Can you take vitamin d2 and d3 together
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Can You Take Vitamin D2 and D3 Together?
Introduction to Vitamin D2 and D3
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones and supporting the immune system. There are two primary forms of vitamin D: Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Both forms are used in supplements and fortified foods, but there is ongoing debate about their relative efficacy and whether they can be taken together.
Efficacy of Vitamin D2 vs. D3
Vitamin D3 is More Effective
Several studies have shown that Vitamin D3 is more effective than Vitamin D2 in raising and maintaining serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. A systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that Vitamin D3 has a significant and positive effect on serum 25(OH)D concentrations compared to Vitamin D2 23. Another study found that Vitamin D3 increased vitamin D status by 74%-75%, whereas Vitamin D2 only increased it by 33%-34% .
Vitamin D2's Efficacy
Despite the general consensus favoring Vitamin D3, some research indicates that Vitamin D2 can be as effective as Vitamin D3 in maintaining serum 25(OH)D levels. One study found that a daily dose of 1000 IU of Vitamin D2 was as effective as 1000 IU of Vitamin D3 in maintaining these levels . However, other studies have shown that Vitamin D2 is less effective in raising total 25(OH)D concentrations and may even reduce 25-hydroxylation of Vitamin D3 .
Taking Vitamin D2 and D3 Together
Combined Supplementation
Research on the combined supplementation of Vitamin D2 and D3 is limited but promising. One study involving healthy adults who received a combination of 500 IU of Vitamin D2 and 500 IU of Vitamin D3 daily for 11 weeks found that the circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D increased to the same extent as in groups receiving 1000 IU of either Vitamin D2 or D3 alone . This suggests that taking both forms together can be effective in maintaining adequate vitamin D levels.
Potential Benefits and Considerations
Combining Vitamin D2 and D3 might offer a balanced approach, especially in populations with varying responses to different forms of vitamin D. However, given the higher efficacy of Vitamin D3, it might be more beneficial to prioritize D3 supplementation, particularly in individuals with vitamin D deficiency 145.
Conclusion
While both Vitamin D2 and D3 can be effective in maintaining serum 25(OH)D levels, Vitamin D3 is generally more potent and effective. Taking Vitamin D2 and D3 together can be beneficial and is supported by some studies, but the superior efficacy of Vitamin D3 suggests it should be the preferred choice for supplementation. Further research is needed to fully understand the combined effects and optimal dosages of these two forms of vitamin D.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic