The Vitamin Shoppe D3 125 mcg (5000 IU)
Brand: The Vitamin Shoppe · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161] On Market
Our assessment
Our assessment: This product provides a high dose of vitamin D3 at 125 mcg (5,000 IU) per serving. The evidence shows this amount is well above the standard 600 IU RDA for most adults, and you should only take it if your healthcare provider has confirmed a deficiency through a blood test [NIH ODS].
How it works
Vitamin D acts as a master regulator in your body. It helps your immune system respond to threats and supports brain health through neuroplasticity [NIH ODS]. For calcium, which is often taken with vitamin D, its mechanism includes bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
The FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all dietary supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer, and can cause poor muscle tone, constipation, nausea, weight loss, and abnormal heart rhythms [NIH ODS] [FDA data].
Our recommendation
We recommend you start with a standard dose of 600 IU daily unless your doctor advises otherwise. Have your blood levels checked before taking a high-dose product like this. Be aware that calcium supplements may reduce absorption of medications such as bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, and levothyroxine [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | The Vitamin Shoppe |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 200.0 Softgel(s) |
| Market Status | On Market |
How to Read This Label
Supplement labels contain several key sections regulated by the FDA:
- Serving Size — The recommended amount per dose. Always check this — some products require multiple capsules per serving.
- Amount Per Serving — Shows the quantity of each nutrient in the product, typically in IU (International Units), mg (milligrams), or mcg (micrograms).
- % Daily Value (%DV) — Indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
- Other Ingredients — Lists inactive ingredients like fillers, binders, and capsule materials (e.g., gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate).
- Suggested Use — The manufacturer's recommended directions for taking the supplement, including timing and dosage.
Source: FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide