Shaklee Vitamin D3: the supplement every Kiwi needs — especially April to October
Most Kiwis are D3 deficient April-October
At NZ’s latitude, the winter sun angle is insufficient for skin vitamin D synthesis from April to October. Blood tests in NZ GPs consistently show widespread winter deficiency.
D3 (cholecalciferol) — not D2
Vitamin D3 is the form produced naturally by human skin and is significantly more effective at raising blood 25(OH)D levels than vitamin D2.
Vitamin D does far more than build bones
Vitamin D receptors are found in immune cells, brain tissue, muscle cells, and cardiovascular tissue — influencing immunity, mood, muscle strength and inflammatory response.
New Zealand’s vitamin D problem — why our geography creates a deficiency epidemic
New Zealand sits between 34° and 47° South latitude. During winter months (April-October), the sun angle at most NZ locations is insufficient for UV-B to penetrate the atmosphere and stimulate skin vitamin D synthesis. Research from the University of Otago and ESR shows that 30-40% of adult New Zealanders have vitamin D levels below optimal year-round, rising to over 50% in winter.
The consequences of vitamin D deficiency go well beyond weak bones. Vitamin D is involved in immune cell activation, mood regulation (low vitamin D is strongly correlated with seasonal depression), muscle function, and cardiovascular health. The NZ Ministry of Health acknowledges widespread vitamin D insufficiency and supports supplementation, particularly for those with darker skin, indoor lifestyles, or who cover skin for cultural reasons.
Ingredients in Shaklee D3 Plus NZ | Vitamin D3 & Calcium 90 Tablets
Shaklee quality — 350+ point testing standard.
| Ingredient | Role | What it brings |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | Primary active | The bioidentical form of vitamin D — produced naturally by human skin from UV-B exposure and significantly more effective than vitamin D2 at raising serum 25(OH)D levels |
| Calcium (calcium carbonate/citrate) | Bone mineralisation | Works synergistically with vitamin D3 — vitamin D is required for intestinal calcium absorption; together they support bone density and strength |
| Magnesium (if included) | D3 activation cofactor | Magnesium is required to convert vitamin D3 to its active hormonal form (calcitriol) — many vitamin D supplements omit this essential cofactor |
How Shaklee D3 Plus NZ | Vitamin D3 & Calcium 90 Tablets works
Vitamin D3 is fat-soluble
Taken with food, D3 absorbs with dietary fat and is transported to the liver for hydroxylation to calcidiol (25(OH)D).
Kidney activation
The liver-produced 25(OH)D is further activated by the kidneys to calcitriol (1,25(OH)2D) — the active hormonal form.
Calcitriol activates vitamin D receptors
Active calcitriol binds to vitamin D receptors (VDRs) in intestinal cells, bone, immune cells, brain, and muscle — activating over 200 target genes.
Calcium absorption enhancement
Calcitriol stimulates intestinal calcium absorption by up to 40% — without adequate vitamin D, dietary calcium is poorly utilised regardless of intake.
Shaklee D3 Plus NZ | Vitamin D3 & Calcium 90 Tablets vs alternatives
How it compares.
| Criterion | Shaklee D3 (cholecalciferol) | Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) |
|---|---|---|
| Form | D3 — bioidentical to human skin | D2 — plant/yeast derived |
| Efficacy at raising 25(OH)D | Significantly higher | Lower, slower |
| Half-life in bloodstream | Longer — sustained levels | Shorter |
| Calcium included | Yes | Rarely |
| Money-back guarantee | 100% | Varies |
| Get yours | BUY D3 → |
What to expect
Realistic guide.
Week 1-2
Mood improvement often noticed first — particularly during NZ winter months when deficiency-related low mood is common.
Month 1
Immune function measurably improves. Muscle strength and function normalise in those who were deficient.
Month 2+
Bone density markers stabilise. Consistent supplementation through winter prevents the spring deficiency dip.
Is Shaklee D3 Plus NZ | Vitamin D3 & Calcium 90 Tablets right for you?
✓ Yes if you…
- All NZ adults April to October
- Those with darker skin (lower vitamin D synthesis)
- Office workers and indoor lifestyles
- Those who cover skin for cultural or medical reasons
- Anyone with a GP-confirmed vitamin D deficiency
✕ Skip if you…
- Those on certain heart medications (digoxin) — vitamin D can raise calcium; consult GP
- Those with hyperparathyroidism or sarcoidosis — consult GP before supplementing
Pro tips
Take April to October as a minimum
Even Kiwis who spend time outdoors in summer should supplement April-October when sun angle is insufficient for vitamin D synthesis.
Take with your fattiest meal
Vitamin D3 is fat-soluble — absorption is maximised with a meal containing healthy fats.
Get a blood test first
Ask your GP for a 25(OH)D blood test — results below 50 nmol/L indicate deficiency and you may need a higher therapeutic dose.
Research & science
- Shaklee has invested over $500M in research and development across its supplement range.
- Every Shaklee product undergoes 350+ quality tests from raw material to finished product.
- Trusted by 150+ Olympic medallists across multiple Games.
- Shaklee products are non-GMO and formulated to Beyond Organic standards.
Dietary Supplement. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by Medsafe and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Dietary Supplement. These statements have not been evaluated by Medsafe. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always read the label and follow directions for use. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. Manufactured to Shaklee’s 350+ point quality testing standards.
FAQ — Shaklee D3 Plus NZ | Vitamin D3 & Calcium 90 Tablets NZ
Why do Kiwis need vitamin D supplements?
NZ’s latitude means winter sun angle is insufficient for skin vitamin D synthesis from April to October. 30-50% of NZ adults are below optimal vitamin D levels in winter.
What is the difference between D2 and D3?
D3 (cholecalciferol) is the bioidentical form produced by human skin and is significantly more effective at raising blood vitamin D levels than D2 (ergocalciferol) from plants/yeast.
Does it contain calcium?
Yes — D3 Plus combines vitamin D3 with calcium for complete bone health support.
When should I take it?
With a meal containing fat — vitamin D3 is fat-soluble and absorbs best with dietary fat.
How much vitamin D do I need?
The NZ Ministry of Health recommends 600 IU/day for adults, with 800 IU for those over 70. Many experts suggest higher levels for those who are deficient — consult your GP.
Is it safe to take year-round?
Yes — vitamin D toxicity is rare at recommended doses. A blood test can confirm whether year-round supplementation is needed.
Where does it ship from?
Auckland NZ warehouse via NZ Post.
What is the guarantee?
100% money-back — even on an empty bottle.
How do I get the member price?
Free Lifetime Membership with first order of $50+.
Is free shipping available?
Free NZ-wide on orders over $210.
How many tablets per bottle?
90 tablets — approximately 45-90 days supply depending on dosage.
Can I take it with the Shaklee Multivitamin?
Yes — the multivitamin provides baseline D3; D3 Plus provides additional targeted support, particularly important in winter months.
Pricing & Member Perks (NZD)
Retail price: $48.55 | Member price: $41.25. Save $7.30. All prices in NZD, GST inclusive.
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