Guide
Vitamin D — deficiency and supplements
Prepared by the LekCheck team · Last reviewed: 2026-07-25 · How we create our content
Vitamin D is involved in calcium absorption and in the health of bones, muscles and immune function. Deficiency is common, especially in winter months and with less sun exposure. Below we explain the signs of low vitamin D, when supplements are considered and how to choose a product; choose an ingredient to see available products and prices. Intake and dose are best guided by a blood test and a doctor's recommendation.
This guide was prepared by the LekCheck team and has not been reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not start, stop, or change any treatment without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
Why vitamin D matters
Vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and is important for bone strength and normal muscle function. The body produces it in the skin under sunlight, and some comes from food (oily fish, eggs, fortified products). With insufficient sun and diet, levels can fall.
Signs and at-risk groups
Low vitamin D often runs without clear symptoms, but may show as tiredness, muscle weakness or frequent colds. Higher risk applies to people with little sun exposure, darker skin, older people, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with certain conditions. The accurate assessment is made with a blood test.
Forms and how to choose
Supplements usually contain vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) as drops, capsules or tablets; drops are convenient for babies and for difficulty swallowing. Some products combine vitamin D with calcium for bone health. Choose the form and strength by age and recommendation — not all strengths suit everyone.
Caution with dosing
Vitamin D is fat-soluble and accumulates in the body, so very high doses over a long time can be harmful. Do not exceed the recommended dose without medical judgement, especially when taking other supplements with vitamin D or calcium. In pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney disease or when taking medicines, consult a doctor.
Commonly used active ingredients
Pick an ingredient to see products and prices.
Related categories
Products with current prices
Lowest prices from online pharmacies in this guide's categories — cheapest first.
ДЖАНКАР ЛАКОЧИСТИТЕЛ 100МЛ
ДЖАНКАР · 100МЛ
ВИТАМИН Б12 ампули 100 гами 1 мл. * 1
SOPHARMA · 12 ампули
БИЛКА КРЕМ ЗА РЪЦЕ И НОКТИ ЧЕРВЕНО ВИНО 65 МЛ
БИЛКА · 65 МЛ
МОКРИ КЪРПИ СМАЙЛ 15БР АНТИБАКТЕРИАЛНИ С ВИТАМИНИ
МОКРИ · 15БР
БЕБЕВИТА / BEBEVITA ПЮРЕ ЯБЪЛКА И БАНАН 190ГР 1001
БЕБЕВИТА · 190ГР
ЛАВЕНА / LAVENA САПУН МОЯТА ПРИРОДА С МАСЛИНА X 75ГР
LAVENA · 75ГР
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have a vitamin D deficiency?
The reliable way is a blood test of the 25(OH)D level, ordered by a doctor. Symptoms such as tiredness or muscle weakness are non-specific and do not confirm deficiency on their own. Based on the result and your condition, the doctor judges whether and which supplement is suitable.
What dose of vitamin D should I take?
The suitable dose depends on age, blood level, season and health, so it is best guided by a test and recommendation. Products come in different units (IU/µg) — check the leaflet and do not combine several vitamin D products without accounting for the total dose.
Vitamin D2 or D3 — is there a difference?
Both forms raise vitamin D levels, but D3 (cholecalciferol) is usually considered more effective at maintaining them. Most over-the-counter supplements on the market are D3. The choice of a specific product and dose is best agreed with a pharmacist or doctor.
Can vitamin D be taken with calcium?
Vitamin D and calcium are often combined for bone health, since vitamin D improves calcium absorption. Combination products exist, but the total dose of each ingredient should be reasonable — when taking several supplements, account for the combined dose and ask a pharmacist if unsure.
Is the sun enough for vitamin D?
In the warm months, moderate sun exposure helps the skin produce vitamin D, but the amount depends on latitude, season, time and skin type. In winter and with little exposure, levels often fall, so supplements are sometimes considered — the judgement is individual.