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Nature Made Vitamin D3 Review – Is it Effective?

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

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

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Summary | Ingredients | Pros & Cons | Contraindications | Cost | Directions | Final Thoughts

Vitamin D3 is a dietary supplement created to offer a high potency form of vitamin D for a healthy support of the bones, immune systems, teeth, and heart.

The company behind the formula is Nature Made a very large manufacturer and seller of nutritional foods from America. The company leads an international business and markets a large variety of supplements. They have been active in this industry for over 40 years, which is one of the reasons why they are such a well-known brand. They’re also the same company behind CholestOff Complete.

Their Vitamin D based line of supplements includes tablets, softgels, chewable vitamins, liquid formulations, and the VitaMelts supplements (that melt in the mouth) available in various concentrations and quantities.
The company claims that all their products are based on vitamin D3, one of the two known forms of vitamin D which is also believed to be more effective for humans. This is also the natural form found in all foods and synthesized by the body when exposed to sun.

Vitamin D3 comes both as an adult and children supplement, because this essential nutrient is necessary for the proper development and functioning of the human body starting from the very first stages of life.

Summary

1) What is Vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3 is one of the two major types of vitamin D called Cholecalciferol. Both forms of vitamin D are used as active compounds in dietary supplements all over the world, but it has been observed that vitamin D3 has a better absorption rate and is approximately three times more effective than vitamin D2. However, more recent research seems to reject this theory, but results are not yet conclusive.

The sources of vitamin D3 are sunlight and food. Food sources are however rather limited and include different types of fish, fish, fish oils, eggs. Many foods have been fortified with vitamin D to ensure that people consume enough of this nutrient (milk, cereals). Sunlight has also become an unreliable source in the past 20 years due to the continuous warnings issued by medical specialists all over the world regarding the harmful effects of UV radiation. The use of sun cream decreases considerably the absorption of vitamin D, and, as a result, a deficiency in this nutrient has become a lot more common. Supplementation is considered one of the best alternatives for preventing a deficiency in this vitamin.

Vitamin D plays numerous roles in the human body. Perhaps its most important is that of facilitating Calcium absorption, an essential mineral that forms our bone system. Without enough vitamin D in the body, the body cannot assimilate effectively Calcium, which results eventually in a Calcium deficiency. Such an imbalance results in severe bone affections such as rickets in children (abnormal growth of bones) or osteoporosis in adults (weak bones predisposed to fractures) .
Scientific research also revealed that deficiencies of vitamin D may be a cause for heart affections, diabetes, muscle weakness, arthritis, or cancers.
However, two much vitamin D may also be dangerous. Vitamin D3 side effects are: dry mouth, irregular heartbeat, metallic taste, bone pain, weight loss, nausea, constipation, increased thirst, and allergic reactions.

Ingredients

2) Details on Vitamin D3 Ingredients and Uses

Vitamin D3 contains the following ingredients: Vitamin D3 (as Cholecalciferol) , Calcium Carbonate, Cellulose Gel, Maltodextrin, Croscarmellose Sodium, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Gelatin, Corn Starch (tablets)

3) What Does Vitamin D3 Do?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that occurs a reduced number of foods such as fish( mackerel, herring, sardines, tuna, cod liver), fish oil, and eggs naturally. Sun exposure is considered one of the most effective alternatives for ensuring proper amounts of this nutrient are available for the body. However, the numerous warning against the dangers of inappropriate sun exposure issued in recent years determined people to use sunscreen when exposed to direct sunlight. Unfortunately, this otherwise necessary safety measure also reduces the amount of vitamin D synthesized. Some researchers have issued the hypothesis that because vitamin D is not produced naturally within our bodies, it is not vitamin in the strict sense.

The spectrum of Vitamin D3 benefits is rather large. This nutrient is considered necessary for preventing certain chronic diseases, maintaining cellular health, regulating blood pressure, reducing swelling, and boosting the immune function. Vitamin D imbalance has also been associated with cancer. Research involving the use of this nutrient in the treatment of various conditions (diabetes, heart disease, or cancer) is still being conducted. Conclusive evidence has not yet been provided.

Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with improper mineralization of the bone and Calcium deficiency that manifests as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Because Vitamin D3 is an oil soluble substance, healthcare professionals often recommend along with a diet abundant in fats for increased absorption of the chemical. However, more recent studies have shown that some fats do not influence vitamin D intake. Some physicians recommend taking such a supplement during a large meal.

Daily doses higher than 4,000 UI may cause over absorption of calcium. Vitamin D side-effects (caused by vitamin D toxicity) include loss of appetite, metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, headache, sleeping problems, confusion, etc.

There are testimonials posted online about Vitamin D3. What is being stated include: Very small vitamin is easy to take. I use it to supplement my diet which does not include milk, eggs, or meat./ This was recommended by our doctor. My husband and I both take it daily/ I didn’t realize what vitamin d deficiency did to your body, but by taking these supplements I am less fatigued, no more weakness in my arms. Next best thing to the sunshine!

Pros & Cons

4) Vitamin D3: Pros and Cons

  • Vitamin D3 comes in a large variety of forms and concentrations and also comes as a children’s supplement
  • The monthly price is reduced
  • There is a 100% money-back guarantee available for this formula
  • The official site is very intuitive and offers sufficient information about the formula
Contraindications

5) Vitamin D3 Warnings and Precautions

  • There is no evidence that any of the vitamin D based formulations from this manufacturer are clinically researched
  • There is no free sample offered
  • Vitamin D3 cannot be purchased directly from the official site
Cost

6) How Much Does Vitamin D3 Cost?

Vitamin D3 is a formulation that comes in various forms and quantities. The price per month is affordable for all existing forms and concentrations. The formula cannot be purchased directly from the official site. The manufacturer does provide a list however with its official partners from a specific area (located using the specific zip code of the area). Online retailers that sell these supplements are also numerous.
The manufacturer also offers a 100% money-back guarantee. The conditions of the full refund can be consulted on the official site, by sending an e-mail or calling customer care service. No free sample is offered for this formula.

Directions

7) Directions For Taking Vitamin D3

The daily recommended dose of Vitamin D3 varies with age and the therapeutic effects for which supplementation is required (such as vitamin D deficiency, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, fracture prevention, etc.). Due to the increased number of people deficient in vitamin D3, the daily recommended allowances are higher now than several years ago.

Final Thoughts

8) Final Thoughts on Vitamin D3

Vitamin D is essential to human health due to its decisive role in regulating absorption of a number of vital minerals. Formulas that feature this vitamin alone or in combination with other nutrients are widely available today. Vitamin D3 features a compound of the Vitamin D group, which is Vitamin D3, the form that the body prefers to use in processes that require the input of this vitamin.
Although not being unique or original, Vitamin D3 is nonetheless offered by one of the largest players on the market for dietary supplements.

This specific brand is also recommended by the fact that it contains no artificial colors, preservatives or flavors, as well as it minimizing the allergenic potential. Nonetheless, no dietary addition such as this one should replace natural intake sources such as food or sun in the case of vitamin D.

The fact that consumer opinions are also available for consultation online makes it even more valuable, since there is no authority that approves or disapproves of these types of formulations.

3.5/5 - (6 votes)
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Selena Jameson

Now Foods Vitamin D3 is a reliable source of this essential nutrient. It has helped me restore Calcium levels and lead a normal life. I now take them regularly and my blood tests always come out fine. Very good choice!

Lucille D.

I tried different vitamin D based supplements but I think the chewable ones from Now Foods are one of the best alternatives. They contain sufficient amounts of vitamin D3 and they have a very pleasant taste, so I never forget to take them. I definitely recommend this formula, particularly to those who have trouble swallowing larger pills.