Vitamin D is one of those nutrients you only think about when a blood test comes back low or when winter keeps you indoors for weeks. Then you stand in the supplement aisle staring at D2 and D3 bottles that look almost identical, wondering if the difference actually matters. It does, especially if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, comes from plant sources and is the form most often used in vegan-friendly supplements. Vitamin D3 typically comes from lanolin, a sheep byproduct, though some newer D3 products use lichen. I looked at the Best Vitamin D2 Supplements to find the ones with clear serving sizes, sensible forms, and no unnecessary extras. My overall pick for best Vitamin D2 supplements is the Swanson D2 and D3 2,000 IU Bone Health. It combines both forms in one capsule, which gives you the plant-based D2 alongside the more studied D3 without needing two separate bottles. My top picks are just below.
Our Top Picks
| Product | NC Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Vitamatic Vegan Vitamin D2 2400 IU Tablets | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Vegetarians Swanson D2 & D3 2,000 IU Veggie Capsules for Bone | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for 60 day supply Nature's Bounty Vitamin D3 K2 with 4000 IU D3 | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for batch tested Nutricost Vitamin D2 2000 IU with 240 Vegan | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Vegans Amazon Elements Vitamin D2 2000 IU Vegan Capsules | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for monthly routine Nature's Bounty Vitamin D3 K2 4000 IU with 100 mcg | 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon | |
Full Reviews
Vitamatic Vegan Vitamin D2 delivers 2,400 IU (60 mcg) of ergocalciferol per tablet in a plant-based formula. 180 tablets, made in the USA.
Pros
- +Vegan D2 form suitable for plant-based diets
- +GMP-assured, Non-GMO, and made in the USA
- +180 tablets last six months at one daily
Cons
- −D2 form may be less effective than D3 for raising levels
- −No third-party certification named on the label
- −Tablet format may not suit those preferring softgels
Key Facts
Detailed Review
Vitamatic's Vegan Vitamin D2 delivers 2,400 IU (60 mcg) of ergocalciferol per tablet, a plant-derived form suited to vegan and vegetarian diets. The 180-count bottle covers six months at one tablet daily, which keeps the routine simple.
The formula skips sugar, starch, soy, yeast, wheat, egg, and artificial additives, and it's made in a GMP-assured US facility. I see this fitting best for anyone who wants a vegan D2 tablet without a long label of extras.
Worth knowing before you buy: D2 isn't the same as D3, so if your goal is the form most research uses, this isn't it. No third-party certification is named either.
Swanson D2 & D3 combines 2,000 IU of vitamins D2 and D3 in vegetarian capsules. A straightforward daily vitamin D option.
Pros
- +Provides 2,000 IU of both D2 and D3 per capsule
- +Vegetarian capsule shell suitable for plant-based diets
- +60-count bottle supports a two-month daily routine
- +Combines two vitamin D forms in one serving
Cons
- −No third-party certification disclosed on the label
- −Serving size is one capsule daily, so 60 count lasts two months
- −Dose may be higher than needed for some routines
Key Facts
Detailed Review
Swanson D2 & D3 delivers 2,000 IU of vitamins D2 and D3 in a single vegetarian capsule. The label pairs both forms, which is less common than D3-only products and gives a broader vitamin D profile in one serving.
The veggie capsule shell makes this suitable for plant-based diets, and the 60-count bottle covers roughly two months at one capsule daily. I'd consider this for anyone who wants a combined D2 and D3 formula without gelatin.
Worth knowing before you buy: no third-party certification is disclosed, and the 2,000 IU dose may exceed what some routines need. I rate this a reasonable pick for a straightforward daily vitamin D option.
Nature's Bounty Vitamin D3 K2 capsules deliver 4000 IU of Vitamin D3 plus 100 mcg of Vitamin K2 per serving in a vegetarian capsule.
Pros
- +4000 IU Vitamin D3 plus 100 mcg K2 in one capsule
- +Vegetarian capsule shell with no gelatin
- +Non-GMO, gluten-free, sugar-free formula
- +60-day supply per bottle
Cons
- −No third-party certification named on the label
- −Vitamin K2 form not specified as MK-7 or MK-4
Key Facts
Detailed Review
Nature's Bounty packs 4000 IU of Vitamin D3 alongside 100 mcg of Vitamin K2 into a single vegetarian capsule. The D3 is the same form your body makes from sun exposure, and the K2 is included to help activate calcium absorption for bone support. I'd consider this for someone who wants both nutrients in one daily serving rather than two separate bottles.
At 60 capsules per bottle, that works out to a 60-day supply at one capsule daily. The formula is non-GMO, gluten-free, sugar-free, and free of artificial colors and sweeteners, which keeps the excipient list simple for a daily routine.
The main trade-off is that the label does not specify whether the K2 is MK-7 or MK-4, and no third-party certification is named. For my money, this suits a straightforward daily D3 plus K2 routine where the 4000 IU dose is the priority.
Nutricost Vitamin D2 delivers 2000 IU per serving in 240 vegan, gluten-free capsules. Each batch is third-party reviewed for quality.
Pros
- +240 capsules per bottle for long-term supply
- +Vegan and gluten-free capsule format
- +Third-party reviewed batches for quality assurance
- +2000 IU dose per serving in one capsule
Cons
- −Vitamin D2, not the more common D3 form
- −No specific third-party certifier named on label
- −2000 IU may be low for higher-dose needs
Key Facts
Detailed Review
Nutricost Vitamin D2 offers 2000 IU per capsule in a bottle of 240, a supply that lasts months at one capsule daily. The formula is vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free, and each batch is third-party reviewed. That matters if you follow a plant-based diet or avoid animal-derived ingredients, since many D3 options use lanolin.
The main trade-off is the form itself. Vitamin D2 is plant-derived and vegan-friendly, but it is not the same as D3, which is the type most research and many healthcare providers focus on. I would consider this a reasonable pick for anyone who specifically wants a vegan D2 or needs a straightforward daily capsule.
Worth knowing before you buy: the label does not name the third-party certifier, and 2000 IU is a moderate dose, so it may not suit higher-dose regimens. If you are unsure about your vitamin D needs, check with a healthcare provider first.
Amazon Elements Vitamin D2 delivers 2000 IU per capsule in a vegan, gluten-free, kosher format. Each bottle contains 65 capsules, about a two-month supply.
Pros
- +Vegan D2 sourced from plant-based ingredients
- +Kosher and gluten-free for multiple dietary needs
- +Single 2000 IU capsule daily serving
- +65-count bottle supports a two-month supply
Cons
- −D2 form may be less effective than D3 for raising levels
- −No third-party certification disclosed on the label
- −Heat and sunlight exposure can damage the capsules in transit
Key Facts
Detailed Review
Amazon Elements Vitamin D2 2000 IU is a vegan-friendly option for anyone following a plant-based diet or needing a kosher, gluten-free vitamin D supplement. Each capsule delivers 2000 IU of vitamin D2, a form derived from yeast rather than lanolin, making it suitable for strict vegan lifestyles. The 65-capsule bottle provides about a two-month supply when taken once daily, which fits neatly into a morning routine alongside other supplements.
The formula contains no artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives, and it does include a bio-engineered ingredient, which may matter to some shoppers. I'd consider this a practical pick for vegans or those with gluten and kosher requirements who want a straightforward D2 capsule. However, the D2 form is generally considered less effective at raising blood levels than D3, so it may not be the best choice if your goal is to correct a deficiency. Also, the label does not disclose third-party testing, and the product can be damaged by heat or sunlight during shipping, so store it carefully.
For my money, this suits someone who prioritizes vegan certification and kosher status over maximum potency. If you need a higher dose or prefer D3, you may want to look elsewhere. As always, consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a medical condition or take medications.
Nature's Bounty D3 K2 pairs 4000 IU vitamin D3 with 100 mcg vitamin K2 in a 30-count vegetarian capsule supply.
Pros
- +Combines 4000 IU D3 with 100 mcg K2 in one capsule
- +Non-GMO, gluten-free, sugar-free with no artificial colors
- +Vegetarian capsule rather than a gelatin softgel
- +30-count bottle matches a straightforward monthly routine
Cons
- −Only 30 capsules per bottle, so monthly repurchasing is required
- −No third-party certification program named on the label
- −Vitamin K2 dose is modest relative to some higher-strength formulas
Key Facts
Detailed Review
Nature's Bounty packs 4000 IU of vitamin D3 alongside 100 mcg of vitamin K2 into a single vegetarian capsule, which is a pairing I look for when someone wants both nutrients without juggling two bottles. The D3 here matches the form your skin makes from sunlight, and the K2 is included to help activate calcium absorption for bone support.
The label keeps things clean: non-GMO, gluten-free, sugar-free, and free of artificial colors and sweeteners, which matters if you are reading ingredient panels closely. I'd consider this for adults who want a straightforward daily D3 K2 capsule rather than a softgel.
Worth knowing before you buy: it is a 30-count bottle, so it only covers a month, and no third-party certification program is named. I rate this a reasonable pick for a simple, once-daily routine.
Why You Should Trust Us
Nutrition Comparison does not run taste tests or hand out samples. I research supplement labels the way a formulator would, comparing ingredient forms, per-serving doses, and disclosed certifications across every product in a category. The NC Score you see on this site reflects how a product performs on those measurable factors, not how loudly it markets itself.
This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition, talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian before adding any supplement to your routine.
Final Thoughts
When you are choosing among vitamin D2 supplements, the two things that matter most are the form and the dose per serving. D2 is the plant-based option, which makes it the default for vegan and vegetarian diets. D3 is the form your skin makes from sunlight and the one most research has focused on. A product that includes both, or one that clearly states its source, saves you from guessing.
My overall recommendation is the Swanson D2 and D3 2,000 IU Bone Health. It pairs both vitamin D forms in a single veggie capsule, so you get the plant-derived D2 alongside the more familiar D3 without juggling two bottles. For anyone who wants one straightforward daily capsule, this is the cleanest fit. If you are strictly vegan and want to avoid D3 entirely, the Vitamatic Vegan Vitamin D2 2400 IU Tablets is the better match. It delivers a solid 2,400 IU per tablet from a plant-based source and comes in a 180-count bottle, which works out to roughly a six-month supply at one tablet daily. That makes it the budget-conscious pick for a vegan routine. If you are comparing this category to broader vitamin D options, our guide to vitamin D supplements for daily bone support covers how D2 and D3 fit into different age groups. And if you are weighing D2 against other forms, the magnesium glycinate vs citrate follows the same form-first logic that applies here.
Picking the right vitamin D2 supplement comes down to knowing your dietary needs and reading the label for the form and the dose. Once you have that, the confusion disappears and you can just take your daily capsule and move on with your day.
FAQs
Can you take vitamin D2 and D3 together?
Taking D2 and D3 together is generally considered safe because both forms contribute to your overall vitamin D status. Some products, like the Swanson D2 and D3 complex, combine them intentionally. If you are already taking a separate D supplement, check the total IU across all products to avoid doubling up, and ask your doctor if you are unsure about your current intake.
Is vitamin D2 as effective as vitamin D3?
Vitamin D3 tends to raise and maintain blood levels of vitamin D more efficiently than D2 in most studies, but D2 still supports vitamin D status and is the standard choice for vegan diets. If your goal is a plant-based routine, D2 is the practical option. If you are open to either form, D3 is the more researched choice.
Do you need vitamin D2 if you already get sunlight?
Sunlight helps your skin produce vitamin D3, but many people still fall short in winter, at northern latitudes, or when they spend most of the day indoors. A daily D2 supplement can fill that gap. Your doctor can check your vitamin D level with a blood test if you want to know whether you actually need one.
How do you choose a vegan vitamin D2 supplement?
Look for a product that clearly states it is vegan and lists ergocalciferol as the vitamin D source. Check the IU per serving so you know how much you are getting, and confirm the bottle size matches how often you plan to take it. The Vitamatic Vegan Vitamin D2 2400 IU Tablets and the Amazon Elements Vitamin D2 2000 IU, Vegan both fit that description.