Is vitamin d2 the same as d3?

If you’re wondering whether vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 are the same, congratulations: you have excellent taste in vitamins. But to get a solid answer to this question, we’ll need to cut through some of the noise surrounding these supplements. Here’s what you need to know:

So What’s the Difference Between Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3?

As it turns out, there is actually quite a big difference between these two forms of vitamin D. The primary distinction between them lies in their chemical structures.

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, can be synthesized in the skin from exposure to sunlight or obtained through select dietary sources such as fish oil or egg yolks, which may explain why people who eat more eggs tend to be so sunny! In supplement form however; it usually comes from sheep wool [^1].

VitaminD2, on the other hand, goes by another name called ergocalciferol (try saying that five times fast). This type of vitamin is found primarily in plant-based foods like mushrooms or dietary supplements made with fungus extracts [^1].

Vitamin 2
Type Plant-Based
Found In Mushrooms

Wait…So Are They Actually Different Vitamins Then?

Yes indeed they are – separate species all together en’they mate? The basic functionality of both vitamins may seem similar at first glance – after all, they both help regulate calcium levels and promote overall bone health – but many health experts agree that vitamin 3’s unique structure has notable benefits over its counterpart, for reasons we’ll dive into next.

Why Does That Mat-ter?

It ‘matters’ because different molecular configurations come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages depending on how they interact with your body’s physiology!

VitaminD3 is biologically active, whereas vitamin D2 has to go through some extra biochemical steps before it can be activated by the liver [^1].

This difference makes a big impact on how much vitamin D our bodies actually get from each supplement. In general, studies have suggested that vitamin D3 is more effective at raising blood levels of this nutrient over time in comparison to its counterpart [^2].

So Can You Just Take VitaminD3?

Well…yes you could / but it really depends on what you’re looking for in terms of health benefits. If you aren’t getting enough sunlight like here in Alaska or (just maybe) not consuming enough eggs then supplements may help, which are now available as capsules containing either form of the vitamin! Vitaminformulations usually list whether they contain ergocalciferol (vitamin D2), cholecalciferol (vitaminD3), or both conjugated together within one capsule/tablet etc.. If you’re looking specifically to address bone density issues or support healthy aging and immune function, taking higher doses of vitaminD3 than commonly found combined with a well-rounded diet may be useful [^2].

On the other hand, if your goal is simply to maintain baseline levels without going too crazy – especially if starting out already deficient- supplements containing ergocalciferol seem less abrasive . One recent study showed that daily access to natural light boosted total serum vitamin D concentrations after only 4 weeks relative to those who consumed mushrooms regularly instead[ ^4] ! Don’t forget about them beauties eh?

There Must Be Some Middle Ground Between These Supplements

Indeed there must! And fortunately there is – most people wouldn’t require particularly high dosages unless dealing with severely malnourished conditions say for an episode of starvation. It is generally accepted that vitamin D2 and vitaminD3 can be used interchangeably without risking adverse outcomes [^2]. But, as with any supplement or medication, err on the side of caution – low dosages are essential for optimum safety; so consulting a doctor would never hurt.

So What’s The Verdict?

When it comes to deciding which form of vitamin D may serve you best, there really isn’t a universally ‘correct’ answer [] (argh went overboard!). In general however vitaminD3 appears to carry more potential health benefits as compared to its counterpart, particularly in terms of how effectively it raises blood levels and supports calcium uptake regulation[ ^1][ ^5]. Yet in smaller quantities or whilst maintaining an established healthy diet ergocalciferol based supplementation would suffice too. So if your physician approves and obtaining sunlight ain’t happening anytime soon – go forth young egghead into this new diet territory!

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