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Nutricost vs NOW Foods Vitamin D3 + K2 (2026)
Disclosure: We earn commissions on purchases made through our links. This never influences our scores. Editorial policy
The Verdict
These two are essentially tied on our rubric - both post an 88 execution score on our 0-100 scale - and both are inexpensive, at about $0.07-$0.09 per day. Nutricost gives you a full 5000 IU D3 dose with ISO-accredited lab testing; NOW Foods gives you a moderate 1000 IU dose with NPA GMP testing and the Best Value badge. In our view, choose Nutricost if you need the higher 5000 IU dose, and NOW Foods if 1000 IU meets your needs. Both use MK-7 K2 and are strong value picks.
Nutricost Vitamin D3 5,000 IU + K2 100mcg
Nutricost
NOW Foods Vitamin D-3 & K-2 (1,000 IU / 45mcg)
NOW Foods
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Nutricost Vitamin D3 5,000 IU + K2 100mcg Nutricost | NOW Foods Vitamin D-3 & K-2 (1,000 IU / 45mcg) NOW Foods |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Score | 88/100Winner | 88/100 |
| Dosing & Form | 23/25 | 25/25Winner |
| Purity | 20/25Winner | 20/25 |
| Value | 25/25Winner | 23/25 |
| Transparency | 20/25Winner | 20/25 |
| Cost/Day | $0.09 | $0.07Winner |
| Dose/Serving | 5000IU | 1000IU |
| 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
Nutricost and NOW Foods both pair D3 with MK-7 K2 at a value price, but at different D3 doses. Nutricost delivers a full 5000 IU D3 with 100mcg K2; NOW Foods delivers a moderate 1000 IU D3 with 45mcg K2 and carries the Best Value badge in our D3+K2 scoring. This is a value matchup between two budget-friendly, well-tested 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, ideally guided by a blood test.
We scored both on evidence, quality, cost per day, and transparency.
Detailed Score Breakdown
Nutricost Vitamin D3 5,000 IU + K2 100mcg
Nutricost
5,000 IU D3 + 100mcg MK-7 - both at evidence-supported doses for active supplementation
ISO-accredited laboratory testing. GMP certified. Nutricost maintains consistent QA standards.
$0.09/day for a 120-softgel supply - among the cheapest per-day cost for this dose level
MK-7 form specified. D3 form (cholecalciferol) confirmed. Standard excipients disclosed.
Exceptional value for 5,000 IU D3 + 100mcg MK-7. ISO-accredited testing at a price that is hard to beat. High dose - appropriate for confirmed deficiency.
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.
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.