Although you can safely take both vitamin D2 and D3 supplements, the effectiveness of the two forms of the vitamin differs. Experts agree that vitamin D3 is a preferable choice over D2. Not only is D3 the form that occurs naturally in the human body but it also raises blood levels of vitamin D much more effectively.
Table of Contents
Is it better to take vitamin D2 or D3?
Studies have repeatedly shown that vitamin D3 is superior at raising levels of vitamin D in the body. These findings were supported by a recent review of the evidence which found that vitamin D3 supplementation increased vitamin D levels in the body better than vitamin D2.
Why do doctors prescribe vitamin D2 instead of D3?
You may wonder why doctors prescribe vitamin D2 instead of D3, if vitamin D3 appears to be more potent than vitamin D2. The vitamin D prescription you get from your doctor is typically for 50,000 units of vitamin D2. Vitamin D2 is indicated to treat calcium disorders and parathyroid disorders.
What are the side effects of taking vitamin D2?
- High calcium or vitamin D blood levels: loss of appetite, nausea, weakness, weight loss, muscle aches or stiffness, constipation.
- Kidney damage: a change in how much or how often you urinate, feeling tired, swelling in your legs or feet.
What is D2 vitamin good for?
Vitamin D (ergocalciferol-D2, cholecalciferol-D3, alfacalcidol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. Having the right amount of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus is important for building and keeping strong bones.
Is D2 or D3 better for osteoporosis?
They are vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Previous research suggested that vitamin D3 was a better choice than vitamin D2. However, more recent studies show that vitamin D3 and vitamin D2 are fairly equal for bone health.
How much vitamin D2 should I take daily?
Mayo Clinic recommends that adults get at least the RDA of 600 IU. However, 1,000 to 2,000 IU per day of vitamin D from a supplement is generally safe, should help people achieve an adequate blood level of vitamin D, and may have additional health benefits.
What causes vitamin D2 deficiency?
Medical conditions that can cause vitamin D deficiency include: Cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease and celiac disease: These conditions can prevent your intestines from adequately absorbing enough vitamin D through supplements, especially if the condition is untreated.
Is it OK to take vitamin D3 everyday?
Taken in appropriate doses, vitamin D is generally considered safe. However, taking too much vitamin D in the form of supplements can be harmful. Children age 9 years and older, adults, and pregnant and breastfeeding women who take more than 4,000 IU a day of vitamin D might experience: Nausea and vomiting.
Does vitamin D2 boost immune system?
They also found that vitamin D3 is linked to an improved immune system in white individuals, whereas vitamin D2 is not. The study appears in Frontiers in Immunology.
When should I take vitamin D2?
How to use VITAMIN D2 Capsule. Take vitamin D by mouth as directed. Vitamin D is best absorbed when taken after a meal but may be taken with or without food. Alfacalcidol is usually taken with food.
What should not be taken with vitamin D2?
Do not take any non-prescription medications that have vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium including antacids while taking this medication, unless your care team says you can. The extra supplements can cause side effects.
Does vitamin D2 cause weight loss?
The present data indicate that in obese and overweight people with vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D supplementation aids weight loss and enhances the beneficial effects of a reduced-calorie diet,” Vigna’s team wrote. The researchers suggest that all overweight and obese people should have their vitamin D levels tested.
Is vitamin D2 good for hair growth?
โSupplementing vitamin D can often be helpful since most people are deficientโalong with other key nutrients, typically iron, vitamin C, and biotinโin restoring hair loss. It certainly helps thicken existing hair,โ Levitan says.
What happens if you take too much vitamin D2?
The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. Vitamin D toxicity might progress to bone pain and kidney problems, such as the formation of calcium stones.
Can vitamin D2 cause stomach problems?
If you take large doses of vitamin D, you may experience stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation, or diarrhea as a result of elevated calcium levels.
Which vitamin D is best for bone density?
Due to the relative lack of vitamin D-containing foods, supplements of vitamin D are often necessary to achieve an adequate intake. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends an intake of 800 to 1000 international units (IU) of vitamin D3 per day for adults over age 50 (NOF 2008).
How can I increase my bone density after 60?
- Think calcium. Women up to age 50 and men up to age 70 need 1,000 milligrams daily; women over 50 and men over 70 should get 1,200 milligrams daily.
- And vitamin D.
- Exercise.
- Don’t smoke.
- Drink alcohol moderately, if at all.
- Remember protein.
- Maintain an appropriate body weight.
What vitamin is good for bones and joints?
2 Critical Nutrients for Bones: Calcium and Vitamin D Vitamin D helps the body absorb and process calcium. Together, these two nutrients are the cornerstone of healthy bones. The Institute of Medicine recommends 1,000 mg of calcium a day for most adults and 1,200 mg/day for women after menopause and men after 70.
Can I take 5000 IU of vitamin D3 everyday?
In summary, long-term supplementation with vitamin D3 in doses ranging from 5000 to 50,000 IUs/day appears to be safe.
When should I take vitamin D morning or night?
There’s no set time of day that’s best to take vitamin D supplements. Some people say taking vitamin D supplements at night is an insomnia risk. There’s no research to confirm this, but you might want to take your supplement earlier in the day if you think it’s screwing with your sleep.
How do you know if you’re low in vitamin D?
The most accurate way to measure how much vitamin D is in your body is the 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test. A level of 20 nanograms/milliliter to 50 ng/mL is considered adequate for healthy people. A level less than 12 ng/mL indicates vitamin D deficiency.
Does vitamin D affect sleep?
Several studies reported that vitamin D receptors (VDR) were expressed in brain areas that regulate the sleepโwake cycle, such as the hypothalamus [18,19]. This evidence indicated that higher vitamin D status was inversely associated with the risk of sleep disorders.
What are the 14 signs of vitamin D deficiency?
- Aching Muscles. Aching muscles can be a sign of vitamin D deficiency because this nutrient is essential for keeping your muscles healthy.
- Painful Bones.
- Fatigue.
- Reduced Endurance.
- Low Moods.
- Problems Sleeping Well.
- Sweaty Head.
- Losing Hair.
Who should not take vitamin D3?
- sarcoidosis.
- high amount of phosphate in the blood.
- high amount of calcium in the blood.
- excessive amount of vitamin D in the body.
- kidney stones.
- decreased kidney function.