We need vitamin D because it helps to keep the bones, muscles, and teeth healthy by regulating levels of calcium and phosphate in the body. Not getting enough vitamin D can cause problems with the bones. The NHS also recommends taking 10 micrograms mcg of vitamin D supplements each day. Vitamin D2 is known as ergocalciferol and is found in plants and fungi e.
Plants can generate vitamin D2 through exposure to UV light. You can learn more about supplements suitable for vegans by reading our blog. Vitamin D3 is known as cholecalciferol and is found in animals and animal products, including oily fish like salmon and mackerel. This is also the type of vitamin D that our bodies generate through sun exposure. Vitamin D and vitamin D3 are safe to take if you consume alcohol.
Both substances are metabolized primarily by the liver, so liver function should be monitored by a healthcare professional. Vitamin D D2 and vitamin D3 are each effective vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D2 is approved in the treatment of hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D resistant rickets, and hypophosphatemia.
Both supplements are commonly used for vitamin D supplementation. There are many health benefits to vitamin D supplementation, but your doctor should use lab tests to recommend the amount of vitamin D you should take and which form.
Vitamin D3 is most commonly used as a dietary supplement of vitamin D. It aids in the absorption of calcium and may be helpful in the prevention of osteoporosis and osteomalacia. Your doctor may determine your vitamin D recommendation based on lab work. Among some health professionals, there may be a perception that vitamin D2 is more effective because it is available by prescription only, even though studies have shown this is not necessarily true.
Vitamin D2 may also be a lower cost to the patient, especially when covered in part or full by their insurance. Increasing vitamin D intake is thought to improve energy.
A clinical trial was done examining fatigue levels in patients who were identified as vitamin D deficient. These patients were given vitamin D3 supplementation to increase blood levels of vitamin D, and the results showed a significant improvement in fatigue levels. This decreases muscle fatigue. Skip to main content Search for a topic or drug. Vitamin D vs. D3: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you.
By Kristi C. Torres, Pharm. Want the best price on Vitamin D? Want the best price on Vitamin D3? Top Reads in Drug vs. Toujeo vs Lantus: Main Differences and S Dulera vs Advair: Main Differences and S Suboxone vs Methadone: Main Differences Looking for a prescription? Vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 are the two main forms of vitamin D.
Scientists sometimes call D2 ergocalciferol and D3 cholecalciferol. Both play the same role in the body, but vitamins D2 and D3 have slightly different molecular structures. The main difference is that vitamin D2 comes from plants, whereas D3 comes from animals, including people.
Scientists are not sure yet if one is better than the other for human health. Vitamin D3 may raise levels higher and for longer than D2. A review indicates that vitamin D3 appeared to be better at raising vitamin D levels than D2.
However, the review also said researchers needed more evidence before they could be sure how the two types affected different groups of people, such as people of different ages, sexes, and ethnicities. In addition, the study looked at vitamin D supplements, not foods. Other studies also suggest that D3 may be superior to D2. A study notes that supplementation with vitamin D3 twice a week for 5 weeks was more effective in raising vitamin D levels in adults than the same amount of vitamin D2.
The main source of vitamin D is typically from exposure to sunshine. Lots of people take supplements because they do not get enough vitamin D from sunlight. They may not live in a sunny place, or they may have darker skin, for example. Certain malabsorption conditions, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease , may also lead to vitamin D deficiency. Few foods are naturally high in vitamin D.
Some manufacturers artificially fortify their products with D2, which comes from plants. These fortified products may include:.
The amount of D2 in the product often depends on the manufacturer. People can find this information on the label. Scientists have raised concerns that vitamin D2 supplements might be lower quality than D3 supplements.
In fact, studies suggest vitamin D2 is more sensitive to humidity and fluctuations in temperature. For this reason, vitamin D2 supplements may be more likely to degrade over time However, whether this is relevant to human health is unknown.
Also, no studies have compared the stability of vitamin D2 and D3 dissolved in oil. Simply make sure to store your supplements in a closed container, at room temperature, in a dry place and out of direct sunlight.
Summary Vitamin D2 supplements may be more likely to degrade during storage. More studies are needed to examine the relevance of this to human health.
If you take vitamin D supplements, make sure not to exceed the safe upper intake level, which is 4, IU micrograms per day for adults According to the US Institute of Medicine, the recommended daily allowance is — IU 10—20 micrograms , but common supplemental doses range from 1,—2, IU 25—50 micrograms per day.
For detailed information on the optimal dosage of vitamin D, read this article. Summary You can increase your vitamin D levels by regularly eating foods rich in vitamin D and spending time in the sun.
Vitamin D is not a single compound but a family of related nutrients. The most common dietary forms are vitamins D2 and D3. The D3 form is found in fatty animal-sourced foods, such as fish oil and egg yolk. Your skin also produces it in response to sunlight or ultraviolet light. In contrast, vitamin D2 comes from plants. Interestingly, vitamin D3 appears to be more effective at increasing levels of vitamin D in the blood.
Although, scientists debate the relevance of this to human health. To maintain adequate vitamin D levels, make sure to regularly eat plenty of foods rich in vitamin D or spend some time in the sun.
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