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Many of us can get enough of the vitamins and minerals we need through our diet. However, when it comes to vitamin D, many of us may need to turn to the best supplements to ensure we’re getting enough of this ‘sunshine vitamin’ throughout autumn and winter, when sunlight is more scarce.
Due to shorter days and lack of sun exposure, we can all benefit from taking vitamin D in the colder, darker months, according to those in the know. Dr Sam Oliver, an expert in sport and exercise science at Bangor University, says: “From October through to March, due to insufficient sunlight, a low-dose daily oral vitamin D3 supplement might be needed to maintain vitamin D sufficiency”.
While there are foods that provide vitamin D, most of our daily recommended allowance comes from the sun’s rays. And, crucially, it’s vital for the body’s overall health. It’s essential for maintaining musculoskeletal health by supporting our bones, teeth and muscles, while research has also linked it to boosting the immune system.
Dr Oliver and his colleagues have made another significant discovery. “More recently, a greater understanding of vitamin D’s role within the immune system means that maintaining vitamin D sufficiency may also be important to prevent and cope with respiratory infections,” he explains. “For example, our recent research indicates winter vitamin D supplementation reduces the duration and severity of the common cold.”
It is possible to take too much vitamin D, which can have adverse effects, so do speak with your healthcare provider to find out which dose is right for you before beginning any new supplement protocol. Once you know the suitable dosage, below, you’ll find our guide to the best vitamin D supplements, including capsules, sprays and gummies to suit different preferences and ages.
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The best vitamin D supplements for 2026 are:Best overall – Nutrition Geeks vitamin D3 1,000IU: £6.99, Amazon.co.ukBest budget buy – Myvitamins vitamin D3 softgels, 1,000IU: £4.99, Myprotein.comBest for vegans – Nature’s Own vegan D3 2,500IU: £11.35, Amazon.co.ukBest for children – Boots vitamin D, 30 gummies: £8.92, Mcgrocer.comBest oral spray – Viridian vitamin D3 2000IU Spray: £22.80, Viridian-nutrition.comHow we tested 
We tried a range of vitamin D supplements, after consulting the experts (The Independent / Emilie Lavinia)
When it comes to vitamin D, we know it’s good for us and how it can help to support good health. However, there are a lot of options to choose from when you’re trying to select the right supplement for you and your family. We turned to experts to help demystify the process and tested each of the best options for ourselves. From ease of consumption to value for money, you can find our full testing criteria at the end of this review.
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