Nature Made Experts Answer Vitamin D FAQs

What role does Vitamin D play in our daily health and wellness? A lot of different roles, it turns out! Bone health and Vitamin D are linked, and this essential vitamin supports muscle function, and immune health.^†

Why Vitamin D Matters

Despite the importance of Vitamin D in the body, it's common for people to get less Vitamin D than they should. That's why people often seek information about Vitamin D, to better understand what it is, how to get it, and the role it plays in our bodies. This Vitamin D guide will help you answer some common questions, including the relationship between sunshine and Vitamin D, the best sources of Vitamin D, the difference between Vitamin D3 vs D2, and how you can supplement Vitamin D.

Vitamin D FAQs

Here are some common questions we get asked about Vitamin D benefits, and our Nature Made experts' answers.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin, but it's different in a few key ways. This vitamin is known as the "sunshine vitamin," and that's because you don't get most of it from food sources. Instead, our body produces Vitamin D in response to skin exposure to sunlight. That's why getting sun exposure daily is essential. Try to get 15 minutes of exposure to sunlight without sunscreen or long sleeves every day, if possible.

What's the Difference Between D2 and D3?

Vitamin D comes in several forms: what's the difference between Vitamin D3 vs D2. But what exactly is the difference between these forms? Vitamin D2, also known as ergocalciferol, is derived from plant sources.

Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is the type of Vitamin D our body produces, and is found in animal sources.^[1] The human body can use both forms; however, Nature Made supplements use Vitamin D3, the body's preferred form of Vitamin D.

How Much Vitamin D Do I Need?

"How much Vitamin D do I need every day?" That depends on factors like age and life stage. Here's the breakdown:^[2]

The amount of Vitamin D you get every day can be largely dependent on environmental factors, such as weather, time of year, and geographical location. It's recommended to get 15 minutes of sunlight on uncovered skin per day, but that's not always possible. Additionally, if a doctor has determined you have a Vitamin D deficiency, your recommended daily intake of Vitamin D may be higher.

What are Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency isn't uncommon; in fact, approximately 29% of US adults are Vitamin D deficient (<50 nmol/L).^[3]

Here are some signs that indicate consult with your primary care provider about Vitamin D deficiency. A Vitamin D deficiency can cause fatigue and low energy, bone-related discomfort, and muscle-related discomfort.^[4]

Can I Get Enough Vitamin D from Food or Sunlight?

Can you get enough daily Vitamin D from food or sunlight? Yes, the best way to get Vitamin D is through natural exposure to sunlight, about 15 minutes of exposure without sunscreen every day. However, due to several environmental or lifestyle factors, it may not always be easy to reach adequate exposure. Vitamin D-rich foods are not common, so it can be a challenge to meet your Vitamin D needs from your diet. However, you can find dietary Vitamin D in some foods like salmon, UV-exposed mushrooms, and fortified milks and cereals.^[2] A Vitamin D dietary supplement can help support your intake.

Should I take a Vitamin D Supplement?

If you suspect you may not be getting enough Vitamin D in your daily routine, a Vitamin D supplement may be right for you. Please consult with your primary care provider before adding any supplement to your daily wellness routine; they can help determine how to achieve specific health goals and may recommend a simple blood test for Vitamin D levels.^†

Nature Made Products That Support Vitamin D Intake

Nature Made offers a line of Vitamin D Supplements in varying forms and dosages to help suit your specific wellness goals. Our Vitamin D3 Softgels provide a dose of Vitamin D3 to support bone, teeth, muscle, and immune health. Take one softgel daily to help raise and maintain healthy Vitamin D levels in the body. If you prefer a Vitamin D3 Gummy, they're a delicious Strawberry, Peach, and Mango flavors with other natural flavors.^†

Vitamin D is also included in some of our vitamin blends, which combine it with other targeted nutrients to help you achieve specific wellness goals. Wellblends™ Immune MAX® Gummies offer 3 benefits in 1 blend powered by science‡ to support your immune health. With Vitamin D, Zinc, and Selenium for immune support, along with Maximum Strength^▲ Vitamin C to help support a healthy upper respiratory tract and provide antioxidant support.^†

Vitamin D3 + K2 Softgels are a supplement blend designed to help fortify your bone health; D3 and K2 work together to support strong and healthy bones.^†

The Bottom Line

Consistent, safe exposure to sunlight can help your body generate this essential sunshine vitamin, and keeping up-to-date with health check-ins can help you determine whether a Vitamin D supplement can support your daily wellness. Explore Nature Made Vitamin D Supplements today.^†

▲Higher dose as compared to the leading immune support gummy as of the date of manufacture.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

1. van den Heuvel EG, Lips P, Schoonmade LJ, Lanham-New SA, van Schoor NM. Comparison of the Effect of Daily Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration (Total 25(OH)D, 25(OH)D2, and 25(OH)D3) and Importance of Body Mass Index: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adv Nutr. 2024;15(1):100133. doi:10.1016/j.advnut.2023.09.016
2. National Institutes of Health. Vitamin D. National Institutes of Health. Published November 8, 2022. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/
3. Liu X, Baylin A, Levy PD. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among US adults: prevalence, predictors and clinical implications. Br J Nutr. 2018;119(8):928-936.
4. Cleveland Clinic. The Role of Vitamin D & Vitamin D Deficiency. Cleveland Clinic. Published October 16, 2019. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15050-vitamin-d--vitamin-d-deficiency