If you moved to Germany from a sunny country, the first winter can be a surprise. Days are short, the sky is often grey, and many people around you suddenly talk about vitamin D. This guide explains why the topic comes up so often, which forms you will find at a German pharmacy, and what to look for on the label.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you want to know your own vitamin D level or the right amount for you, please talk to your doctor. A blood test can show your level.
Why vitamin D is a topic in Germany
Our skin makes vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight (UVB). In Germany the sun is low in the sky for much of the year. According to the Robert Koch Institute, from about October to March the sunlight is too weak for the skin to produce a relevant amount of vitamin D. During the rest of the year, time outdoors is the main source for most people. Food provides only a small part, for example oily fish or eggs.
That is why many people in Germany think about vitamin D in autumn and winter, and why pharmacies offer a wide choice.
What vitamin D does
Vitamin D contributes to:
- the normal function of the immune system
- the maintenance of normal bones and teeth
- the maintenance of normal muscle function
These are the officially authorised EU health claims for vitamin D.
The forms you will find at a German pharmacy
Oil drops
Drops are easy to dose and suit people who do not like swallowing capsules or who want small amounts. Example: Vigantolvit Vitamin D3 oil, 500 IU per drop.
Gummies
Popular with people who prefer something chewable. Example: Vigantolvit Vitamin D3 2000 IU soft gummies.
Softgels and tablets
Small and simple, often in larger packs. Examples: Vigantolvit Vitamin D3 2000 IU vegan softgels, 120 pieces and Vigantolvit Vitamin D3 4000 IU tablets.
Vitamin D3 with K2
Many products combine vitamin D3 with vitamin K2. Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. Examples: Dr. Jacob's Vitamin D3K2 oil drops, Dekristolvit D3K2 tablets and the Orthomol Vitamin D3 + K2 spray.
With calcium
Products like Vigantolvit Osteo with D3, K2 and calcium combine several nutrients. Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones.
You will find all of these in our Vitamins & iron collection.
How to read a German label
- I.E. (Internationale Einheiten): IU, international units. 1,000 IU equal 25 micrograms (µg).
- pro Tropfen / pro Tablette: per drop / per tablet. Check how much one unit contains.
- Verzehrempfehlung: recommended daily intake. Follow it and do not take more.
- Nahrungsergänzungsmittel: food supplement. Most vitamin D products in pharmacies are sold as food supplements.
- vegan: free from animal-derived ingredients. Vitamin D3 is often made from sheep's wool (lanolin), so vegan products use a different source, usually named on the pack.
Things to keep in mind
- Do not double up. Many multivitamins already contain vitamin D. Add up all products you take.
- Do not exceed the recommended daily dose stated on the pack.
- Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, take medication, have a health condition, or want to give vitamin D to a child.
- Keep out of reach of young children.
- Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Other nutrients people often ask about
Expats also ask us about iron (for example Floradix iron + B12 vegan capsules), magnesium (Magnesium-Diasporal 400 Extra) and omega-3 (Norsan Omega-3 vegan algae oil). Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.
Order online or pick up in Hamburg
Order in English at shop.phoenixapo.com/en. We deliver within Germany in 2 to 4 working days, free from 39 €. Or pick up at Phönix-Apotheke, Tilsiter Straße 2, 22049 Hamburg-Wandsbek, and save 5 % with the code ABHOLUNG5 (pickup only, not combinable). We are also open on Sundays from 12:00 to 17:00.
Not sure which product fits? Message us on WhatsApp at +49 40 695 81 81. We give advice in German, English and Farsi.
