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What's the difference between Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3?

by Dr. Gary Gendron, D.C., C.C.S.P., C.C.N., D.A.C.B.N.

Vitamin D has been getting a lot of attention lately. Since the rise in the use of sunscreen, levels of Vitamin D, which is obtained through sunshine, have been decreasing significantly. Vitamin D is necessary for bone health, and now research suggests breast health as well. They're discovering this because breast issues seem to be more of a concern for women living in northern climates where there is less sunshine, than for those living in the sunny south. Today, more and more men and women are now supplementing with Vitamin D for strong bones and anti-aging support.

 

This leads to a question I frequently get: What's the difference in Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3?

Here's the breakdown.

Vitamin D2

Vitamin D3

Known as ergocalciferol

Known as cholecalciferol.

Human beings do not make Vitamin D2.

Human beings make Vitamin D3 and because of that, it is actually considered a hormone.

Derived from plant and fungal source, making it a good choice for vegetarians.

Naturally occurring form made when sunlight hits your skin for 10-15 minutes, without sunscreen.

Produced by irradiating fungus/yeast with ultraviolet light.

Derived from animal sources and made in the skin when 7-dehydrocholesterol reacts with UVB ultraviolet light.

The first synthetic form of Vitamin D produced in the early 1920s.

Believed to be more effective at increasing levels of Vitamin D in the blood.

Used to fortify foods like dairy, juices and cereals.

Is the form most utilized in clinical trials.

Many major prescriptions use Vitamin D2. Can be written for up to 50,000 units.

More stable form when exposed to temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions.

 

If you're going to supplement with Vitamin D, make sure it's high quality, like the kind you find at Botanic Choice. Personally, I prefer Super D3 Plus because it not only delivers extremely high quality Vitamin D3, but it also gives you four other nutrients to further support strong bones and a healthy immune system.

 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your physician. Testimonials reflect one person's experience. Individual results may vary. Website prices subject to change without notice. All discounts herein are based upon catalog prices, and do not necessarily reflect, nor may they be combined with other discount offers in our catalogs and flyers.