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
2 Days
They always get the order to me quickly.
They always get the order to me quickly.
GORMLEY Rebecca
2 Days
I got my Affron in perfect condition…
I got my Affron in perfect condition and sealed. No complaints.
Liam
4 Days
Good company and products
Good company and products. Fast shipping.
John Devere
5 Days
a happy camper
Though I will say I wasn't crazy about your website your customer service person that handle my call was very professional patient articulate and explain product. Was having a difficult time finding your website.
AL P
10 Days
It happens every time i put an order in!
It happens every time i put an order in!
DOMINIC
11 Days
Fast reliable service
Fast reliable service Excellent quality products
MONELL
13 Days
Product Delivery
Ease of ordering and product delivery.
CARTER Rhonda
17 Days
Good vegetarian or vegan products free of gelatin, fast shipping.
Good vegetarian or vegan products free of gelatin, fast shipping.
KRASUK Zack
39 Days
Diversity, Delivery, Quality
The product quality, delivery, pricing and diversity of product makes me a satisfied (contented) customer.
JENKINS Rose
40 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
43 Days
Good products
Good products , fast delivery
Jacqueline
44 Days
fast and quick customer service…
fast and quick customer service products are shipped immediately
Michele Dunn
53 Days
Reliable in all ways as a company and…
Reliable in all ways as a company and products available.
DOMINIC
56 Days
Love Supersmart's products!
Their products work!
Diane
57 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