Calcifediol (25-Hydroxyvitamin D3)

What Is Calcifediol?

Calcifediol is a form of vitamin D — specifically, the form your liver makes from regular vitamin D3. When you take vitamin D3 or get it from sunlight, your liver first has to convert it into calcifediol before your body can use it. Calcifediol is also the same form that's measured when you get a vitamin D blood test, usually reported as 25(OH)D. [9]
Because calcifediol has already been through that liver step, taking it gives your body vitamin D that's one step further along the pathway. It's also more water-soluble than vitamin D3, which means it's less likely to get stored away in body fat and is absorbed more easily from the gut. [9]
This is why calcifediol raises vitamin D levels faster and more efficiently than the same amount of vitamin D3. A review of nine clinical trials found it was about 3.2 times more potent per microgram, and the European Union uses a conversion factor where 1 µg of calcifediol counts as 2.5 µg of vitamin D3. [1,4]
You might see it on a label as Calcifediol, Calcidiol, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3, or 25(OH)D3 — they all mean the same compound. [4,9]

Why Choose D-Dukaan's Calcifediol?

You'll find calcifediol in D-Dukaan's Sunny Fediol — the efficient form of vitamin D, working up to 3X faster than regular vitamin D3. Each softgel gives you 20 µg of calcifediol, the ready-to-use form of vitamin D, so your body can skip the liver conversion step that vitamin D3 needs. It's made for adults who want efficient vitamin D support. [1,2,5]

Sunny Fediol comes in packs of 30 softgels, enough for a month at one softgel a day, and carries DRAP, GMP, ISO, TÜV Austria and PNAC marks. [2]

Taking Sunny Fediol regularly may offer:

Up to 3X faster than vitamin D3 — about 3.2 times more potent per microgram, with a faster rise in vitamin D levels in head-to-head trials. [1,3,5]
An efficient form of vitamin D — ready to use, with no liver conversion needed and absorption that relies less on dietary fat. [9]
Support for calcium absorption and normal bones — vitamin D contributes to normal absorption of calcium and to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth. [5]
Support for normal muscle and immune function — two of vitamin D's officially recognised roles. [5]
A dose backed by recognised manufacturing standards — DRAP, GMP, ISO, TÜV Austria and PNAC. [2]

D-Dukaan Products With Calcifediol

New

Sunny Fediol 20 mcg

Rs.3,268 PKR ~~Rs.3,800 PKR~~ 14%

Uses & Benefits of Calcifediol

Uses & Benefits	Description
Up to 3X faster rise in vitamin D levels	Calcifediol works up to 3X faster than vitamin D3: a review of nine clinical trials found it about 3.2 times more potent per microgram. In a trial of 298 postmenopausal women with low vitamin D, calcifediol raised levels almost twice as much as vitamin D3 in the first month (9.7 vs 5.1 ng/mL). By month 4, 35% of women taking calcifediol had reached optimal levels (above 30 ng/mL), compared with 8% of those taking vitamin D3. [3]
Efficient vitamin D support for older adults.	In a study of older adults with low vitamin D, those taking calcifediol reached higher vitamin D levels after three months than those taking an equivalent weekly dose of vitamin D3 (45.4 vs 30.7 ng/mL). [10]
Supports calcium absorption and bone health.	Vitamin D contributes to the normal absorption of calcium and phosphorus, to normal blood calcium levels, and to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth. This matters especially for postmenopausal women and adults over 40. [3,5]
Supports normal muscle function	Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function. A 2022 review of 7 trials in older adults found that grip strength and leg strength improved from where people started after taking calcifediol. [5,6]
Supports normal immune function	Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system. [5]
Helps maintain vitamin D status over time	In a 2024 study of young adults, 89% of those who stayed on calcifediol kept their vitamin D above 20 ng/mL, compared with 49% of those switched to a placebo — showing how steady use helps keep levels where they should be. [8]
Predictable, stable response.	Calcifediol has a predictable, roughly linear dose-response — meaning a given amount raises vitamin D levels by a similar amount, whatever your starting level. With vitamin D3, the response depends more on your starting level and body weight. Calcifediol also keeps levels fairly steady when taken weekly or monthly. [1,9]

How Calcifediol Differs From Vitamin D3

Both are forms of vitamin D, but they behave differently in the body:

Benefits	Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)	Calcifediol
Liver conversion	Must be converted by the liver first	Already converted — skips the liver step [9]
Water vs fat	Fat-soluble; can be stored away in body fat	More water-soluble; less likely to be stored in fat [9]
Absorption	Depends on normal fat absorption	Absorbed well even when fat absorption is reduced [1,9]
Speed	Raises levels more gradually	Raises levels more quickly [1,3]
Potency	Standard reference form	About 2.5 to 3.2 times more potent per microgram [1,4]
Dose-response	Varies with starting level and body weight	Predictable, roughly linear [1,9]
Weekly or monthly use	Levels can rise and fall more	Fairly stable levels [1,7]

Calcifediol Clinical Research at a Glance

Here's a quick summary of the main studies behind this page

Study	Who took part	Dose	What it found
Pérez-Castrillón et al., 2021	298 postmenopausal women with low vitamin D	266 µg calcifediol monthly vs 25,000 IU D3 monthly	Faster rise in month 1 (9.7 vs 5.1 ng/mL); 35% vs 8% reached >30 ng/mL by month 4 [3]
Jódar-Gimeno et al., 2024	398 adults with low vitamin D	75 or 100 µg weekly vs placebo	By week 16, 74% (75 µg) and 90% (100 µg) reached ≥30 ng/mL vs 12% on placebo; levels stayed stable to week 52 [7]
POSCAL, 2024	101 adults aged 18–50 with low vitamin D	266 µg monthly or every two weeks	89% stayed above 20 ng/mL on calcifediol vs 49% on placebo; no serious side effects [8]
Okoye et al., 2022	140 hospitalised older adults (average age 83)	140 µg calcifediol weekly vs equivalent D3	Higher vitamin D levels with calcifediol (45.4 vs 30.7 ng/mL) [10]
Dominguez et al., 2022	7 trials, 269 mostly older adults	Various doses	Grip and leg strength improved from baseline; less evidence for physical performance [6]
Quesada-Gomez & Bouillon, 2018	9 randomised trials	Physiological doses	About 3.2 times more potent than D3; faster, more predictable rise in vitamin D levels [1]

Calcifediol Dosage

Because calcifediol is so potent, it works in micrograms rather than the thousands of IU you see on vitamin D3 labels. Research has used a range of schedules — from a daily dose to once-weekly 75–100 µg or once-monthly 266 µg — with the right amount usually guided by a vitamin D blood test. [3,7,8,9]

D-Dukaan's Sunny Fediol, the efficient form of vitamin D, gives you 20 µg of calcifediol in one softgel a day. D-Dukaan's guidance is to take one softgel daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner, and not to go above that without medical advice. [2]

When To Take Calcifediol

D-Dukaan recommends taking one softgel at bedtime with a full glass of water. Swallow it whole — don't chew or crush it. Because calcifediol is more water-soluble than vitamin D3, its absorption depends less on having a fatty meal. [2,9]

Things To Know About Calcifediol

Calcifediol has a good safety record in clinical trials. Studies lasting up to a year reported no relevant treatment-related safety issues or serious side effects. In the year-long weekly trial, a few people had slightly raised blood calcium and stopped treatment as a precaution. [3,7,8]

Because calcifediol is a potent form of vitamin D, keep an eye on your total intake. Check with your doctor before combining it with other vitamin D products, and consider getting your vitamin D levels checked from time to time if you take it long term. If you have a liver or kidney condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take regular medication, speak to your doctor before starting. [2,9]

Final Thoughts on Calcifediol

Calcifediol is the efficient, ready-to-use form of vitamin D — up to 3X faster than vitamin D3. It skips the liver conversion step, raises vitamin D levels faster and more predictably than vitamin D3, and supports normal calcium absorption, bones, muscles and immune function. D-Dukaan's Sunny Fediol makes it simple, with one 20 µg softgel at bedtime, backed by recognised manufacturing standards. [1,2,5,9]

FAQs on Calcifediol

How is calcifediol different from vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3 has to be converted by your liver into calcifediol before your body can use it. Calcifediol is that converted form, so it skips this step.

Is Sunny Fediol really up to 3X faster than vitamin D3?

Research supports this. A review of nine clinical trials found calcifediol was about 3.2 times more potent per microgram, and head-to-head trials showed a faster rise in vitamin D levels, especially in the first month.

How soon will I see a difference in my vitamin D levels?

Results vary from person to person, but in clinical research vitamin D levels rose noticeably within the first month.

Can I take it with my other vitamin D supplements?

Check with your doctor first. Calcifediol is a potent form of vitamin D, so your total intake from all sources matters.

Do I need to take it with food?

No. Calcifediol relies less on fat for absorption than vitamin D3. D-Dukaan recommends one softgel at bedtime with a full glass of water.

Who should check with a doctor first?

If you have a liver or kidney condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take regular medication, get your doctor's go-ahead before starting calcifediol.

Study Links

Sr.No.	Reference
1.	Quesada-Gomez & Bouillon, Osteoporosis International (2018) — "Is calcifediol better than cholecalciferol for vitamin D supplementation?" (verified — abstract; full text paywalled)
2.	D-Dukaan — Sunny Fediol 20mcg, 30 Softgels (live product page, read 9 Oct 2026)
3.	Pérez-Castrillón et al., Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (2021) — "Calcifediol is superior to cholecalciferol in improving vitamin D status in postmenopausal women: a randomized trial" (verified — abstract; also cited on D-Dukaan's own product page)
4.	Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1052 — authorising calcidiol monohydrate as a novel food (verified)
5.	dsm-firmenich — Vitamin D: EU-authorised vitamin D health claims and ampli-D® (verified, accessed Oct 2026)
6.	Dominguez et al., Nutrients (2022) — "Effect of Calcifediol on Physical Performance and Muscle Strength Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (verified)
7.	Jódar-Gimeno et al., Nutrients (2024) — "Efficacy and Safety of Weekly Calcifediol Formulations (75 and 100 µg) in Subjects with Vitamin D Deficiency: A Phase II/III Randomised Trial" (verified)
8.	Guerra López et al., Nutrients (2024) — "Efficacy and Safety of Calcifediol in Young Adults with Vitamin D Deficiency: A Phase I, Multicentre, Clinical Trial (POSCAL Study)" (verified)
9.	Jodar et al., European Journal of Nutrition (2023) — "Calcifediol: a review of its pharmacological characteristics and clinical use in correcting vitamin D deficiency" (verified — abstract)
10.	Okoye et al., Geriatrics (2022) — "A Randomized, Open-Label Study to Assess Efficacy of Weekly Assumption of Cholecalciferol versus Calcifediol in Older Patients with Hypovitaminosis D" (verified — also cited on D-Dukaan's own product page)
11.	Pérez-Castrillón et al., Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (2022) (found on D-Dukaan's own product page, full text not opened — not used as a claim here, listed for your reference only)