A deficiency in vitamin D can result from inadequate exposure to sunlight, inefficient production in the skin, not enough vitamin D in your diet, and health conditions that can affect it including, gastrointestinal disorders, renal diseases, and liver diseases.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between vitamin D D3 and D2?
There are two main forms of dietary or supplemental vitamin D: D2 and D3. Both forms contribute to overall vitamin D levels in the body, and the most significant difference between them is that vitamin D2 is derived from plants, while vitamin D3 comes from animals, typically fatty fish or sheep’s lanolin⁴.
How do you read vitamin D2 results?
- deficiency: less than 30 nmol/L (12 ng/mL)
- potential deficiency: between 30 nmol/L (12 ng/mL) and 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL)
- normal levels: between 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL) and 125 nmol/L (50 ng/mL)
- high levels: higher than 125 nmol/L (50 ng/mL)
What is vitamin D2 prescribed for?
Vitamin D2 is a commonly used supplement to increase vitamin D intake. It may be prescribed to help with conditions like rickets and hypoparathyroidism. It’s available over the counter and as a prescription 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.
What is a dangerously low vitamin D level?
Older classifications considered 25(OH)D levels less than 12 ng/mL to be evidence of deficiency because symptoms were uncommon when levels were higher than this. 38. Today, 25(OH)D less than 12 ng/mL is considered evidence of severe vitamin D deficiency.
How can I increase my vitamin D2?
- Spend time in sunlight. Vitamin D is often referred to as “the sunshine vitamin” because the sun is one of the best sources of this nutrient.
- Consume fatty fish and seafood.
- Eat more mushrooms.
- Include egg yolks in your diet.
- Eat fortified foods.
- Take a supplement.
- Try a UV lamp.
What is D2 blood test?
A vitamin D test is used to screen for low levels of vitamin D in your blood so you can treat it with supplements before it causes health problems. If you have a known bone disorder or a problem absorbing calcium, a vitamin D test may be used to see if a lack of vitamin D is causing your condition.
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.
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.
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.
Why is my vitamin d2 high?
Some prescription medications used to treat high blood pressure (thiazide diuretics) and heart diseases (digoxin) can cause an increase in vitamin D in the blood. Estrogen therapy, taking antacids for a long time, and isoniazide, an antituberculosis medication, can also cause elevated levels of vitamin D.
What is an ideal vitamin D level?
Summary. Vitamin D levels are generally considered sufficient when above 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/l). However, some experts claim that blood levels above 30 ng/ml (75 nmol/l) are optimal.
Is vitamin D level of 70 too high?
A vitamin D level greater than 50 nanograms per milliliter is considered high. Vitamin D levels are determined by a blood test called a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood test. A normal level is 20-50 ng/mL, and deficiency is considered anything less than 20 ng/mL, according the Institute of Medicine (IOM).
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.
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.
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.
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 symptoms of low vitamin D?
- Fatigue.
- Bone pain.
- Muscle weakness, muscle aches or muscle cramps.
- Mood changes, like depression.
Does low vitamin D cause weight gain?
A vitamin D deficiency is unlikely to cause weight gain. However, it may cause other health problems or unpleasant symptoms, which are worth avoiding. You can maintain adequate vitamin D levels through a combination of limited sun exposure, a vitamin-D-rich diet, and taking vitamin D supplements.
What causes vitamin D to drop?
(Rickets; Osteomalacia) Vitamin D deficiency is most commonly caused by a lack of exposure to sunlight. Some disorders can also cause the deficiency. The most common cause is lack of exposure to sunlight, usually when the diet is deficient in vitamin D, but certain disorders can also cause the deficiency.
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.
Is vitamin D2 healthy?
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.
How long does it take to recover from vitamin D deficiency?
“If you put people on 2,000-4,000 [milligrams] of vitamin D based on what their deficient value was, you can usually get them corrected in four to six weeks, which is when you are really going to need the vitamin D.