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
8 Days
Diversity, Delivery, Quality
The product quality, delivery, pricing and diversity of product makes me a satisfied (contented) customer.
JENKINS Rose
8 Days
Good quality
I've ordered supplements from this company three times now. I feel a difference for sure when I take the supplements, their shipping is fast and their quality is good. I'm glad I found them
Monica G
11 Days
Good products
Good products , fast delivery
Jacqueline
13 Days
fast and quick customer service…
fast and quick customer service products are shipped immediately
Michele Dunn
21 Days
Reliable in all ways as a company and…
Reliable in all ways as a company and products available.
DOMINIC
24 Days
Love Supersmart's products!
Their products work!
Diane
26 Days
Excellent experience, as always.
Very fast delivery. Very high quality products Very well made website: easy to navigate, easy to understand and very good and thorough description of each product. Thumbs up!
BUISSON Laurence
35 Days
Dania is Funia
The experience was great because the representative was so personal with me. She was knowledgeable and friendly. I like that she didn't act like a robot and truly was a quality voice behind a quality company. I will continue to purchase from Supersmart!!
Eric Ostovani
38 Days
no time to do your market research
no time to do your market research
David Schwartz
40 Days
Always follow through with!
Always follow through with!
DOMINIC
41 Days
Good product's good service
Good product's good service
PERCY
42 Days
Excellent
Excellent, thank you!
WRIGHT Connie
42 Days
I appreciate the ease in ordering the…
I appreciate the ease in ordering the supplements I need from SuperSmart. This is my 3rd order. And I really like it when I’m informed of any specials being offered. Thank you!
Vikki L
47 Days
My Nutritionist
My Nutritionist Dr. Jill MacDougal steer me to these Super Smart vitamins and minerals and I love them! Dr. Jill has Died of Colon Cancer and I will miss her Dearly! Steve
Steve, Flushing, MI
58 Days
We ordered the SuperSmart for nerve…
We ordered the SuperSmart nerve supplement and it actually works as it offers relief for foot pain. Very happy that we decided to give it a try.
Suzanne Poyer