What’s the difference between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3?
Are you wondering what the difference is between vitamins D2 and D3? And which of them is better? SuperSmart has the answers.
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.
Keywords
22 Hours
Thrgood product website is easy to use and shipping…
Thr website is easy to use and shipping is very fast.
Richard Kienzle
1 Days
I like and recommend it!
I like and recommend it!
CRUZ Francisco
2 Days
Really like that they don’t have…
Really like that they don’t have fillers in their supplements. Great customer service and quality products
Becky E. Stiles
9 Days
Catalase.
Great catalase product.
John Yagi
20 Days
I always receive my products on time.
I always receive my products on time.
Kelly
25 Days
Fast service and good products
Fast service and good products
PERCY
28 Days
fairly quick service
fairly quick service. Decent prices
Vyril A
30 Days
Always pleased with SuperSmart products and service
Product always arrives timely and in good shape. Company is easy to work with. Website is user-friendly.
Diane
31 Days
The h pylori supplement has helped my…
The h pylori supplement has helped my digestive issues. I was diagnosed with h pylori more than once. Also was hospitalized with h pylori several times. Even after taking prescription meds for this condition I still had ongoing digestive issues. So I decided to give this product a try. It has helped with the bloating and inflammation in my stomach and chest. So I gave it a 4 star rating. It helps to calm the pain in my stomach and also acid reflux pains. It is a good product and I would recommend.
Sandra
34 Days
Great Products Great Customer Service
Have purchased from this company many times. A package arrived damaged and with an 1 email to customer service it was fixed. Thank you for great products and great customer service
jd
37 Days
Above and beyond customer service
Above and beyond customer service! Bravo. Love SuperSmart.
Isabella Jimenez
41 Days
Still great
Still great! I have given my opinion on this several times and it remains the same.
WRIGHT Connie
44 Days
I have been very happy with all my…
I have been very happy with all my supplements from supersmart
kirstin Torres
44 Days
Quality supplements
Quality supplements
Edward P
52 Days
Good products at a good price.
Good products at a good price.
HELLAND Edward