It’s no secret that vitamin D supplements spike in demand whenever autumn or winter comes around. Of course, if you have a vitamin D deficiency, you should be aiming to take them all-year-round (subject to advice from your doctor). But as the days grow shorter, many of us would benefit from including vitamin D supplements to our daily regimen in order to make up for the lack of sun exposure and reduce the risk of deficiency. After all, it’s called the ‘sunshine vitamin’ for a reason.

The benefits of taking vitamin D regularly are clear – they help regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in your body. “Vitamin D is an essential nutrient which we as humans get from sun exposure, certain food sources and also consume in supplement form,” explains Dr. Claire Shortt, nutritionist and lead scientist at FoodMarble. “We need it to keep our bones, muscles, teeth and immune system healthy.” According to notable healthcare organisations such as the NHS, serious cases of vitamin D deficiencies can even lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children as well as bone pain in adults.

Naturally, the less sun we get, the less vitamin D our bodies are able to produce. There are a few obvious signs that might hint that you might have a vitamin D deficiency, but the best way to know for sure is to raise your concerns to your GP and take a blood test. That being said, even if your vitamin D levels are okay, it’s still worth taking a smaller dosage in order to maintain them. According to Claire, “most people can benefit from vitamin D supplements in the autumn/winter months.” Not to mention the fact that maintaining a good daily vitamin D intake can have a positive effect on other parts of your body, including reducing the risk factors for type 2 diabetes and possibly even skin cancer. Not to mention that your skin will also appreciate the vitamin boost.

But we get it. Given the wide range of options out there, choosing the right vitamin D supplement can turn into an overwhelming experience. And we don’t blame you either – there’s so many factors to consider: the price, the brand, the dosage, dietary restrictions and whether or not you should be taking your vitamin D on its own or as part of a vitamin complex.

To save you the trouble, we’ve curated a list of the best vitamin D supplements out there. You’ll find plenty of options that meet any dietary requirements (whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or lactose-intolerant) and come in different forms like tablets, capsules, liquid drops and gummies – all retailing at varying price points to fit every budget.

We’ve also taken the time to use our own expertise and consult with professionals to ensure that our edit of products comes from reliable brands and features a variety of dosages.

Note: this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and we strongly recommend that you speak to your doctor before making an informed decision.