According to the report published by Virtue Market Research In 2024, the Global Pet Supplements Market was valued at USD 2.49 billion and is projected to reach a market size of USD 3.72 billion by 2030. Over the forecast period of 2025-2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9%.

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The global pet supplements market has been growing steadily as more people treat their pets like family members. One of the major long-term drivers behind this growth is the rising awareness about pet health and nutrition. Pet owners today want their animals to live longer, healthier lives, and this has led to a shift toward preventive healthcare through dietary supplements. These products include vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and joint-support formulas that aim to enhance immunity, digestion, and coat quality. As disposable incomes rise and urban lifestyles change, pet parents are spending more on wellness products for their furry companions. This trend has given pet supplements a permanent place in the modern household, creating a sustained demand across both developed and emerging markets.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it brought mixed effects to the pet supplements industry. Initially, lockdowns disrupted supply chains, leading to shortages and logistical hurdles. Many retail stores were closed, which affected product availability. However, as people stayed home, pet adoption rates surged significantly. Loneliness and stress during the pandemic encouraged many to bring pets into their homes, creating a new wave of consumers seeking health products for their animals. E-commerce platforms played a crucial role during this time, helping brands reach customers directly through online channels. The increased bond between humans and their pets during lockdowns further boosted the market, as owners prioritized their pets’ wellbeing more than ever before. The pandemic reshaped consumer behavior, pushing the industry toward digitalization and direct-to-consumer models that still continue today.

A strong short-term driver of this market’s growth is the rise in demand for supplements targeting specific health issues in pets. Many animals, especially aging dogs and cats, suffer from joint pain, obesity, or digestive problems. As pet owners notice these conditions earlier, they are turning to targeted supplements containing glucosamine, omega fatty acids, and probiotics. The availability of such specialized products in attractive formats like chews, powders, and treats has encouraged repeat purchases and helped brands diversify their portfolios. Manufacturers are responding to this short-term surge by developing fast-acting formulas that provide visible benefits, ensuring continued customer loyalty.

An exciting opportunity lies in the development of natural and plant-based pet supplements. As humans shift toward clean-label, organic, and sustainable products, they expect the same quality for their pets.

This has led to innovation in formulations that use botanical extracts, superfoods, and other natural ingredients to support immunity, skin health, and vitality. Startups and established players alike are investing in research to explore safe herbal alternatives to synthetic additives. This movement not only attracts environmentally conscious consumers but also opens new segments in premium and niche categories. The rising preference for sustainability and ethical sourcing is creating room for brands to differentiate themselves and build long-term trust with consumers.

A notable trend shaping the market is the integration of technology and data-driven insights into pet health management. Smart collars, health tracking apps, and digital vet consultations are helping owners monitor their pets’ activity levels and nutritional needs in real time. Supplement companies are using these insights to design personalized nutrition plans, recommending specific vitamins or formulas based on the pet’s breed, age, and lifestyle. This personalized approach enhances customer experience and product effectiveness. It also fosters stronger brand engagement through subscription models and automated replenishment services. Such digital innovation is expected to redefine how supplements are marketed, sold, and consumed over the coming years.

Segmentation Analysis:

By Type: Over-the-Counter (OTC), Prescription

The global pet supplements market by type is divided into over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription products. The largest in this segment is the over-the-counter (OTC) category, as pet owners increasingly prefer easily accessible and affordable supplements without the need for veterinary prescriptions. These products are found in general stores, pet shops, and online platforms, allowing customers to make quick and independent purchasing decisions. OTC supplements for immunity, digestion, and coat health are popular because they are convenient and suitable for regular use. The fastest growing during the forecast period is the prescription segment, as veterinarians recommend specialized formulations targeting complex health conditions such as arthritis, anxiety, or chronic skin allergies. With growing awareness about professional guidance in pet healthcare, pet owners are seeking vet-approved supplements for higher effectiveness and safety.

By Pet Type: Dogs, Cats, Others

The global pet supplements market by pet type includes dogs, cats, and others such as birds, fish, and small mammals. The largest in this segment is the dog category, supported by the high adoption rates of dogs across households globally and their diverse nutritional needs. Dog owners are more likely to invest in dietary supplements to support bone strength, joint health, and energy levels. Flavored chewables and soft treats remain in high demand among this group. The fastest growing during the forecast period is the cat segment, as urbanization and smaller living spaces encourage more people to adopt cats as companions. Cat supplements for hairball control, urinary tract health, and skin enhancement are seeing increased interest, particularly in online retail channels where brands target first-time cat owners seeking easy-to-administer nutrition products.

By Form: Pills/Tablets, Chewables, Powders, Others

The global pet supplements market by form is categorized into pills/tablets, chewables, powders, and others. The largest in this segment is the chewables category, driven by their taste appeal, ease of administration, and growing innovation in flavor varieties. Pet owners often prefer chewables since they resemble treats, making supplementation less stressful for animals. Companies are developing functional chews for joint care, immunity, and digestion with soft textures and palatable ingredients. The fastest growing during the forecast period is the powders segment, as they offer flexibility to mix with food or water. Powdered supplements are becoming popular among owners who prefer customizable dosage forms, especially for pets that resist pills. Increasing demand for natural powdered blends made with plant-based proteins and probiotics further supports this category’s expansion in both online and veterinary channels.

By Application: Skin & Coat, Hip & Joint, Digestive Health, Others

The global pet supplements market by application covers skin & coat, hip & joint, digestive health, and others such as heart and cognitive support. The largest in this segment is the hip & joint category, largely because of the rising cases of arthritis and mobility issues in aging pets. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-rich formulations dominate this category, helping maintain joint flexibility and reduce inflammation. Owners of senior dogs and large breeds are major consumers of these products. The fastest growing during the forecast period is the digestive health category, as awareness of gut microbiome balance in animals gains momentum. Probiotic and fiber-based supplements are being incorporated into daily pet diets to prevent digestive discomfort, bloating, and poor nutrient absorption. Increased veterinarian recommendations and research linking gut health to immunity are further accelerating this trend.

By Distribution Channel: Online, Offline

The global pet supplements market by distribution channel includes online and offline modes. The largest in this segment is the offline channel, encompassing pet specialty stores, veterinary clinics, and supermarkets where customers can receive in-person advice and product demonstrations. Many pet owners still prefer physically inspecting products and consulting store professionals before purchase, making this segment dominant. However, the fastest growing during the forecast period is the online channel, boosted by digital transformation and convenience-driven shopping behavior. E-commerce platforms offer wide product availability, subscription models, and doorstep delivery options. Influencer marketing and brand collaborations through social media are also fueling the rise of online supplement purchases, especially among tech-savvy pet owners seeking trusted global brands and product reviews before making buying decisions.

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Regional Analysis:

The global pet supplements market by region includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. The largest in this segment is North America, where high pet ownership rates, strong veterinary infrastructure, and growing expenditure on premium pet care products drive market dominance. U.S. consumers are particularly inclined toward natural and scientifically tested supplements, ensuring a robust demand base. The fastest growing during the forecast period is Asia-Pacific, propelled by increasing urbanization, changing family structures, and the emotional appeal of companion animals. Rising disposable income and awareness campaigns about pet wellness are pushing supplement consumption across countries like China, Japan, and India. The expansion of online retail networks and the entry of global brands into local markets further accelerate growth in this region.

Latest Industry Developments:

• Digital-first sales and subscription models ramp up to lock in recurring buyers: Companies are pushing direct-to-consumer channels and subscription services to keep customers coming back. Online stores, autoship programs, and membership perks make it easy for owners to reorder supplements on a schedule. Retailers use targeted ads, reviews, and loyalty points to nudge repeat purchases. Fast delivery, flexible frequency, and bundle discounts reduce friction and raise lifetime value. Big online pet platforms report rising autoship revenue and growing active customers, showing subscriptions can scale quickly and steer purchasing away from one-time retail trips. This shift makes customer retention as important as product formulation.

• Clean-label, plant-based and sustainable positioning draws premium buyers: The move toward natural ingredients, clear sourcing, and recyclable packaging is shaping product roadmaps. Brands highlight botanical extracts, organic certifications, and minimal additives to appeal to owners who buy what they eat and give the same standard to pets. Sustainable supply chains and eco-friendly packs are used as differentiators in premium segments. Marketing stresses third-party testing and scientific backing to justify higher prices. This strategy taps into a willing-to-pay audience and helps companies enter specialty retail and premium online shelves, where shoppers hunt for ethical and transparent options rather than lowest cost.

• Clinical validation and personalization through vet partnerships and data tools strengthens trust: Firms collaborate with veterinarians and use pet-health data to create targeted, vet-backed supplements. Personalized plans based on age, breed, weight, and medical history are promoted via online quizzes, telehealth consults, and app integrations. Brands sponsor clinical trials or pilot studies to show efficacy and gain endorsements that reduce buyer hesitation. Tech tools – wearables, health apps, and subscription dashboards – feed data that refines dosing and product recommendations. This clinical and data-led approach converts skeptical buyers into loyal customers by shifting perception from “nice-to-have” to “medically useful” for long-term pet care.

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Fatty liver is a disease that troubles numerous people across the world. While it is a common condition in 90-100% of alcohol users, other metabolic and lifestyle factors lead to its development in other individuals as well. According to the American Liver Foundation, about 100 million Americans have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. While taking supplements and medications can definitely solve the problem, they also make a huge hole in your pocket. One of the easiest ways to deal with such conditions is to try as many natural methods as possible. This includes eating healthy, exercising and more. Adding some healthy drinks to your routine can also help immensely in reversing fatty liver fast. Here are five you can begin with now!

Green tea

Green tea is a health powerhouse that has numerous benefits for your health. It is packed with an antioxidant called catechins which is highly powerful. The antioxidant protects the liver cells from damage by neutralising free radicals. It also reduces inflammation which is believed to be a catalyst of fatty liver disease. A 2015 study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, found green tea drinkers to have a lower risk of fat buildup in the liver. Additionally, green tea has also been observed to block the digestion of enzymes that absorb fat from meals, such as pancreatic lipase, thus also helping with weight loss.

Ginger tea

Ginger is packed with over 400 bioactive compounds and 40 antioxidant compounds. A 2016 study published in Hepatitis Monthly provided participants with two grams of ginger supplements daily for twelve weeks to find that it reduced insulin resistance and reduced inflammation markers in the liver. Thus, adding a cup of ginger tea can not only help with fatty liver, but it also reduces your blood pressure and nausea and boosts immunity.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is one drink that works really well for some and is a big no for others. For those looking to reverse fatty liver, it is a complete yes. The drink is rich in antioxidants and probiotics. A 2021 study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that apple cider vinegar significantly reduced plasma glucose in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Improving your glucose and insulin resistance can be extremely beneficial for fatty liver. However, remember to dilute it correctly and drink with a straw as it can damage the enamel.

Coffee

No matter what the world says about your addiction, don’t stop drinking your daily cup of joe. Coffee is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols and helps reduce inflammation by targeting free radicals. It has been proven to help with fatty liver. A 2021 Annals of Hepatology study found that regular coffee consumption is significantly associated with a reduced risk of non alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Hibiscus tea

If there’s an underrated tea in the tea world, it’s hibiscus tea. The drink is enriched with antioxidants such as flavonoids, polyphenols and anthocyanins. A 2014 study in Food & Function, found that consumption of hibiscus tea for twelve weeks reduced body weight, waist-to-hip ratio and liver fat. Drinks like these are easy to make and have multiple health benefits rather than just one. They are scientifically backed to help with fatty liver and can slowly but strongly improve your health.Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.

Washington, D.C.—The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a constituent update to the dietary supplement industry that signals the agency’s intent to amend the labeling regulation that currently calls for the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) disclaimer to appear on every panel of a dietary supplement product label where structure/function claims appear.

FDA’s letter follows advocacy efforts from the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), Natural Products Association (NPA) and others. AHPA President & CEO Graham Rigby spread the word on LinkedIn, sharing: “This win was also made possible through strong, collaborative advocacy across the supplement sector. I’m deeply grateful to NPA and its President & CEO, Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with AHPA as we engaged FDA together and pressed for both enforcement discretion and regulatory revision.We also worked closely with our colleagues at DSTA, and specifically CHPA, CRN, and UNPA, coordinating outreach and messaging with FDA and ODSP leadership. Thank you to Duffy MacKay [CHPA], Steven Mister [CRN], and Loren Israelsen [UNPA] for your partnership, focus, and shared commitment to regulatory clarity and fairness.”

As APHA noted, “AHPA and others have argued that the existing ‘every panel’ requirement (found in 21 C.F.R. § 101.93(d)) is overly prescriptive and exceeds the demands of DSHEA. AHPA has long advocated for FDA to update the regulation to reflect historical industry practice: prominently displaying the disclaimer once on the product label or labeling, not necessarily on every panel, and connecting each claim to the disclaimer via symbols (e.g., asterisks).” AHPA added that the contemplated revision would accord with FDA’s historical enforcement approach, since, FDA has “rarely, if ever, enforced this requirement.”

CRN explained that, for nearly 30 years, FDA practice has allowed the use of an asterisk to direct consumers to the full DSHEA disclaimer elsewhere on the label, consistent with section 403(r)(6)(C) of the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act and 21 C.F.R. § 101.93(d). Complicating matters: A recent increase in class-action lawsuits that have argued that the full disclaimer must be placed on every panel where a structure/function claim is used on a product label. CRN noted, “These legal challenges have created confusion, prompted unnecessary litigation, and imposed costly and disproportionate burdens on responsible manufacturers—without improving consumer understanding.”

Industry welcomes “major win”

“This news is a major win for the dietary supplement industry,” said AHPA President & CEO Graham Rigby. “AHPA has long led the charge for this sensible regulatory reform, and we thank FDA for taking action on an unenforced provision that has fueled opportunistic litigation. This is a strong, positive signal of the agency’s commitment to modernizing regulations, and AHPA looks forward to continued engagement in shaping a rational and modern regulatory environment for this vital category of products.”

Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) President & CEO Steve Mister said of the news: “CRN has long advocated for FDA to reaffirm the original intent of DSHEA and provide clear regulatory direction on this issue. We welcome FDA’s attention to this matter and appreciate the opportunity to support the agency in recognizing the practical, commonsense approach that consumers and companies have relied on for nearly three decades. Consistency in labeling standards strengthens consumer confidence and supports a stable regulatory environment.”

Megan Olsen, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, CRN, added, “This clarification is in alignment with the statute and eliminates ambiguity that has fueled opportunistic litigation. For years, FDA’s implementation has allowed companies to use an asterisk to direct consumers to the disclaimer, and that approach is fully consistent with DSHEA. Clear guidance helps ensure that companies can meet their obligations without unnecessary litigation risk, while still providing consumers with accurate, meaningful information. We appreciate FDA’s willingness to revisit this issue and apply a clear, legally sound interpretation moving forward.”

Not the finish line: Next steps

In the letter, FDA said, “Given that the rulemaking process can take some time, we intend to exercise enforcement discretion regarding the requirement for the DSHEA disclaimer to appear on each panel of a product label where a 403(r)(6) claim appears. We do not intend to exercise enforcement discretion with respect to the requirement to include the DSHEA disclaimer on the product label and link the disclaimer to each 403(r)(6) claim, along with other requirements of 21 CFR 101.93.”

“This is important step forward, but it’s not the finish line,” Graham noted.

As NPA explained, the current labeling requirements remain in effect until an amendment is finalized, so the DSHEA disclaimer requirement still stands, though enforcement may be more flexible regarding panel placement.

Related: FDA Provides Update on NMN; Industry Reacts

Navigating MAHA, Trade & Tariffs and Coming Out on Top: How To Survive and Perhaps Even Thrive

TOKYO – Japan’s green tea exports in the first 10 months of this year reached the highest level in over 70 years on the back of the booming overseas market for matcha powder and the depreciation of the Japanese yen, government and industry data showed Saturday.

Tea exports between January and October grew 44 percent from the same period last year to 10,084 tons. The United States was the top destination, importing 3,497 tons in the 10 months, followed by Taiwan, Thailand and Germany.

Green tea exports have been increasing for nine consecutive years, reflecting the growing overseas popularity of Japanese foods among health-conscious consumers.

Despite rising overseas sales, annual shipments remained below 10,000 tons after peaking at 11,553 tons in 1954, partly as Chinese tea grew in popularity.

Despite sluggish green tea demand within Japan, tea leaf prices have been rising in recent years in line with falling production.

In 2024, Japan produced about 74,000 tons of tea leaves, more than 10 percent less than a decade earlier, amid declining demand for sencha used in brewing and an aging farming population.

According to an agricultural cooperative in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima, the country’s major tea leaf producer, leaves produced between October and November, typically used for bottled tea drinks, fetched over 2,500 yen ($16) per kilogram, surging six-fold from a year earlier.

Qudsia Bano

Pakistan’s emerging tea development strategy prioritizes the production of orthodox and green teas supported by internationally recognized quality and safety standards, as the country positions itself toward high-value specialty markets rather than competing in low-priced commodity segments, according to a strategy document prepared under the FAO Technical Cooperation Programme.

The report, available with Wealth Pakistan, notes that Pakistan’s climatic and geographic conditions are more suitable for orthodox-style teas—such as those produced in Nepal, Darjeeling and Sri Lanka—than for conventional CTC varieties. Because orthodox teas command higher prices and require smaller production volumes, the strategy positions them as the most viable entry point for Pakistan’s tea industry during its early stages.

According to the document, orthodox black tea and pan-fired green tea have been selected as the initial focus categories due to their compatibility with Pakistan’s terrain and germplasm. The P3, P5, P7 and P8 clones, originally trialed in earlier decades, have shown favourable characteristics for premium black tea when cultivated in KP’s cooler upland zones. For green tea, the Qimen variety currently maintained at NTHRI is identified as technically suitable for processing into pan-fired styles preferred in regional markets.

A central requirement in the strategy is adherence to ISO 3720:2011, the international standard for black tea quality. The document notes that Sri Lanka uses the same benchmark for its national Lion Logo certification, and that Pakistan aims to adopt a similar quality framework to ensure consistency, market credibility and export readiness.

Beyond ISO requirements, the strategy mandates strict compliance with agricultural chemical residue limits, microbiological safety parameters and moisture thresholds. The report recommends aligning Pakistan’s standards with the European Union’s Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), which are among the most stringent globally. According to the document, early compliance with EU standards will not only safeguard domestic consumers but also prepare Pakistani teas for entry into high-value foreign markets.

The strategy outlines several foundational quality requirements that growers must follow, including proper land preparation and contour planting, standardized spacing and planting techniques, maintenance of soil health and shading systems, adherence to plucking standards, aiming for at least 70% fine leaf content, controlled use of inputs and fertilizers and proper pruning cycles to optimize plant structure and yield.

These standards will be enforced through a centralised extension system, which the report states is essential to ensure uniformity across smallholder, cluster and plantation models.

According to the strategy document, Pakistan’s approach is designed to avoid the pitfalls of entering the global tea market as a bulk commodity supplier. The document warns that Pakistan cannot compete on cost with established tropical producers and therefore must rely on quality differentiation and value addition.

The report also emphasises the importance of producing clean, well-rolled leaf with consistent particle size and minimal fibre—characteristics required to meet buyer specifications. It notes that machinery selection will be critical, with China identified as a preferred source for green tea processing equipment and Sri Lanka and Turkey recommended for black tea machinery due to their experience with orthodox manufacturing.

To support this transition, the strategy calls for small, flexible processing units located near cultivation zones. These units will allow processors to switch between orthodox and green tea production depending on seasonal conditions and market demand.

The document states that aligning Pakistan’s production system with international standards is necessary to attract private-sector participation, ensure product credibility and enable the country to establish its own identity in global specialty tea markets.

Credit: INP-WealthPk

If you’ve ever been let down by a matcha latte that tastes more like milk, sugar, or – these days – strawberry syrup than actual tea, Kyoto-born Ayano Makino feels your pain.

The 36-year-old owner of the quirkily named Top Quali Tea Kyoto, a tiny takeaway tea shop in the CBD’s Oxley Tower, reacts with visible horror when we bring up Singapore’s strawberry matcha craze. “The strawberry flavour is so strong, you can’t taste the matcha. They don’t even need to put matcha in the drink!” she says, half laughing in exasperation.

No part of this story or photos can be reproduced without permission from 8days.sg.

Discussions between the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, and the Myanmar Tea Association are in progress.

Myanmar’s tea culture will be inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture.

Myanmar became a State Party to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014. For an intangible cultural heritage element to be inscribed on the Representative List, it must first be included on the national list. It is also reported that the Myanmar Cultural Heritage Preservation Committee, the Myanmar Tea Association (MTA – Yangon and Mandalay), and experts from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture are currently discussing the title of the green tea culture heritage element to be submitted for inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture and the Myanmar Tea Association (Yangon) are jointly completing the UNESCO-specified ICH-02 form to nominate Myanmar’s tea culture for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Myanmar Tea Association will also work to obtain the required consent letters and videos, as well as statement letters and videos.

The Myanmar Cultural Heritage Conservation Organization has designated green tea culture as the heritage element to be nominated for inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

ASH/MKKS

#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar 

Calcium and vitamin D are both essential nutrients for maintaining strong, healthy bones. And while each plays a different role in bone health, experts say they work better when taken together.

What Calcium and Vitamin D Do in the Body

Calcium is a mineral that gives bones their structure and strength, while vitamin D is a hormone that supports bone growth.

“Calcium is the main building block that gives bones their structure and strength,” said Diana Guevara, MPH, RD, a community health education specialist at The University of Texas Health Science Center’s School of Public Health.

“It is also used throughout other parts of the body, so if we do not get enough calcium, our bodies could be forced to pull calcium from our bones, leading to osteoporosis and a higher risk of fractures.”

Benefits of Taking Calcium and Vitamin D Together

When it comes to bone health, vitamin D’s main role is to facilitate calcium absorption in the gut.

“Without enough vitamin D, calcium cannot do its job well,” said Natalie Allen, RD, a clinical associate professor of nutrition and dietetics in the School of Health Sciences at Missouri State University. “Pairing them ensures you’re getting the bone-strengthening benefit from calcium.”

Research has shown that taking vitamin D and calcium supplements together can improve bone mineral density more than taking either supplement alone, specifically in older adults and post-menopausal women.

Adults generally need 1,000-1,200 mg of calcium and 600-800 IU of vitamin D daily, though some may need more vitamin D depending on age, skin tone, or medical conditions.

Getting Calcium and Vitamin D From Food Sources

It’s always best to aim to get nutrients from food first if possible, Guevara said, as nutrients in food are easier for the body to absorb and utilize.

This may mean eating more calcium-rich foods such as:

• Dairy foods
• Leafy greens
• Fish with bones (such as sardines or canned salmon)

And vitamin D-rich foods such as:

• Fatty fish
• Eggs
• Mushrooms
• Fortified milk

However, Allen said food sources for vitamin D are limited as these foods only contain small amounts of the hormone, so supplements are often needed to help people get enough.

Sunlight can help your body make vitamin D naturally, but too much sun exposure poses other health risks, such as skin cancer.

“About 10 to 30 minutes of sun exposure, a few times per week, can be enough for some people, depending on location and season,” Allen said. “Darker skin tones may need more time in the sun to produce the same amount of vitamin D.”

When You May Need a Supplement

If you spend most of your time indoors or wear sunscreen daily, which Allen notes is important for skin protection, a supplement is often the most reliable way to meet your needs.

If you are going to take a supplement, Guevara said it is important to note that the upper limit of vitamin D for adults is 4,000 IU per day. Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, it can be stored in the body and build up over time.

Before starting any new supplements, always talk to your healthcare provider to discuss what’s right for your unique health and needs.