Vitamin D3 in comparison to Vitamin D2
A vital mineral for our bodies, vitamin D, is needed for sustaining excellent health. While both Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3 are forms of vitamin D, there are some essential differences between them.
Knowing how these forms of vitamin D differ from each other can help you choose the best supplement for your needs. In this article, we'll look at the differences between Vitamin D2 and D3 and discuss which form may be suitable for you.
What are Vitamin D3 and Vitamin D2?
Vitamin D3 and D2 are two forms of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin required for calcium absorption, bone growth, and bone density. The body can produce vitamin D3 from cholesterol when exposed to sun ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.
Vitamin D2 is produced by plants and is found in fortified foods such as milk, cereals, and some juices. Vitamin D3 is superior to vitamin D2 in increasing and maintaining blood levels of vitamin D.
Few foods naturally contain vitamin D, often added to others and sold as a dietary supplement. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Additionally, it is created internally when sunlight's ultraviolet rays impact the skin and start the production of vitamin D.
Sunlight, diet, and supplements all contain biologically inactive vitamin D that needs to go through two hydroxylations in the body to become active. The first process, known as 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D) or calcidiol, occurs in the liver. The second, known as calcitriol, is mainly produced in the kidney and is a physiologically active 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] compound.
Vitamin D supplements come in two varieties: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Both are equally effective at raising serum 25(OH)D concentrations in the short term; however, only vitamin D3 can maintain adequate serum 25(OH)D concentrations over time without supplementation because it more effectively raises serum 25(OH)D concentrations above baseline levels and because it has a longer half-life in the circulation.
Additionally, only vitamin D3 can be used to treat vitamin D deficiency because it is the only form of supplemental vitamin D that can raise serum 25(OH)D concentrations to therapeutic levels sufficient for restoring skeletal health.
The benefits of Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is a kind of vitamin D sold as a dietary supplement that is both naturally present in some foods and added to others. Its alternative name is cholecalciferol. It is the vitamin D your body produces when your skin is exposed to sunlight.
Vitamin D3 has many benefits. It aids the body's absorption of dietary and supplemental calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D3 helps maintain healthy bones and teeth, supports immune system function, and promotes cell growth.
The benefits of Vitamin D2
There are various reasons why vitamin D is vital. It makes calcium absorption easier for the body, which is necessary for strong bones and teeth. Additionally, it aids in preventing osteoporosis, a disorder that causes brittle and feeble bones. Vitamin D has also been linked to a lower risk of some cancers, such as breast, colon, and ovarian cancer.
Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and Vitamin D3 are the two forms of vitamin D. (cholecalciferol). Both methods work equally well to increase blood levels of vitamin D. The body absorbs vitamin D3 better. Thus it is utilized more frequently.
Which one should you take?
A substance called vitamin D is crucial for maintaining human health. It promotes bone health and is essential for calcium and phosphorus absorption. Vitamin D also has a role in immune function and cell growth.
The type of vitamin D that the body produces when exposed to sunshine is vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 is found in food sources, such as fortified milk and some types of fish.
Vitamin D supplements are available in both forms. Vitamin D3 supplements are generally more effective than vitamin D2 supplements because they are more bioavailable. This means that the body more readily absorbs them.
If you are considering taking a vitamin D supplement, speak with your healthcare provider to determine which form would be best for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vitamin D3 is the superior form of Vitamin D regarding health benefits. It is more efficiently absorbed than Vitamin D2, meaning you can ingest lower doses and still get the same effects.
Furthermore, it has been linked to various physiological processes, from helping bones absorb calcium to maintaining muscle function and even reducing inflammation. Consider adding a daily dose of Vitamin D3 pills or increasing your intake of foods high in this vitamin if you're seeking a practical approach to adding more Vitamin D to your diet.
