1. Home
  2. / CL Answers
  3. / Is there a difference between taking vitamin D in the dry form versus the oil capsules? Is one better than the other?

Our Members Asked:

Is there a difference between taking vitamin D in the dry form versus the oil capsules? Is one better than the other?

Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D. cooperman.png

Initially Posted: 12/08/2015 | Last Updated: 08/02/2017

Recent CL Answers

Answer:

As discussed in the Vitamin D Supplements Review, the most important thing about taking vitamin D is not whether it's dry or in oil, but that you take it with a meal, as that can increase absorption by about 30 to 50%. If you can't take it with food, the oil form may be slightly better. (Note that capsules containing oil are referred to as "softgels.")

We have tested and reviewed many products in both forms (as well as other forms, such as drops -- which are also in oil). These reviews are found in the Vitamin D Supplements Review>>

Join today to unlock all member benefits including full access to all CL Answers and over 1,300 reviews.

Join Now

Join now at www.consumerlab.com/join/

2 Comments

Related CL Answers (7)

Are vitamin D oral sprays more effective than vitamin D pills or drops?

Learn more about vitamin D oral sprays, pills, and drops, including a price comparison. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Which supplements should be taken with food?

Find out which supplements should be taken with food, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, fish oil, and CoQ10. ConsumerLab's answer explains.
Product Review - As vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, why is it necessary to take it every day?

As vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, why is it necessary to take it every day?

Find out how best to take vitamin D supplements, including cautions on overdoses. ConsumerLab's answer explains.
Product Review - Is it possible to get too much vitamin D?

Is it possible to get too much vitamin D?

Too much vitamin D can lead to adverse effects, including hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood). ConsumerLab's answer explains.

What is the best source of vitamin D3 -- from lanolin in sheep's wool or from fish oil?

Learn more about vitamin D3 sources, such as lanolin (from wool) and fish oil, as well as their prices and their effects. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Is it true that overdoses of vitamin D only occur when you don't get enough vitamin K?

Is it true that vitamins like vitamin K and vitamin A can help prevent you from absorbing too much vitamin D? ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Product Review - What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

Learn about the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, such as soft or weak bones, bone, joint and muscle pain, depression, insomnia, hair loss and others, and find out how much vitamin D you need. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Related Reviews (1)

Vitamin D Supplements

Join the conversation

Richard8169
December 9, 2015

A dry product did absolutely nothing to raise my vitamin D blood level (and it was a CL-approved product). In fact, it declined a little. Importantly, I did *not* take it with food. Still, based on the advice here I'm surprised it had *no* effect, since food is stated as "increasing" absorption rather than as an absolute requirement for *any* absorption.

I switched to a gelcap, took it with food (especially higher-fat meals), and with that regimen my levels rose quickly.

Robert20958
September 23, 2020

I had same experience. Dry(Lanolin) no increase. FISH OIL D3 increased my D

Join today to unlock all member benefits including full access to CL Answers

Join Now

Join now at www.consumerlab.com/join/