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.

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.

Is vitamin D2 equivalent to vitamin D3?

Vitamin D2 has been found to be either equivalent (12–14) or slightly less potent (15–18) than vitamin D3 for obtaining optimal serum 25OHD concentrations at least when given in daily dosages. However, when given intermittently vitamin D2 is clearly less potent than vitamin D3 (14, 19).

Do you need both vitamin D2 and D3?

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.

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.

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.

Which form of vitamin D is best?

[74,75] Some experts cite vitamin D3 as the preferred form as it is naturally produced in the body and found in most foods that naturally contain the vitamin.

What are the symptoms of vitamin D2 deficiency?

• Fatigue.
• Bone pain.
• Muscle weakness, muscle aches or muscle cramps.
• Mood changes, like depression.

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.

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.

When is the best time to take vitamin D2?

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.

How quickly does vitamin D2 work?

“Adding an over-the-counter vitamin D supplement can make improvements in just three to four months’ time. Vitamin D with a strength of 1000-2000 international units daily is the recommended dose for most adults,” Dr.

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?

1. 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.
2. And vitamin D.
3. Exercise.
4. Don’t smoke.
5. Drink alcohol moderately, if at all.
6. Remember protein.
7. 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 too much vitamin D hurt you?

The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is hypercalcemia, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, weakness, and kidney failure. Treatment involves limiting all vitamin D intake and sun exposure.

What are the symptoms of too much vitamin D?

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 too much vitamin D affect thyroid?

Importantly, both vitamin D and thyroid hormone bind to similar receptors called steroid hormone receptors. A different gene in the Vitamin D receptor was shown to predispose people to autoimmune thyroid disease including Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Will vitamin D3 raise blood pressure?

Conclusion: Oral vitamin D 3 has no significant effect on blood pressure in people with vitamin D deficiency. It reduces systolic blood pressure in people with vitamin D deficiency that was older than 50 years old or obese.

Can vitamin D cause blood clots?

Clinical reports corroborating vitamin D deficiency with an increase in thrombotic episodes implicate the role of vitamin D and its associated molecule in the regulation of thrombosis-related pathways. Thrombosis is the formation and propagation of a blood clot, known as thrombus.

Can too much D3 cause joint pain?

Vitamin D toxicity can cause hypercalcemia and subsequent problems with the bones, including a loss of bone density . Some symptoms include: aching or painful bones.

What should I look for when buying vitamin D?

What to look for in vitamin D supplements. In supplements, two forms of vitamin D are available: D2, called ergocalciferol, and D3, called cholecalciferol. Both are effective, but D3 seems to be more effective at higher dosages.

Does vitamin D affect sleep?

Several studies reported that vitamin D receptors (VDR) were expressed in brain areas that regulate the sleep–wake cycle, such as the hypothalamus [18,19]. This evidence indicated that higher vitamin D status was inversely associated with the risk of sleep disorders.

Does vitamin D affect hair?

One role vitamin D plays is stimulating new and old hair follicles. When there isn’t enough vitamin D in your system, new hair growth can be stunted. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to alopecia, the autoimmune condition that causes bald patches on the scalp and other areas of the body.