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NOW Foods vs Sports Research Vitamin D3 + K2 (2026)
Disclosure: We earn commissions on purchases made through our links. This never influences our scores. Editorial policy
The Verdict
NOW Foods scores higher on our rubric (88 vs 85 on our 0-100 execution score) and is the better value, at about $0.07 per day versus Sports Research's $0.33. NOW Foods carries the Best Value badge in our D3+K2 scoring at a moderate 1000 IU dose; Sports Research delivers a full 5000 IU dose with Non-GMO Project Verification. In our view, if 1000 IU meets your needs, NOW Foods is the clear value; if you need a full 5000 IU dose in one softgel, Sports Research is the pick despite the higher cost. Both use MK-7 K2.
NOW Foods Vitamin D-3 & K-2 (1,000 IU / 45mcg)
NOW Foods
Sports Research Vitamin D3 + K2 (5,000 IU D3 / 100mcg K2)
Sports Research
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | NOW Foods Vitamin D-3 & K-2 (1,000 IU / 45mcg) NOW Foods | Sports Research Vitamin D3 + K2 (5,000 IU D3 / 100mcg K2) Sports Research |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Score | 88/100Winner | 85/100 |
| Dosing & Form | 25/25Winner | 25/25 |
| Purity | 20/25Winner | 20/25 |
| Value | 23/25Winner | 17/25 |
| Transparency | 20/25 | 23/25Winner |
| Cost/Day | $0.07Winner | $0.33 |
| Dose/Serving | 1000IU | 5000IU |
| Form | cholecalciferol D3 + menaquinone-7 MK-7 | cholecalciferol D3 + menaquinone-7 MK-7 |
| Third-Party Tested | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Proprietary Blend | No | No |
Why This Comparison Matters
NOW Foods and Sports Research both pair D3 with MK-7 K2, but at different doses and price points. NOW Foods delivers a moderate 1000 IU D3 with MK-7 at a value price; Sports Research delivers a full 5000 IU D3 with 100mcg MK-7. This is a dose-and-value matchup between two trusted mid-market brands.
Both use the longer-lasting MK-7 form of K2 and both are third-party tested. The right dose depends on your D3 needs - which should be guided by a 25(OH)D blood test - and the cost per day differs accordingly.
We scored both on evidence, quality, cost per day, and transparency.
Detailed Score Breakdown
NOW Foods Vitamin D-3 & K-2 (1,000 IU / 45mcg)
NOW Foods
1,000 IU D3 + 45mcg MK-7 - lower D3 maintenance dose and lower K2 than optimal research doses
NPA GMP audited. NOW has reliable quality track record. Not USP or NSF certified on this product.
$0.07/day ($8.92 for 120ct) - still among the cheapest D3+K2 options for a maintenance dose
Both active ingredients disclosed. K2 form (MK-7) specified. Some inactive ingredients in softgel.
Lowest cost entry point for D3+K2. The 45mcg K2 is below the 90-100mcg seen in most research - consider doubling up or choosing a higher-K2 product.
Sports Research Vitamin D3 + K2 (5,000 IU D3 / 100mcg K2)
Sports Research
5,000 IU D3 + 100mcg MK-7 K2 - strong doses of both components in coconut oil carrier for optimal fat-soluble absorption
Non-GMO Project Verified. Third-party tested. Coconut oil carrier ensures fat-soluble absorption without requiring a meal.
$0.33/day ($39.49 for 120ct) - the 2026 SR repricing more than doubled the cost; still fair for a well-formulated 5,000 IU D3+K2 softgel but no longer a value standout
All ingredients disclosed. MK-7 specified. Cholecalciferol (D3) form confirmed. Coconut oil carrier listed.
Coconut oil carrier, correct forms of both D3 and K2, vegan D3 from lichen. The 5,000 IU dose is appropriate for confirmed deficiency or people who have tested and need it - though the 2026 repricing moved it off the value lead.
How We Compared These Products
Every product in our database is scored on four equally-weighted pillars: dosing accuracy and form quality, purity verification (third-party testing), cost per clinically effective dose (not cost per pill), and label transparency. Each pillar is worth 25 points for a total of 100.
Cost per effective dose is calculated using the clinically studied dose from published research, not the manufacturer's suggested serving. If a product requires multiple servings to reach the dose used in clinical trials, that cost is reflected in the value score.
For a full explanation of our scoring methodology, see our methodology page. Prices were last checked on the dates listed for each product and may have changed.
More Vitamin D3 + K2 Comparisons
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FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.