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Now Foods Vitamin D3 Review – Is it Effective?

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Facts | Nutrition Facts | Pros & Cons | Adverse Effects | Cost | Where to Buy? | Suggested Use | Final Thoughts

Vitamin D3 is an essential nutrient required to properly absorb calcium, a necessary mineral for the normal functioning of the human body and skeletal structure.

Food sources that contain sufficient amounts of the essential vitamin, Vitamin D3, are somewhat limited. That is why supplementation with vitamin D3 is often the recommended alternative to ensure optimal levels of this nutrient are present in the body.

NOW Vitamin D3 is promoted as a highly bioavailable form of vitamin D3 that is effective in supporting a healthy bone system and teeth.

The formula is marketed by one of the most famous American manufacturers of dietary supplements called NOW Foods. Their formulations are sold internationally and enjoy the appreciation of many consumers of such products.

NOW Foods manufactures various supplements in many combinations targeted at several ailments and body needs.

NOW Vitamin D3 is also available in various forms, including chewable, capsules, and softgels, and is also sold in varying strengths up to 50,000 IU.

NOW Vitamin D3 is promoted as particularly useful for those who avoid the sun because of the harmful effects of sun exposure (UV radiation). Adequate amounts of vitamin D3 also provide numerous other human benefits, which will be detailed further in this NOW Vitamin D3 review.

Now also sells supplements that fight stress and manage appetite like Relora.

Facts

1) Vitamin D3 Quick Facts

Vitamin D3 is one of the two active forms of the Vitamin D group, also known as Cholecalciferol. It is also the natural form of vitamin D produced by humans and is considered more potent than the other form (vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol).

Vitamin D3 can be synthesized from two primary sources: sunlight (sun exposure) and foods like fish, fish oils, fortified cereals, and eggs. Both sources are considered limited suppliers of vitamin D3. Exposure to sunlight is reduced, particularly during cold seasons and in the Nordic countries.

This nutrient has been researched for its possible connections to several healthcare issues, including bone disorders (osteoporosis in the elderly), diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and circulatory conditions. It is also considered an essential nutrient for the healthy growth and development of bone tissue in children and the prevention of rickets.

Vitamin D3 benefits are numerous, but further research is required to demonstrate all its claimed therapeutic effects.

The vitamin is required for proper absorption of Calcium at bone and muscle levels. Insufficient amounts of this substance result in improper absorption of Calcium, which forces the body to get this mineral from the deposits found in the skeleton (where the highest concentrations of Calcium can be found). The long-term side effects are weak bones and the inability of the body to form new, healthy bone tissue.

Vitamin D3 side effects (when an excess of the vitamin is present in the blood) include nausea, constipation, weight loss, reduced appetite, confusion, and disorientation. The upper limit for adults is 4,000 IU daily.

NOW Vitamin D3 enjoys great popularity among consumers. A large number of testimonials available for online consulting support the benefits of this supplement.

Nutrition Facts

2) Vitamin D3 Nutrition Facts

The active ingredient in this supplement is VITAMIN D3 (CHOLECALCIFEROL).

Cholecalciferol is one of the two primary forms of vitamin D. It is naturally synthesized in the skin when exposed to sunlight. Cholecalciferol can also be obtained from Lanolin, a substance derived from sheep wool. It is also present in various types of foods, including fortified cereals, fish, cod liver oil, and eggs.

Vitamin D3 supports the regulation and absorption of mineral nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. It also aids blood pressure and sugar level regulation.

Your body also uses Vitamin D3 to regulate stress-related hormone levels, and optimal levels have been shown to help relieve symptoms of depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and anxiety.

Optimum Vitamin D3 levels can also boost immune functions and health.

Overall, VITAMIN D3 (CHOLECALCIFEROL) can:

  • regulate and enable the absorption of mineral nutrients like calcium
  • Support the immune system
  • regulate hormone levels
  • aid the formation of healthy bones

Other Ingredients in NOW Vitamin D3 include; Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Softgel Capsule (bovine gelatin, glycerin, water).

3) What Does Vitamin D3 Do?

The primary health concerns associated with low vitamin D levels are reduced low bone density (increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fracture in the elderly), poor immune function, hair growth, and increased cancer risk.

NOW Vitamin D3 is an oil-soluble supplement that can boost Vitamin D3 levels and is commonly recommended alongside a fat-rich diet to increase its absorption.

However, existing research does not adequately support this claim, as it was observed that larger meals promote higher absorption rates than oily bases.

Some of the health benefits of NOW Vitamin D3 include:

  • It supports the immune system
  • It supports skeletal health
  • It helps maintain strong bones
  • It helps build stronger muscles
  • It helps to improve peak bone density
Pros & Cons

4) Vitamin D3: Pros and Cons

PROS

  • The formula comes at a very affordable price and in numerous concentrations, forms, and quantities, which makes it easier for consumers to choose the form that fits their individual needs

  • The supplement is available for international purchase at various online retailers (the manufacturer only ships in the USA)

  • There is a large number of testimonials that supports the benefits of the product

  • The producer is an experienced and reputable company

Adverse Effects

5) Potential Vitamin D3 Adverse Effects

The active ingredient in this supplement, Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol), may have a few side effects, including nausea, weakness, headache, loss of appetite and weight loss, dry mouth, or metallic taste (particularly for high doses).

These effects are usually associated with the consumption of higher doses.

Consuming over 4,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily for extended periods may increase calcium levels in the blood.

Vitamin D3 supplements may interact with other medications, including antacids (that contain Aluminum), Calcipotriene, Digoxin (Lanoxin), Verapamil, and Thiazide diuretics.

Where to Buy?

6) Where to Buy Vitamin D3

You can purchase NOW Vitamin D3 from the company website or online retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and iHerb.

Cost

7) Vitamin D3 Cost

The softgel form of NOW Vitamin D3 is available in 180 and 360-count bottles and costs $8.99 for a 180-count bottle and $16.99 for a 360-count bottle.

The supplement is also available in chewable form.

Suggested Use

8) Suggested Use

Take one softgel daily with a meal. However, the suggested dose varies depending on the concentration of active substance and form (chewable, softgel, or capsule).

Final Thoughts

9) Final Thoughts on Vitamin D3

NOW Vitamin D3 is a dietary supplement based on a single nutrient considered fundamental for the overall health of humans.

Vitamin D is usually obtained from the diet or produced by the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet energy. As more people avoid sun exposure, vitamin D supplementation becomes even more necessary. This makes this product vital to ensure that your body receives an adequate supply.

The formula is not unique, but it has the advantage of being produced by a significant and trusted company with an international reputation for providing high-quality formulations.

The extract of vitamin D comes from Lanolin, a waxy substance derived from sheep wool. This is a common vitamin D supplement source, so this product is unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Vitamin D3 and the therapeutic benefits of vitamin D supplementation have been extensively researched. There is no doubt that a deficiency in this substance is an underlying cause of severe affections on the bone, heart, or some types of cancers.

NOW Vitamin D-3 softgels supply vitamin D3 in a highly absorbable liquid softgel form and are not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish, or shellfish.

Overall, NOW Vitamin D3 is a relatively inexpensive, high-quality Vitamin D3 supplement that you can take to boost your health. However, the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

4/5 - (2 votes)
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Michael Floyd

I love the softgels from Now Foods because they are easy to swallow and contain a high amount of vitamin D. Since starting to use these softgels I feel more flexible, more active, and I also noticed that my immunity has increased (I did not had the flu for over a year now). I read that vitamin is also a great immune booster, and I think it was in my case. I definitely recommend it!

Seymour L.

I have been taking this supplement for 2 years now and I am very satisfied with this product. The doctor recommended it to me after my blood tests revealed a severe deficiency in this vitamin. After three months, I repeated the tests, and my Calcium and vitamin D levels were normal. This is a very effective and safe formula.