If you're a child, or you don't like to swallow capsules, these soft gels can be chewed instead.
I chew mine together with my Carlson Vitamin E and Nordic Naturals Cod Liver Oil (Lemon flavored) and then I spit out the gel casings after 30 seconds of chewing. My younger kids just chew and swallow the whole lot - they treat them like gummies! The natural lemon flavor in the cod liver oil masks the taste of all of them, so makes them very easy to take each morning with breakfast.
Research shows an adult should consume 3,000-6,000 IU of vitamin D per day, depending on your skin color (unless you're living in a country that's sunny year round and you are actually out in that sun for a minimum of 45 minutes per day, then you need less). The darker your skin is, the more Vitamin D you need.
I am half Indian, so I take 6,000 IU per day in winter. My husband who is English/Scottish takes 4,000 IU per day - as we live in a very rainy, grey climate. I give my children (who are 1/4 Indian) 2,000 IU per day in winter. For a completely caucasian child, 1000 IU would likely be sufficient.
You may also want to take one capsule of this and then 1 capsule of Carlson Vitamin A & D (25,000 IU Vitamin A & 1,000 IU Vitamin D) per day. That way, you get the recommended amount of Vitamin D plus a good dose of Vitamin A to aid in immune system support, night vision, and prevent dry skin, hair and nails. Take them with food - we make it part of the breakfast routine, and then we're done for the day!