It is best to take your vitamin D3 supplement alongside a meal with a source of fat, as vitamin D is fat-soluble. Can too much vitamin D3 be harmful? Vitamin D, also known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ is a commonly taken supplement with increasing popularity. With numerous benefits for immunity, bone health and mental wellbeing, vitamin D supplementation is an essential part of any wellness routine. Breastfed babies should also have between 8.5-10mcg a day. Babies on formula milk don't need an additional supplement as it already contains vitamin D. You can find out more in our guide to vitamin D supplements for babies and children.

Because most NOW products are relatively affordable, it can be a budget-friendly option for cost-conscious consumers.

If you forget to take it

From about late March/early April to the end of September, the majority of people should be able to make all the vitamin D they need from sunlight on their skin. Colecalciferol doses are measured in international units (IU). 1 microgram of vitamin D is the same as 40IU. Adult loading doses This is why the NHS recommends that between October and March, everyone above the age of one takes a daily supplement containing 10mcg (micrograms) of vitamin D (confusingly, sometimes also written as 10μg, or 400IU – International Units).

If you're taking colecalciferol capsules or tablets, swallow them whole with some water. Take them with your main meal of the day. Chewable tablets NOW supplements that are Informed Sport certified may be ideal for competitive athletes since they have been third-party tested to verify that they’re free of banned substances.Don't overdo it as vitamin D can build up in the body - 100mcg (4000IU) is the maximum safe daily dose for adults. Deficiency in vitamin D is common, particularly among people who get limited sun exposure, as well as people with dark skin, people over age 65, and people who smoke. Breastfed infants and children with certain medical conditions are also susceptible to vitamin D deficiency. Tripkovic L, Lambert H, Hart K, et al. Comparison of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 supplementation in raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Jun;95(6):1357–64. doi:10.3945/ajcn.111.031070