Vitamin D3 5000 IU Softgels

NatureWise Vitamin D3 5000 IU keeps the formula simple: each mini softgel holds 125 mcg (5,000 IU) of vitamin D3 as cholecalciferol in organic extra virgin olive oil, inside a halal gelatin shell, and the 360-count bottle is a year's supply at one a day. NSF lists the product as Contents Certified, meaning it was tested for label accuracy and contaminants, and the label says it is free of gluten, dairy, soy and other major allergens.

The dose is the issue. The adult RDA is 600 IU (800 IU after age 70), and NIH lists 4,000 IU as the tolerable upper intake level, so one softgel is about eight times the RDA and above that limit. In the VITAL trial, 2,000 IU a day did not lower cancer, cardiovascular events or fractures in adults who were not selected for low vitamin D, and a Calgary trial found lower bone density after three years of 4,000 or 10,000 IU daily than with 400 IU. The Endocrine Society advises healthy adults under 75 against taking more than the recommended intake to lower disease risk. A 5,000 IU daily dose makes most sense when a clinician has confirmed a low 25(OH)D level and is monitoring it.

Value is excellent: $14.99 for 360 softgels on the brand site works out to about 4 cents a day. Buyers consistently describe the softgels as tiny and tasteless; the main complaint is softgels fusing together in hot weather, which the brand acknowledges. Too much vitamin D raises blood calcium and can cause nausea, weakness, thirst and kidney stones. Anyone taking other vitamin D or calcium supplements, thiazide diuretics, steroids, statins or orlistat should check with a clinician first.