There are two forms of vitamin D in the body – D2 and D3: their empirical chemical formulae differ by a single carbon atom. We get them from different sources: D2 is found primarily in plant-based foods, while D3 is obtained from animal-origin foods, and is also produced when our skin is exposed to the sun’s rays.
What are vitamin D3’s characteristics?
Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is synthesised from a sterol (complex lipid) called 7-dehydrocholesterol, naturally present in the body. When this sterol is exposed to the sun’s UVB rays, it is converted into vitamin D. Most of the vitamin D circulating in the body is produced in this way (1). That’s why we’re advised to expose our skin as much as possible to natural light. Vitamin D3 is also obtained from the diet, in particular from oily fish and egg yolk.
What are vitamin D2’s characteristics?
Vitamin D2 is a derivative of ergosterol, a sterol naturally present in the cell membranes of certain plants and fungi. Vitamin D2 is obtained by exposing ergosterol to the sun’s UVB rays. It is found in mushrooms (especially those exposed to UVB rays) as well as in vitamin D-fortified foods like margarine.
Which form of vitamin D should I choose?
Vitamins D2 and D3 are both metabolized in the liver and then converted in the kidneys into the active and usable form of vitamin D (2). However, research has shown that vitamin D3 increases the level of the active and usable form of vitamin D in the body to a greater degree (3). It is also less sensitive to heat and humidity than D2 and thus more stable (4).
As a consequence, if you wish to take a vitamin D supplement, vitamin D3 is the better choice. You have three options to choose from:
- Vitamin D3 5000 IU, with its high 5000 IU dose, is aimed more at those with a known deficiency or higher risk.
- Vitamin D3 Spray, a more convenient form, is recommended for those with a sensitive stomach.
- Vitamin D3 1000 IU, with its 1000 IU dose, is suitable for everyone.
References
- Thomas Ernandez, Catherine Stoermann-Chopard : Vitamine D et insuffisance rénale chronique : regain d’intérêt pour une vitamine oubliée. Rev Med Suisse. 2012, Vol. 8, pp 2140-2145.
- Laura Tripkovic, Helen Lambert, Kathryn Hart, Colin P Smith, Giselda Bucca, Simon Penson, Gemma Chope, Elina Hyppönen, Jacqueline Berry, Reinhold Vieth, and Susan Lanham-New : Comparison of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 supplementation in raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012, Vol. 95(6), pp 1357–1364.
7 Hours
They have what I need
I was able to buy a supplement that is very difficult to find in US, so it makes me happy! The website is easy to navigate. Fast and free shipping (over $25)
Eva
4 Days
Good all around service with a few…
Good all around service with a few hiccoughs.
PODLAHA Helmut
12 Days
Super fast shipping and a quality…
Super fast shipping and a quality product
DOTY Michael
12 Days
Good
I need to Knowles when arrive my policosanol
HERNANDEZ Ramon
12 Days
Excellent product and super fast…
Excellent product and super fast shipping. Good price too. Thanks!
Tori Harris
13 Days
My order was received quickly
My order was received quickly. Very much appreciated.
CINDY Cromley
14 Days
The 2 bottles arrived intact
The 2 bottles arrived intact, even though the USPS envelope had the imprint of the tires having rolled over it. This happened before when I mailed CD’s to my grandchildren and they were completely crushed and unusable.
WRIGHT Connie
18 Days
I love this vitamins!!!!
I love this vitamins!!!!
LOPEZ Waleska
23 Days
Fast delivery
Fast delivery, receipt was emailed directly after purchase
JFloyd
25 Days
A Good Multi-Vitamin
I like the product because it's a multi-vitamin eliminating my need to buy a lot of individual ones. They also offer a discount.
El Capt
36 Days
Happy Goldfish!
Many great explanations of their products!
Steve, Flushing, MI
39 Days
Excellent products
I'm very pleased with the products.
Alexei Vazquez
40 Days
I've been using Berberine for several…
I've been using Berberine for several years now and it has kept my A1C in check. Also told others about Berberine and they were very interested in the product.
FRAKES James
43 Days
Supplements and Customer Service
The supplements are wonderful It would be most helpful if you make more of your supplements so you don’t run out Customer Service is great really good customer service
Martha T
48 Days
The website is easy to use
The website is easy to use and navigate. My order was fast and easy!!
Consumer Name