
3 Best Vitamin D Supplements for Athletes [2025 Comparison]
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When it comes to supplementation, vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the preferred active form of vitamin D, as it’s more effective than D2 in raising and maintaining vitamin D levels. This is particularly important for athletes training indoors or in low-sun exposure environments, where vitamin D deficiency is more common. While sunlight is a natural vitamin D source, relying on it alone is often inadequate for athletes with high training demands.
Research highlights the effects of vitamin D supplementation on muscle function and physical performance: athletes with sufficient levels demonstrate greater muscle strength, faster recovery, and fewer injuries compared to those with vitamin D deficiency. Proper vitamin D dosage and supplementation can therefore make a measurable impact on consistency and results.
This guide compares the top vitamin D supplements specifically formulated for athletes. You’ll see the leading brands, product ingredients, dose (measured in IU), third-party testing, and key pros and cons so you can choose the right capsules to support your training and performance goals.
We'll start the list of the best options with our own vitamin D products at Momentous.
Key Things to Know About These Products
Third-Party Tested: Yes, NSF Certified for Sport
Money-Back Guarantee: Yes
Gluten Free: Yes
GMO Free: Yes
Vegan: Yes (2000 IU product only)
Product Details:
Vitamin D3 2000 IU:
Price: $17.95
Number of Servings: 60
Amount of vitamin D3 per serving: 2000 IU (50mcg)
Serving Size: 1 capsule
Subscription: Yes - 25% discount on first order, 10% thereafter
Free shipping: Yes (orders over $75)
Vitamin D3 5000 IU:
Price: $16.95
Number of Servings: 60
Amount of vitamin D3 per serving: 5000 IU (125mcg)
Serving Size: 1 capsule
Subscription: Yes - 25% discount on first order, 10% thereafter
Free shipping: Yes (orders over $75)
Pros:
NSF Certified for Sport
Delivered in organic extra virgin olive oil for superior bioavailability
Suitable for vegans (2000 IU only)
Two dosage options available
Price - lower price per serving than many key competitors ($0.29 for 2000 IU; $0.28 for 5000 IU)
Cons:
5000 IU product is not suitable for vegans
I’ve tried a lot of vitamin D supplements over the years and many of them have felt like an afterthought in my routine. I take Momentous D3 2000 IU each day and it’s become a foundational part of my supplement stack. Although I spend a lot of time outdoors year-round, I know how hard it can be to maintain adequate vitamin D levels during the fall and winter when sunlight is limited, so I’m particularly fastidious about my vitamin D intake during that time. In tandem with adequate magnesium, I find this supplement supports recovery, energy, and overall physical performance.
For athletes, one of the biggest advantages is that it’s NSF Certified for Sport, which guarantees clean ingredients and peace of mind. Vitamin D3 is also the active form of vitamin D, meaning it’s better absorbed and used by the body compared to D2. The capsules even include organic olive oil, which helps improve calcium absorption for stronger bones and better bone health.
With both 2000 IU and 5000 IU options available, athletes can choose the right dose based on baseline vitamin D status. It’s also worth noting that although Momentous is typically one of the more expensive supplement brands, both of the D3 products are competitively priced, especially when you take into consideration the quality of ingredients and third-party testing.
For athletes who need more than just a baseline boost, Momentous Vitamin D3 5000 IU is a smart choice. The higher dose is well-suited to those training hard, spending long stretches indoors, or dealing with vitamin D deficiency. Where it really shines is in supporting calcium absorption, which is essential for bone health. Stronger bones mean fewer stress fractures and more confidence in long-term training.
This higher-strength capsule also impacts muscle function and physical performance. By supporting skeletal muscle function and muscle strength, it helps athletes feel stronger and recover more consistently between sessions. Combined with its role in immune support, it provides comprehensive coverage for those with elevated physiological demands.
As with the 2000 IU version, the NSF Certified for Sport label ensures clean, trusted ingredients. And since Momentous uses vitamin D3—the active form of vitamin D—it’s more effective at raising vitamin D levels than D2.
Key Things to Know About This Product
Third-Party Tested: Yes, GMP-Certified
Money-Back Guarantee: Yes
Gluten Free: Yes
GMO Free: Yes
Vegan: No
Product Details:
Price: $34.00
Number of Servings: 120
Amount of vitamin D3 per serving: 5000 IU (125mcg)
Serving Size: 1 capsule
Subscription: Yes - subscribe and save 10%
Free shipping: Yes (on orders over $25)
Pros
GMP-Certified
Price ($0.28 per serving)
Cons
GMP certification but no NSF Certified for Sport certification
Not delivered with a fat source within the capsule (e.g., olive oil)
5000 IU dosage makes it harder to titrate
Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 5000 IU is a strong value option for those seeking higher vitamin D dosage and supplementation without breaking the bank. Each capsule contains 5000 IU (125 mcg) of vitamin D3, the active form of vitamin D, which helps maintain adequate vitamin D levels and reduces the risk of vitamin D deficiency.
By supporting calcium absorption, this supplement contributes to stronger bones and better bone health. It also plays a role in muscle function and physical performance, supporting skeletal muscle function and muscle strength—two areas critical for athletes.
The product is GMP-certified, gluten-free, and GMO-free, making it a clean and reliable choice. At $34 for 120 servings ($0.28 per serving), it’s also one of the more budget-friendly options on the market.
However, it does have drawbacks. Unlike Momentous, this product lacks NSF Certified for Sport status, which may matter to athletes competing under strict anti-doping rules. The capsules also don’t contain a fat source, which means pairing them with a meal containing healthy fats can help improve absorption.
Overall, Pure Encapsulations delivers dependable quality and excellent value for athletes looking to optimize vitamin D intake and support long-term performance.
Key Things to Know About This Product
Third-Party Tested: Yes, Clean Label Project Certified; Non-GMO Project Verified
Money-Back Guarantee: Yes
Gluten Free: Yes
GMO Free: Yes
Vegan: Yes
Product Details:
Price: $15.00
Number of Servings: 30
Amount of vitamin D3 per serving: 2000 IU (50 mcg)
Serving Size: 1 capsule
Subscription: Yes - subscribe and save 20%
Free shipping: Yes (on orders over $50)
Pros
Third-party tested and validated
2000 IU dosage makes it easier to titrate
Delivered with a fat source within the capsule (e.g., olive oil)
Cons
No NSF Certified for Sport certification
Price ($0.50 per serving)
Hum Nutrition Here Comes the Sun provides a plant-based, approachable option for maintaining adequate vitamin D levels. Each capsule delivers 2000 IU of vitamin D3, a moderate dose that allows for more precise control of vitamin D intake. This is especially valuable for athletes who want to avoid the effects of vitamin D deficiency while not over-supplementing.
The product is third-party tested with certifications from the Clean Label Project and the Non-GMO Project, giving extra assurance about ingredients and safety. It’s also vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and non-GMO. One big advantage: the capsules are delivered in olive oil, which boosts calcium absorption and makes it easier for the body to use vitamin D effectively for bone health.
In terms of performance, the supplement supports muscles, skeletal muscle function, and muscle strength, all of which are important for athletes aiming to maximize physical performance. It also provides immune support, helping to offset the negative effects of vitamin D deficiency.
At $15 for 30 servings ($0.50 per serving), it’s pricier than some higher-dose options. It also lacks NSF Certified for Sport certification, which may be a concern for competitive athletes. Still, for those who value vegan, clean-label nutrition and reliable vitamin D supplementation, it’s a compelling choice.