NOW Foods Vitamin D3 Review

What’s in the softgel and why it matters

Each softgel contains cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) suspended in olive oil with a gelatin/glycerin/water softgel shell. The use of D3 (cholecalciferol) is noted in the brief as offering higher bioavailability than vitamin D2, and the olive oil carrier is a fat matrix commonly used to aid absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

The softgel format means one softgel equals one serving. Ingredients explicitly listed in the brief are vitamin D3, olive oil and the softgel components (gelatin, glycerin, water); the presence of gelatin makes these non-vegetarian softgels.

Available strengths and serving information

NOW Foods offers this D3 product in three fixed dosages: 1,000 IU (25 mcg), 2,000 IU (50 mcg) and 5,000 IU (125 mcg) per softgel. The specified serving size is one softgel, making dosing straightforward when matching to individual needs or a prescriber’s recommendation.

Package counts in the brief are 100 softgels for the 1,000 IU variant and 120 softgels for both the 2,000 IU and 5,000 IU variants, which affects how long each bottle will last at a one-softgel-per-day regimen.

Swallowability, format and user experience

The product is available only as gelatin softgels; the research brief notes that softgel size may be difficult for some individuals to swallow and that the product lacks chewable or gummy options. That limits suitability for people who dislike swallowing pills or who prefer flavored chewables.

User feedback in the brief includes reports of improved mood and energy for some users, but it also records complaints of gastrointestinal discomfort. These mixed signals suggest generally effective supplementation for many, with tolerability issues for a subset of users.

Allergen profile and tolerability considerations

According to the brief, the product is non-GMO and explicitly free from common allergens including gluten, dairy and soy, which is relevant for consumers with those dietary restrictions. The ingredients list does include gelatin, so the product is not suitable for strict vegetarians or vegans.

Tolerability is mixed: while some users report positive effects on mood and energy, the brief notes that some users experience gastrointestinal discomfort. Those concerned about stomach sensitivity should be aware of these reported issues.

How it stacks up against similar D3 offerings

Competitors named in the brief include Nature Made Vitamin D3, Garden of Life Vitamin D3 and Solgar Vitamin D3. Nature Made offers similar dosages and also provides alternative delivery forms such as gummies, which NOW Foods does not.

Garden of Life markets organic and whole-food-based D3 options for buyers seeking a food-sourced product, and Solgar offers vegetarian softgel options that address the gelatin limitation in NOW Foods' formulation.

Pros & Cons

• ✅ Uses vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), a form noted in the brief as having higher bioavailability than D2
• ✅ Available in three exact dosages: 1,000 IU (25 mcg), 2,000 IU (50 mcg) and 5,000 IU (125 mcg) per softgel
• ✅ Olive oil carrier in the softgel supports absorption of the fat‑soluble vitamin
• ✅ Non‑GMO and free from common allergens listed in the brief: gluten, dairy and soy
• ✅ Positive user feedback in the brief reporting improved mood and energy levels

• ❌ Some users report gastrointestinal discomfort after taking the softgels
• ❌ Softgel size may be difficult for some individuals to swallow
• ❌ Only available as gelatin softgels (gelatin listed in ingredients), so not suitable for vegetarians/vegans seeking plant-based capsules
• ❌ No chewable or gummy flavor options; not ideal for users who prefer flavored or chewable supplements

How It Compares to the Competition

• Nature Made Vitamin D3 — Offers similar dosages but also provides gummy and alternative delivery forms that NOW Foods does not.
• Garden of Life Vitamin D3 — Positioned as organic/whole-food based, appealing to buyers seeking a food-sourced vitamin D option.
• Solgar Vitamin D3 — Known for vegetarian softgel options, addressing the gelatin limitation in NOW Foods' softgels.

Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It

Buy it if: Buyers who want straightforward cholecalciferol supplementation in clearly labeled strengths (1,000/2,000/5,000 IU) and who avoid gluten, dairy and soy will find this product appropriate. It suits people with low sun exposure seeking a D3 softgel delivered in an olive oil base for fat-soluble absorption.

Skip it if: People who cannot swallow larger softgels, who prefer chewables or gummies, or who require vegetarian/vegan capsules should consider alternatives. Also skip this product if you have experienced gastrointestinal sensitivity to D3 softgels, since the brief records some GI complaints.