Typical dose
400–2000 IU (10–50 mcg) daily for maintenance; h...
Oral
Oral safety: very low
About this supplement
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for calcium absorption, bone health, and immune function. In oil-based softgel or liquid form, it is dissolved in a carrier oil (typically coconut, olive, or medium-chain triglyceride oil) to enhance absorption, as Vitamin D is lipid-soluble. This formulation improves bioavailability compared to dry forms and is commonly used in dietary supplements to address deficiency. Vitamin D3 is the form synthesized in human skin upon sunlight exposure and is considered more effective at raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels than Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol).
How much to take
- Typical amount
- 400–2000 IU (10–50 mcg) daily for maintenance; higher doses (e.g., 5000–50,000 IU) may be used short-term for deficiency under medical supervision.
- Suggested range
- 400–4000 IU daily (10–100 mcg daily)
Potential benefits
Benefits linked to this supplement form:
Things to watch for
Possible side effects linked to this form:
Health goals
Needs and goals this form may help with:
Other forms of Vitamin D
Compare absorption and active amounts with sibling forms:
Calcifediol (25-hydroxyvitamin D3)
Used to rapidly correct vitamin D deficiency; monitor serum calcium and 25(OH)D...
Cholecalciferol (D3)
Essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Often supplemented in regions...
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)
Vitamin D (ergocalciferol)
Vitamin D (mixed)
Vitamin D (unspecified)
Vitamin D2
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 powder (often on carrier)
Essential for bone health and calcium absorption. Often supplemented in regions...
Technical details â–¼
Chemical ID (CAS)
67-97-0
Formula
C27H44O
Physical properties
Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid or softgel form. Insoluble in water, soluble in fats, oils, and organic solvents. Sensitive to light, heat, and oxidation.
How it’s made
Vitamin D3 is commercially produced via UV irradiation of 7-dehydrocholesterol derived from lanolin (sheep wool fat) or lichen (vegan source). The resulting cholecalciferol is purified and dissolved in a food-grade carrier oil (e.g., olive, coconut, MCT oil) for softgel encapsulation or liquid formulation.