Vitamins A-Z: Vitamin D, B12, C & K2

Vitamins A-Z

Vitamins A-Z is for shoppers who know the nutrient they want. Browse single vitamins and simple pairings: vitamin D3 and D3 with K2, B12 and B-complex, vitamin C 1000, K2 drops and A+E drops, from Trec Nutrition, NOW Foods, Jarrow Formulas, Ultra Lyte, OstroVit and Essensey.

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Vitamin B: methylcobalamin B12 tablets and lozenges, B-complex capsules and drops.
Vitamin C: 1000 mg capsules and tablets, sustained-release or with bioflavonoids, plus collagen with vitamin C.
Vitamin D: D3 capsules and drops from 2000 to 4000 IU, many paired with K2.
Also on this page: Ultra Lyte K2MK7 drops, Solaray Vitamin K-2 150 mcg, OstroVit Vitamin A+E drops and NOW Pantothenic Acid 500mg.

UK guidance on upper amounts

Single vitamins are often sold at many times the nutrient reference value. NHS guidance on supplements, per day:

Vitamin D: no more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) for adults and 11 to 17-year-olds, and 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) for children aged 1 to 10.
Vitamin C: less than 1,000 mg is unlikely to cause harm; more can cause stomach pain, diarrhoea and wind.
Vitamin B6: no more than 10 mg unless a doctor advises it.
Pantothenic acid (B5): 200 mg or less is unlikely to cause harm.
Vitamin A: keep food and supplements combined below an average of 1.5 mg, and do not take vitamin A supplements in pregnancy.
Vitamin K: 1 mg or less is unlikely to cause harm. Speak to your GP first if you take warfarin or another anticoagulant.
Vitamin E: 540 mg (800 IU) or less is unlikely to cause harm.

Single vitamin or multivitamin?

Add up the same vitamin across a multivitamin, combination products and single nutrients. If you want broad cover in one tablet, see Multivitamins; for magnesium, zinc and iron, see Minerals.

Vitamins A-Z: your questions answered

Should I take a single vitamin or a multivitamin?

A multivitamin covers many nutrients at moderate amounts; a single vitamin targets one you know you need, such as vitamin D in winter or B12 on a vegan diet. Check for overlap if you take both.

Which vitamin does the NHS suggest everyone considers?

Vitamin D. The NHS advises 10 micrograms a day in autumn and winter, and all year for people who get little sun; vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and the normal function of the immune system.

What does methylcobalamin mean on a B12 label?

Methylcobalamin is one form of vitamin B12, an alternative to cyanocobalamin. Both count as vitamin B12 on the label, so choose by format, strength and price.

Why do some vitamin D products include K2?

Vitamin D contributes to normal calcium absorption and vitamin K to the maintenance of normal bones, so the two are often paired. If you take blood-thinning medicine, speak to your GP before taking vitamin K.