Guide
Vitamin D3 + K2 tested: the best capsules (2026)
Last updated: 4 August 2026
Written by
Health Tested Editorial Team
Vitamin D3 and K2 make an unbeatable team: they complement each other and work together in many processes in the body.
Each of these vitamins plays an important role on its own, but they only show their true strength in combination. From strengthening bones and teeth to supporting the immune system and promoting healthy heart and circulatory function, vitamin D3 and K2 together offer a range of impressive health benefits.
Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins for your body and is often recommended by doctors.
But which vitamin D product is right for you?
There are countless vitamin D supplements on the market, but not all of them are effective.
The sunshine vitamin
Vitamin D, often called 'the sunshine vitamin', plays a crucial role in your health. It's a fat-soluble vitamin that your body makes naturally when your skin is exposed to sunlight.
Vitamin D supports the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which in turn matters for healthy bones and teeth. It influences a wide range of body functions and promotes a healthy metabolism. It also helps strengthen the immune system, supports muscle strength and has a positive effect on mood.
Although the sun is the main source of vitamin D, it can be hard to get enough sunlight, especially in certain regions or during the winter months.Your diet doesn't help much either, as most foods contain only small amounts of vitamin D.
As Dr Michael F. Holick puts it: 'A lack of vitamin D is a silent epidemic of the modern world and affects up to 50% of the population.'
The problem with vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most widespread vitamin deficiencies in the world, and in Germany, too, more than a third of the population is affected.
The reason: too little sun. In northern latitudes like ours, sunlight is often too weak to give you all the vitamin D you need. Even on sunny days, your body often doesn't make enough to meet its needs. Our modern lifestyle makes matters worse. Many of us spend most of the day indoors, often sitting at a desk. As a result, we often miss out on the natural sunlight needed to make vitamin D in sufficient amounts.
In winter especially, and when you spend long periods indoors, the vitamin D level in your blood serum can fall further and make a deficiency worse.
In regions with less sunshine, rates of seasonal depression often rise in winter. This is mainly linked to vitamin D deficiency. The vitamin plays an important role in regulating serotonin levels in the brain, and a deficiency can lead to severe mood swings.
Signs of vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency can cause a range of symptoms that often go unnoticed. Here are some common signs of vitamin D deficiency:
- a weakened immune system
- lack of energy and tiredness
- weight gain
- mood swings and depressed mood
- bone pain
- muscle and limb pain
- poor or declining performance
- periodontitis
- muscle weakness and muscle cramps
- hair loss
- migraines
- numbness or tingling (in the hands, lips, etc.)
Vitamin D3 + K2: an unbeatable team
Vitamin D3 supplements with added vitamin K2 are becoming increasingly popular, because the two vitamins work in synergy. Vitamin D3 raises the calcium concentration in the blood: as the vitamin D dose increases, your body can absorb more calcium from food and produce more proteins. For optimal use of calcium, however, vitamin K2 is also essential.
The combination of the two vitamins is therefore an effective and even necessary supplement for achieving the best possible results and reaching your individual health goals.
Signs of vitamin K2 deficiency
Low vitamin K2 levels, on the other hand, show up as:
- a greater tendency to bleed from wounds
- bruising easily
- bleeding gums
- poor concentration
- lack of drive
- headaches
- internal bleeding (with very severe deficiency)
Benefits of taking vitamin D3 and K2
Extensive research in recent years has shown that vitamin D3 plays an important role in mental as well as physical health. With the right product, you can achieve the following:
- a stronger immune system
- better bone health
- relief from depression and chronic tiredness
- stronger muscles (growth and performance)
- a stronger nervous system
- protection against colds and other respiratory illnesses
- protection for the heart and circulation
- support for hormone balance
- support for the gut flora
There are several things to consider when choosing the right vitamin D3 + K2 product.
What to avoid when buying vitamin D3 + K2
When you choose a vitamin D3 + K2 supplement, it pays to check a few things. Here's what to steer clear of:
- a low dose
- vitamin D in a poorly bioavailable form
- vitamin D3 supplements without K2
- supplements without oil (vitamin D is fat-soluble)
- gelatine capsule shells, binders and anti-caking agents
- artificial colourings
- any allergens that affect you, such as soya, gluten and lactose
- supplements at suspiciously low prices
- extremely high-dose products (approach these with caution)
What types of vitamin D3 + K2 supplement are there?
Vitamin D3 supplements come in several dosage forms, each with its own advantages and drawbacks:
- capsules
- drops
- liposomal form
Tablets are among the most controversial forms. They often contain a lot of additives that can have negative effects.
It's important to remember that vitamin D is fat-soluble, so your body can only absorb it together with oils or fats. That's why it's best to choose products in which the vitamin is already dissolved in oil.
Capsules
Pros
Easy to take: you just swallow them
Practical on the go and when travelling
Easy to dose (the same amount in every capsule)
No unpleasant taste or smell
Cons
Stomach acid can affect absorption of the active ingredient
Digestion can partly break down the active ingredient
The capsule shell may contain gelatine
Unsuitable if you have difficulty swallowing
A high dose may mean taking several capsules
Drops
Pros
Easy to dose
Fast absorption of the active ingredient (via the mucous membranes)
Good for people with swallowing difficulties or stomach problems
Versatile: can be mixed into drinks or food
Cons
The drops may taste unpleasant
Exact dosing can be difficult, as the number of drops varies
The liquid can leak or spill
Shorter shelf life than capsules
Liposomal form
Pros
Higher bioavailability of the active ingredient
Better absorption by bypassing stomach acid
A lower dose is needed for the same effect
Can mask the taste of the active ingredient
No additives
Cons
May cost more because manufacturing is more complex
Availability and choice may be limited
Making liposomes can be difficult and requires specialised technology
Vitamin D3 and K2 in true liposomal form
One particularly advanced form of vitamin D3 + K2 supplement is the liposomal version. Liposomal vitamin D3 is encapsulated in tiny liposomes, which allow better absorption and improved bioavailability. This means your body can use the vitamin D more efficiently, and the active ingredients reach the bloodstream directly, with nothing lost along the way. Encapsulating the active ingredient in liposomes protects it from stomach acid and digestive enzymes and can minimise digestive discomfort.
Liposomal coating lets the body absorb and make optimal use of large amounts of the active ingredients.Note: not every product is liposomal.
Because they measure just nanometres across and are rich in fats, liposomes protect the vitamin D inside them from being broken down by enzymes, such as those in saliva and stomach acid. They deliver the vitamin D directly into the bloodstream, which significantly improves its absorption.
Because the body can use the vitamins straight away, much lower doses are needed. Studies have found that liposomal vitamin D3 can be absorbed around 13 times better by the body.
Top 3: the best vitamin D3 + K2 supplements on the market
Finding the right vitamin D3 supplement isn't easy.
That's why we assess products against the following six criteria:
How is the product formulated?
Are there any study or test results?
How high is the dose of each vitamin? (neither too high nor too low)
Does the product contain any allergens?
How good is the value for money?
Is there anything special about the formulation or production?
The best form of vitamin D3 available today
Vitamin D3V® is a high-quality form of vitamin D3 developed specifically for optimal absorption and use in the body. Unlike conventional vitamin D3, Vitamin D3V® is dissolved in a carrier oil made from a blend of MCT oil and olive oil. This allows better absorption in the small intestine and means the vitamin D3 reaches the bloodstream directly.
Vitamin D3V® is also 100% vegan and free from all allergens, including soya and gluten.
The high quality of Vitamin D3V® and its high bioavailability make it an ideal choice if you want to improve your vitamin D status. Many scientific studies show that getting enough Vitamin D3V® can help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of various diseases.
The most important factor: how is the vitamin D3 + K2 supplement formulated?
The most important factors when choosing a vitamin D3 + K2 supplement are the dosage, the type of vitamin D3 and K2 formulation and the quality of the ingredients. A good supplement should contain a balanced dose of vitamin D3 and K2, usually in a ratio of 2:1 or 3:1. The type of formulation matters too, because there are different kinds of vitamin D3 and K2 that can differ in how well they're absorbed, which has a considerable effect on bioavailability. The quality of the ingredients is another important factor, as poor-quality ingredients can reduce the effectiveness of the supplement. It's worth looking for supplements that come from high-quality, natural sources and are free from additives.
product review
TESTED
our quality criteria
MELINAVA Vitamin D3 + K2
by MELINAVA
Pros
- Ideal dose: K2 (150 µg) and D3 (100 µg)
- High bioavailability thanks to liposomes (13 times higher)
- Vitamin D in the best available form
- Vitamin K2 in the highest-quality form (MK-7 all-trans)
- Vegan
- Made in France
- Free from soya, gluten and lactose
- No added preservatives
- No added allergens
- GMO-free
Cons
- Only available online
- Often sold out
Verdict
Melinava Vitamin D3 + K2 is high-strength, with 4,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D3 per daily dose. The added K2 ensures that your body gets the full benefit of the active ingredients.
The vitamin D3 in Melinava is premium-grade cholecalciferol, obtained entirely from sustainable, GMO-free algae and completely free from animal ingredients.
Because the active ingredient is encapsulated in liposomes, much lower doses are needed than with conventional supplements.
The capsules can also be opened and the contents taken in a drink.
Melinava's formulation uses only the active form of vitamin D. The vitamin K2 also comes in the highest-quality form available, MK-7 all-trans.
Thanks to modern liposome technology, the bioavailability of Melinava is up to 13 times higher. The liposomal coating improves tolerability, and the active ingredient goes directly into the bloodstream.
Melinava Vitamin D3 and K2's many satisfied users and positive reviews speak for themselves.
Melinava has been used with very good results for symptoms such as lack of energy, poor concentration and depressed mood, as well as for a weakened immune system.
There are no known side effects so far. Many customers report that they tolerate it very well and see a rapid rise in their vitamin D levels.
The manufacturer takes tolerability very seriously, which is why the product is completely free from unwanted additives.
You can find more information on the manufacturer's website. A one-month supply of Melinava costs 459 kr (discounts when you buy 2 or 3 packs, as of January 2026).
Vanosan Vitamin D3
by VANOSAN
Pros
- Laboratory-tested
- Good value for money
- Vegetarian
- Made in Germany
- No added preservatives
- No added allergens
Cons
- Not highly bioavailable
- Not vegan
Verdict
Vitamin D3 from Vanosan is well dosed, with 1,000 international units (IU) per daily dose. However, the dosage form limits effective absorption, as the vitamin D is not highly bioavailable to the body.
The vitamin D3 in Vanosan Vitamin D3 is derived from lanolin (wool wax). This means it is not suitable for vegans.
Users are mostly positive about Vanosan Vitamin D3. It is well tolerated and relieves symptoms such as tiredness and low energy.
It is made in Europe, and delivery usually takes 1–3 working days.
Vitamin D3 + K2 Depot
by ACTINUM
Pros
- High-strength
- Vitamin K2 in the high-quality MK-7 form (K2VITAL Kappa)
- Laboratory-tested
- Good value for money
- Vegetarian
- Made in the EU
- Gastro-resistant capsule
- No added preservatives
- 1 capsule every 5 days
Cons
- Not vegan
- Contains fillers and anti-caking agents
Verdict
Vitamin D3 + K2 Depot from Actinum provides 5,000 international units (IU) per capsule, equivalent to a daily dose of 1,000 IU, which makes it high-strength. The added K2 ensures that your body gets the full benefit of the active ingredients.
The capsules are comparatively small, which makes them easier to take.
Users are mostly positive about Vitamin D3 + K2 Depot. It is well tolerated and relieves symptoms such as lack of energy and fatigue. However, users with chronic symptoms often find the effect unsatisfactory. Some customers criticise the quality and the size of the container.
It is made in Europe, and delivery usually takes 1–3 working days.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in keeping skin cells healthy. It helps your skin stand up to environmental stress and recover more quickly.
Vitamin D3 supplements: the key to healthy, radiant skin
Too much sunlight can lead to various health problems, from dry skin and premature skin ageing (more wrinkles) to skin cancer. A vitamin D supplement makes sure you get the amount you need while completely ruling out the risk of skin problems or diseases caused by the sun.
A 2019 study showed that in people with sun sensitivity and skin problems such as acne and eczema, taking vitamin D every day led to an improvement in skin texture. Getting enough vitamin D can also help keep your skin better hydrated and less wrinkled.
Natural immune support
Extensive research in recent years has shown that vitamin D plays a key role in the immune system. Without vitamin D, certain immune cells can't be produced and key immune responses can't take place. For a strong immune system, adequate vitamin D levels are essential.
An optimal vitamin D intake can improve immune function by stimulating the production of antibodies and T cells, which helps the body fight off infections and inflammation. There is some evidence that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of infections, particularly respiratory illnesses such as flu and pneumonia.
Forms of vitamin K2
There are several forms of vitamin K2, but the two most important are MK-4 (menaquinone-4) and MK-7 (menaquinone-7). MK-4 is found in animal products such as meat and eggs and is also produced by the body. MK-7, on the other hand, is made by bacteria in fermented foods such as natto, sauerkraut and cheese. MK-7 is known for its longer half-life in the body, which means it stays in the bloodstream longer and so has a stronger effect. MK-7 is also better at depositing calcium in the bones, which helps keep bones strong. Food supplements contain either MK-4 or MK-7, or a combination of the two.
Vegan vitamin D3
Most vitamin D3 supplements on the market are not vegan. The D3 they contain is still made from lanolin (wool wax or wool fat, a secretion from the sebaceous glands of sheep) or fish oil. These days, however, some manufacturers avoid animal sources completely and offer purely plant-based products. Vegan vitamin D3 is obtained from lichen (fungi and algae). The manufacturing process is more complex, which is why vegan products are often slightly more expensive.
* We may earn a commission from some of the companies featured. This is how we keep our comparisons free to read.
Some of these companies are our commercial partners.
Sources
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