Best Vegan Vitamin D Supplements
Finding the right vegan vitamin D supplement can be challenging since most D3 supplements are derived from lanolin in sheep’s wool or fish oil. Fortunately, plant-based options from lichen and algae provide the same powerful benefits without any animal products. Whether you’re managing deficiency or simply boosting your levels during winter months, these vegan-friendly supplements deliver the vitamin D3 your body needs for bone health, immune function, and overall wellness.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall: Doctor’s Best Vegan D3 — Vitashine-sourced with superior absorption
- Best Value: Pure & Essential Vegan D3 — Year-long supply at affordable price
- Best Premium: Garden of Life mykind Organics — Organic whole food formula
Quick Comparison
| Product | Source | Dosage | Form | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor’s Best Vegan D3 | Lichen (Vitashine) | 2500 IU | Capsules | Overall quality |
| Future Kind Vegan D3 | Lichen | 2500 IU | Softgels | High absorption |
| DEVA Vegan D3 | Lichen | 1000 IU | Tablets | Daily maintenance |
| NatureWise Vegan D3 | Lichen | 5000 IU | Softgels | Deficiency correction |
| Garden of Life mykind Organics | Lichen | 2000 IU | Spray | Organic option |
| Transparent Labs D3+K2 | Lichen | 5000 IU | Softgels | Bone health support |
| Mary Ruth’s Vegan D3 | Lichen | 5000 IU | Liquid | Easy absorption |
1. Doctor’s Best Vegan D3 — Best Overall
- Doctor's best vegan D3 features vitashine D3 - a plant source of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), the superior form of supplemental vitamin D. Needed for the body to regulate phosphorus and calcium levels for bones, teeth and heart protection. Vitamin D3 is produced in the skin by absorbing the sun’s UV rays and is obtained from food in limited amounts. Sun protection and climate factors may influence low Vitamin D3 levels.
- Product Note: Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product. Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery
- Vegan D3 - The Vitashine D3 in best vegan D3 is sustainably harvested and registered with the prestigious UK Vegan Society.
- Benefits - Vitamin D3 is beneficial for supporting bone health, immune wellness, cardiovascular function, and for cellular gene regulation and metabolism.
- Clinically proven - Vitamin D is essential to ensure healthy control over calcium absorption and the availability of calcium to bone. Multiple studies have shown its support for healthy bone structure from childhood through old age. The liver converts cholecalciferol into the activated form of vitamin D (25-hydroxy vitamin D3) and not only influences bone health but helps support immune system responses, the heart and circulation, the lungs, the musculoskeletal system and virtually all the body’s other functional systems. It is increasingly becoming clear that maintaining optimal vitamin D lev
Doctor’s Best Vegan D3 stands out as the gold standard for plant-based vitamin D supplementation.
This supplement features Vitashine D3, sustainably harvested from lichen and registered with the UK Vegan Society. Each capsule delivers 2500 IU (62.5 mcg) of cholecalciferol, the same form your body produces naturally from sunlight. The formula is non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free, making it suitable for various dietary restrictions beyond veganism.
What We Like
- Uses premium Vitashine D3 from lichen source
- Optimal 2500 IU dosage for most adults
- Registered with UK Vegan Society
- Free from common allergens
- Small, easy-to-swallow capsules
What Could Be Better
- May melt in hot weather during shipping
- Some prefer higher potency options
Bottom Line: Doctor’s Best delivers pharmaceutical-grade vegan D3 with proven efficacy and clean ingredients at a competitive price point.
2. Future Kind Vegan D3 — Best for High Absorption
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Future Kind designed this supplement specifically for the vegan community with absorption-enhancing features.
The plant-based D3 comes from lichen and provides 2500 IU per softgel. What sets this product apart is its commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. The company was founded by vegans and maintains strict quality control through FDA-regulated and GMP-certified facilities in the USA.
What We Like
- Created by vegans for vegans
- Manufactured in USA facility
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No soy, gluten, artificial colors, or preservatives
- Helps maintain healthy bone density
What Could Be Better
- Higher price than some competitors
- Not certified organic
Bottom Line: An ethical choice from a company that understands vegan nutrition needs with excellent quality standards and customer service.
3. DEVA Vegan D3 — Best for Daily Maintenance
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DEVA offers a gentle daily dose perfect for maintaining adequate vitamin D levels year-round.
Each small tablet contains 1000 IU of lichen-derived D3, making it ideal for those who get some sun exposure or already have decent vitamin D levels. The 90-tablet bottle provides a three-month supply, and the tablets are among the smallest on the market.
What We Like
- Conservative 1000 IU dose for daily use
- Very small, easy-to-swallow tablets
- 90-day supply in one bottle
- Certified vegan by Vegan Society
- Budget-friendly option
What Could Be Better
- Lower potency may not suit those with deficiency
- Tablets may be less absorbable than softgels
Bottom Line: DEVA provides an affordable maintenance dose for vegans who need consistent but moderate vitamin D supplementation.
4. NatureWise Vegan D3 — Best for Deficiency Correction
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NatureWise delivers a powerful 5000 IU dose perfect for quickly raising low vitamin D levels.
This high-potency formula includes organic cold-pressed olive oil to enhance absorption of this fat-soluble vitamin. The lichen-derived D3 comes in easy-to-swallow softgels that provide a two-month supply. It’s non-GMO and third-party tested for purity.
What We Like
- High 5000 IU potency for deficiency
- Contains olive oil for better absorption
- Third-party tested for quality
- Non-GMO verified
- 60 softgels per bottle
What Could Be Better
- Too high for those with adequate levels
- More expensive per serving
Bottom Line: NatureWise is the ideal choice when you need to rapidly correct vitamin D deficiency under medical supervision.
5. Garden of Life mykind Organics — Best Organic Option
- IMMUNE, MOOD, BONE & MUSCLE SUPPORT*: Vitamin D supports healthy bones, muscle function, and a strong immune system.*
- NATURALLY-SOURCED, NON-GMO: These Vitamin D3 immune support and bone health supplements* are formulated with a naturally-sourced vitamin D3 ingredient, and are gluten-free and non-GMO. Packaging may vary due to high demand, same great product and ingredients.
- IN ORGANIC COLD-PRESSED OLIVE OIL: NatureWise Vitamin D3 is formulated with organic, cold-pressed olive oil that doesn't use heat or hexanes, to enhance the absorption of vitamin D3.*
- CONTENTS CERTIFIED NSF: This supplement is NSF-contents certified, which means its contents are thoroughly tested for accuracy and purity. Ingredients are also analyzed for this certification to confirm they match label contents.
- USA MANUFACTURED, 3RD PARTY TESTED: All NatureWise supplements are proudly manufactured the USA in facilities that comply to the strictest cGMP standards and undergo rigorous testing by third party labs to ensure the highest quality and purity.
Garden of Life takes vitamin D supplementation to the next level with certified organic whole food ingredients.
This vanilla-flavored spray delivers 2000 IU of organic lichen-derived D3 per dose. The spray format allows for flexible dosing and faster absorption compared to pills. It’s USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and contains no synthetic binders or fillers.
What We Like
- USDA Organic certification
- Convenient spray delivery system
- Pleasant vanilla flavor
- Whole food-based formula
- Flexible dosing options
What Could Be Better
- Premium pricing reflects organic ingredients
- Spray nozzle can occasionally clog
Bottom Line: Garden of Life offers the cleanest organic vitamin D supplement for those who prioritize certified organic ingredients and innovative delivery.
6. Transparent Labs Vitamin D3 + K2 — Best for Bone Health
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Transparent Labs combines D3 with vitamin K2 for synergistic bone and cardiovascular support.
Each softgel provides 5000 IU of vegan D3 plus 100 mcg of K2 (MK-7), which helps direct calcium into bones rather than soft tissues. This combination is backed by research showing improved calcium metabolism and bone density. The formula is allergen-free and third-party tested by Informed Choice.
What We Like
- Combines D3 with complementary K2
- Informed Choice certified
- Supports both bone and heart health
- Optimal D3 dosage at 5000 IU
- Clear softgels easy to swallow
What Could Be Better
- Higher cost for combination formula
- May provide more K2 than needed
Bottom Line: Transparent Labs offers a scientifically-backed combination that maximizes vitamin D benefits for bone health and calcium metabolism.
7. Mary Ruth’s Vegan D3 Liquid — Best Liquid Formula
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Mary Ruth’s liquid D3 offers maximum bioavailability and flexible dosing in a pleasant-tasting formula.
This organic liquid supplement delivers 5000 IU per dropper full and can be taken directly or mixed into smoothies and drinks. The lichen-derived D3 is suspended in organic MCT oil for optimal absorption. It’s USDA Organic, Non-GMO, and free from all major allergens.
What We Like
- Liquid format for superior absorption
- USDA Organic certified
- Flexible dosing with dropper
- Contains MCT oil for fat-soluble absorption
- Pleasant taste without artificial flavors
What Could Be Better
- Requires refrigeration after opening
- Glass bottle less travel-friendly
Bottom Line: Mary Ruth’s provides the most bioavailable vitamin D option with flexible dosing and organic ingredients for those who prefer liquid supplements.
How to Choose the Best Vegan Vitamin D Supplement
When selecting a vegan vitamin D supplement, the first decision is choosing between D2 and D3. While vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is always vegan, research suggests that vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is more effective at raising and maintaining blood levels. Fortunately, vegan D3 derived from lichen or algae provides the same benefits as animal-derived D3 without ethical concerns.
Dosage is another critical consideration. Most adults benefit from 1000-2000 IU daily for maintenance, while those with deficiency may need 2500-5000 IU under medical supervision. Your individual needs depend on factors like sun exposure, skin tone, geographic location, and current vitamin D levels. People with darker skin require more sun exposure to produce vitamin D naturally, making supplementation especially important.
Look for third-party testing certifications from organizations like USP, NSF, or Informed Choice. These verify that the product contains what the label claims and is free from contaminants. Many quality vegan vitamin D supplements also carry certifications from the Vegan Society or are Non-GMO Project Verified.
Consider the delivery format based on your preferences and absorption needs. Softgels and liquid formulas often contain healthy fats like MCT or olive oil, which enhance absorption of this fat-soluble vitamin. Sprays offer convenience and flexible dosing, while tablets provide the most economical option. If you choose tablets or capsules, take them with a meal containing dietary fat for optimal absorption.
Finally, check ingredient lists for unnecessary additives, artificial colors, or common allergens. The cleanest supplements contain just vitamin D3, a carrier oil or fat source, and minimal excipients. Organic certifications ensure products are free from pesticides and made with higher-quality ingredients, though they typically cost more.
Benefits of Vitamin D Supplementation
Vitamin D’s most well-established role is supporting bone health through calcium absorption and metabolism. Without adequate vitamin D, your body cannot effectively absorb calcium from food, leading to weakened bones, increased fracture risk, and potential osteoporosis over time. This is especially crucial for vegans who may not consume traditional calcium-rich dairy products. Vitamin D helps direct calcium into bones and teeth where it’s needed while preventing harmful calcium deposits in soft tissues and arteries.
Your immune system depends heavily on vitamin D to function optimally. Research shows that adequate vitamin D levels support your body’s natural defenses against infections and may reduce the risk of autoimmune conditions. Immune cells have vitamin D receptors and require this nutrient to activate properly. During winter months when sunlight is scarce and cold and flu season peaks, maintaining sufficient vitamin D becomes even more important for immune resilience.
Emerging research suggests vitamin D plays roles beyond bones and immunity. Studies have linked adequate vitamin D levels to better mood and reduced risk of depression, particularly seasonal affective disorder during darker months. Vitamin D receptors exist throughout the brain, and the vitamin appears to influence neurotransmitter production and brain function. While more research is needed, some evidence also suggests vitamin D may support cardiovascular health, muscle function, and healthy cell growth throughout the body.
For vegans specifically, vitamin D supplementation addresses a common nutritional gap. While fortified plant milks provide some vitamin D, many vegan cheese, yogurt, and other dairy alternatives lack fortification. Combined with limited sun exposure from indoor lifestyles and sun protection practices, many vegans have suboptimal vitamin D levels. Supplementation offers a reliable way to ensure you meet your needs regardless of season, climate, or sun exposure patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all vitamin D3 vegan?
No, most vitamin D3 supplements are derived from lanolin in sheep’s wool or fish oil, making them non-vegan. However, vegan vitamin D3 extracted from lichen or algae is now widely available and works just as effectively. Always check labels to confirm the D3 source is plant-based.
How much vitamin D should vegans take daily?
Most adults need 600-800 IU daily for maintenance, but vegans often benefit from 1000-2000 IU daily due to limited dietary sources. Those with deficiency may require 2500-5000 IU temporarily. Have your doctor check your blood levels to determine your individual needs.
Can you get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone?
While sun exposure triggers vitamin D production, getting adequate amounts from sunlight alone is unrealistic for most people. Factors like geographic location, season, time of day, skin tone, age, and sun protection use all affect production. Supplementation provides reliable year-round levels.
What’s the difference between vitamin D2 and D3?
Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is plant-derived and always vegan, while D3 (cholecalciferol) is typically animal-derived but also available from lichen. Research suggests D3 is more effective at raising and maintaining blood vitamin D levels, making vegan D3 supplements the preferred choice.
Should I take vitamin D with food?
Yes, vitamin D is fat-soluble and absorbs best when taken with meals containing dietary fat. Foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, or meals cooked with oil significantly improve absorption. Some supplements include carrier oils like MCT or olive oil to enhance bioavailability.
Can you take too much vitamin D?
Yes, while vitamin D toxicity is rare, taking extremely high doses (over 10,000 IU daily long-term) can cause calcium buildup in blood and organs. Stick to recommended dosages and have your levels monitored if taking high-dose supplements to correct deficiency.
How long does it take vitamin D supplements to work?
You may notice improvements in energy and mood within a few weeks, though it typically takes 2-3 months of consistent supplementation to significantly raise blood vitamin D levels. Those with severe deficiency may require several months to reach optimal ranges.
Do vegan vitamin D supplements work as well as animal-derived ones?
Yes, lichen-derived vegan D3 is chemically identical to animal-derived D3 and works equally effectively. Studies show both forms raise blood levels similarly. The only difference is the ethical and sustainable source—the vitamin itself functions identically in your body.
