamin D status [5].

Dosage Guide

Recommended Daily Allowance

For generally healthy individuals

Adults (19-70 years)600 IU/day
Adults (>70 years)800 IU/day
Children (1-18 years)600 IU/day
Pregnant women600 IU/day
Breastfeeding women600 IU/day

Therapeutic Doses

For treatment of specific conditions

Deficiency treatment50,000 IU weekly for 8-12 weeksFollowed by maintenance therapy; equivalent to 7,142 IU/day
Maintenance after correction1,000-2,000 IU/dayAdjust based on serum 25(OH)D levels
Elderly with insufficiency2,000 IU/dayMore effective than 400 IU/day for achieving sufficiency

Upper Intake Limit

Maximum safe daily intake

4000 IUTolerable upper intake level for adults and children ≥9 years; long-term higher doses require medical supervision

Special Forms

Alternative forms for specific needs

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)

Preferred form due to superior efficacy in raising and maintaining 25(OH)D levels

Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol)

Less effective than D3, used in some prescriptions and plant-based supplements

Clinical Notes

  • Monitor serum 25(OH)D levels to guide therapy, especially with high-dose or long-term supplementation
  • Avoid high-dose vitamin D in hypercalcemia, sarcoidosis, or other granulomatous diseases due to risk of toxicity
  • Vitamin D3 is more effective than D2 for raising 25(OH)D and is preferred for supplementation
  • Loading doses (e.g., 50,000 IU weekly) are safe short-term but require follow-up with maintenance dosing
  • Obesity, malabsorption, and certain medications may increase vitamin D requirements

Research

Key FindingsPubMed
1

Daily 20 μg (800 IU) vitamin D3 significantly increased 25(OH)D3 levels over 12 weeks in adults during winter months.

Vitamin D3 supplementation: Response and predictors of vitamin D3 metabolites - A randomized controlled trial.
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland)2016
2

In older adults, 2,000 IU/day was more effective than 400 IU/day at maintaining 25(OH)D ≥30 ng/mL over 6 months.

Differences in vitamin D3 dosing regimens in a geriatric community-dwelling population.
Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists2012
3

Vitamin D3 was superior to D2 in raising 25(OH)D levels, especially with daily dosing; effects varied by sex, dose, and time.

Differential effects of vitamin D2 and D3 supplements on 25-hydroxyvitamin D level are dose, sex, and time dependent: a randomized controlled trial.
BMC endocrine disorders2017
4

Meta-analysis confirmed vitamin D2 supplementation increases serum 25(OH)D, but with lower efficacy than D3.

The effect of vitamin D2 supplementation on vitamin D levels in humans: A time and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Steroids2024
5

Evidence supports thresholds in vitamin D status, with greater benefits from supplementation in deficient individuals.

Emerging Evidence of Thresholds for Beneficial Effects from Vitamin D Supplementation.
Nutrients2018
6

Loading doses of 50,000–200,000 IU followed by maintenance dosing significantly increased 25(OH)D in deficient adults, in a dose-dependent fashion.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Study to Evaluate the Dose-Response of Three Different Vitamin D Treatment Schemes on the 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Serum Concentration in Patients with Vitamin D Deficiency.
Nutrients2015
7

High-dose intermittent vitamin D3 (100,000 IU monthly) safely increased 25(OH)D from 73 to 124 nmol/L over 18 months with no significant BP effect.

Long-term high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation and blood pressure in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial.
Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)2014
8

Individualized loading regimens based on baseline 25(OH)D and body weight effectively corrected deficiency and achieved target levels >75 nmol/L.

Vitamin D oral intermittent treatment (DO IT) study, a randomized clinical trial with individual loading regimen.
Scientific reports2021

Products Containing Vitamin D3(11 reports)

Vitamin D3 5,000 IU
Vitamin D3 5,000 IU
NOW
A
You get: 5,000 IUGoal: 1000-4000 IU

This high-dose vitamin D3 supplement provides 5,000 IU per serving, targeting individuals with deficiency or insufficiency who require substantial repletion. The formulation uses cholecalciferol (D3), the preferred form due to superior bioavailability and sustained elevation of serum 25(OH)D levels compared to D2.

LIQUID Vitamin D3 with K2
LIQUID Vitamin D3 with K2
ORTHO MOLECULAR PRODUCTS
B+
You get: 25 mcg (1,000 IU)Goal: 1000-4000 IU

This liquid dietary supplement combines vitamin D3 (1,000 IU) and vitamin K2 (10 mcg) to support bone and cardiovascular health through synergistic nutrient action. It is formulated to enhance calcium metabolism by promoting bone mineralization and reducing vascular calcification. The product is intended for daily use to address deficiencies and support long-term skeletal and heart health.

Calcium Magnesium Zinc + D3
Calcium Magnesium Zinc + D3
21st Century
B-
You get: 10 mcg (400 IU)Goal: 800-2000 IU

This supplement combines calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D3—nutrients essential for bone health, metabolic function, and immune support. The formulation delivers clinically relevant doses of vitamin D3 and magnesium, while calcium is provided at the daily recommended level, though evidence for fracture prevention is limited.

Vitamin D3 & K2
Vitamin D3 & K2
Force Factor
B+
You get: 25 mcg (1,000 IU)Goal: 1,000-2,000 IU/day

This supplement combines vitamin D3 (1,000 IU) and vitamin K2 (45 mcg) to support bone and cardiovascular health through synergistic action. Vitamin D3 is provided at a clinically relevant dose for maintenance in adults with adequate or borderline status, while vitamin K2 is included at a supportive but sub-therapeutic level for vascular and skeletal benefits.

Vitamin D3 + K2
Vitamin D3 + K2
Solaray
B+
You get: 125 mcgGoal: 1000-2000 IU/day (25-50 mcg) for maintenance; 50,000 IU weekly for deficiency

This supplement combines vitamin D3 (125 mcg) and vitamin K2 (50 mcg) to support bone and cardiovascular health through synergistic action. Vitamin D3 enhances calcium absorption, while K2 directs calcium to bones and away from arteries via activation of osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein. The dose of D3 is significantly higher than typical daily recommendations, indicating a therapeutic intent for deficiency correction or maintenance in high-risk individuals.

Amen, Vitamin D, K2 & Zinc
Amen, Vitamin D, K2 & Zinc
Codeage
B+
You get: 125 mcg (5,000 IU)Goal: 1,000-2,000 IU/day (maintenance), 50,000 IU weekly (deficiency)

This supplement combines vitamin D3, vitamin K2 (as MK-7), and zinc—three nutrients critical for immune function, bone health, and mineral metabolism. The formulation leverages synergistic interactions between fat-soluble vitamins D and K, while providing a clinically relevant dose of zinc to support immune resilience.

瑞姆路得牌维生素D软胶囊
瑞姆路得牌维生素D软胶囊
瑞姆路得
A-
You get: 15μgGoal: 600-800 IU/day

瑞姆路得牌维生素D软胶囊是一种膳食补充剂,主要成分为维生素D3(15μg,即600 IU),旨在支持钙吸收、骨骼健康和免疫功能。该剂量符合成人日常推荐摄入量,适用于维生素D摄入不足或日照缺乏人群。

Multivitamin (predicted)
Multivitamin (predicted)
Unknown
B+
You get: 20 mcgGoal: 15-25 mcg (600-1000 IU)

This multivitamin formulation delivers essential vitamins at moderate doses, with vitamin D3, vitamin A, and B-complex vitamins as primary contributors to nutritional support. The inclusion of clinically relevant forms such as D3 (cholecalciferol) and methylfolate-capable dosing suggests a focus on bioavailability and metabolic utility.

Extra Strength Vitamin D3 Supplement
Extra Strength Vitamin D3 Supplement
Spring Valley
B+
You get: 125 mcg (5,000 IU)Goal: 1,000-2,000 IU/day (maintenance); 50,000 IU weekly for 8-12 weeks (deficiency treatment)

This high-dose vitamin D3 supplement delivers 5,000 IU (125 mcg) per serving, significantly exceeding the RDA and aligning with therapeutic regimens for correcting deficiency. The formulation uses cholecalciferol (D3), the preferred and more effective form for raising and maintaining serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.

Vitamin D3 + K2
Vitamin D3 + K2
nutrition geeks
A-
You get: 100µg (4000IU)Goal: 1000-2000 IU/day (maintenance), up to 50,000 IU/week (deficiency treatment)

This supplement combines high-dose vitamin D3 (4000 IU) and vitamin K2 (100 µg), targeting individuals with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency and aiming to support bone and cardiovascular health through synergistic action. The formulation leverages the superior bioavailability of D3 and the long-acting MK-7 form of K2, aligning with evidence-based dosing for sustained nutrient status improvement.

PRIME TEST PRO TESTOSTERONE BOOSTER
PRIME TEST PRO TESTOSTERONE BOOSTER
PRIME LABS
B
You get: 5000 IUGoal: 1000-2000 IU

PRIME TEST PRO TESTOSTERONE BOOSTER is a dietary supplement formulated to support healthy testosterone levels, primarily through clinically relevant doses of Ashwagandha and Fenugreek, two botanicals with emerging evidence for endocrine modulation. The inclusion of supportive nutrients like Vitamin D3, Zinc, and Magnesium—key players in hormonal and metabolic health—further aligns the formula with evidence-based strategies for optimizing male vitality.