Difference Between Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3

The two forms of vitamin D differ depending on their food sources. Vitamin D3 is only found in animal-sourced foods, whereas D2 mainly comes from plant sources and fortified foods. Since vitamin D2 is cheaper to produce, it's the most common form in fortified foods.

1. Why do doctors prescribe vitamin D2 instead of D3?
2. Is vitamin D2 the same as vitamin D3?
3. What does vitamin D2 do?
4. Which vitamin D is best?
5. Is it better to take D2 or D3?
6. When should I take vitamin D morning or night?
7. Can I take vitamin D3 everyday?
8. Is 50000 IU of vitamin D2 Safe?
9. What are the symptoms of low vitamin D3?
10. Why would a doctor prescribe vitamin d2?
11. Does vitamin d2 help you lose weight?
12. How quickly does vitamin d2 work?

Why do doctors prescribe vitamin D2 instead of D3?

Vitamin D2 is indicated for rickets, hypoparathyroidism, and familial hypophosphatemia. In contrast, vitamin D3 is indicated for dietary supplementation (use as a vitamin).

Is vitamin D2 the same as vitamin D3?

Vitamin D2 and D3 are both widely used vitamin D supplements but are not the same. Vitamin D2 is ergocalciferol and comes from plant-based sources. Vitamin D3 is cholecalciferol and comes from animal-based sources.

What does vitamin D2 do?

Vitamin D (ergocalciferol-D2, cholecalciferol-D3, alfacalcidol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. Having the right amount of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus is important for building and keeping strong bones.

Which vitamin D is best?

The recommended form of vitamin D is vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol. This is the natural form of vitamin D that your body makes from sunlight. Supplements are made from the fat of lambs' wool. However, a clinical study reported in 2008 suggested that vitamin D2 works as well as vitamin D3.

Is it better to take D2 or D3?

Most studies show that vitamin D3 is more effective than vitamin D2 at raising blood levels of calcifediol ( 7 , 8 ). For example, one study in 32 older women found that a single dose of vitamin D3 was nearly twice as effective as vitamin D2 at raising calcifediol levels ( 9 ).

When should I take vitamin D morning or night?

Vitamin D is also inversely related to the sleep hormone melatonin. This makes sense, because, if we are getting our vitamin D naturally with help from the sun, we are synthesizing it during the day. So it's usually better to take vitamin D supplements in the morning.

Can I take vitamin D3 everyday?

In very high doses, many minerals (like iron) and vitamins can harm your body. Current guidelines say adults shouldn't take more than the equivalent of 100 micrograms a day. But vitamin D is a 'fat-soluble' vitamin, so your body can store it for months and you don't need it every day.

Is 50000 IU of vitamin D2 Safe?

Boston University School of Medicine researchers (BUSM) have found that 50,000 International Units (IU) of vitamin D2, given weekly for eight weeks, effectively treats vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D2 is a mainstay for the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in children and adults.

What are the symptoms of low vitamin D3?

What are the signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

• Fatigue.
• Bone pain.
• Muscle weakness, muscle aches, or muscle cramps.
• Mood changes, like depression.

Why would a doctor prescribe vitamin d2?

Ergocalciferol is used to treat hypoparathyroidism (decreased functioning of the parathyroid glands). Ergocalciferol is also used to treat rickets (softening of the bones caused by vitamin D deficiency) or low levels of phosphate in the blood (hypophosphatemia).

Does vitamin d2 help you lose weight?

Higher Vitamin D Levels May Aid Weight Loss

Some evidence suggests that getting enough vitamin D could enhance weight loss and decrease body fat. At least 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) is considered to be an adequate blood level to promote strong bones and overall health (2).

How quickly does vitamin d2 work?

Simply adding an over-the-counter vitamin D supplement can make improvements in just three to four months' time. Vitamin D with a strength of 2000 international units daily is the recommended dose for most adults.