How much Vitamin D (D2: Ergocalciferol, and D3: Cholecalciferol) should I take daily?

Introduction

Vitamin D, encompassing D2 (Ergocalciferol) and D3 (Cholecalciferol), is essential for maintaining healthy bone structure and calcium homeostasis. The optimal daily intake of these vitamins is a subject of ongoing research, particularly in contexts of limited UV-B exposure or specific health conditions.

Key Insights from Research Papers

Both vitamin D2 and D3 are effective in raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in healthy individuals with minimal UV-B exposure, with no significant difference in potency between the two when provided at low doses (5 or 10 µg/d).
Daily supplementation with 800 IU of vitamin D3 is more effective than the same dose of vitamin D2 in increasing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in elderly women, although neither dose was sufficient to achieve optimal levels.
In patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, a single megadose of vitamin D3 was more effective than vitamin D2 in increasing plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, suggesting a higher potency of D3 in this population.
In a study on rainbow trout, vitamin D3 was found to be 3.27 times more potent than vitamin D2, indicating species-specific differences in the biopotency of these vitamins and suggesting that D3 may be more effective in certain contexts.

Conclusion

The research indicates that both vitamin D2 and D3 can increase serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, with some evidence suggesting that D3 may be more effective in certain populations and at higher doses. However, the optimal daily intake of vitamin D depends on various factors, including age, health status, and exposure to sunlight. Neither low-dose supplementation nor a single high dose was consistently sufficient to achieve optimal vitamin D levels across the studies, highlighting the need for personalized recommendations based on individual circumstances.

How much Vitamin D (D2: Ergocalciferol, and D3: Cholecalciferol) should I take daily?

Summary

Introduction

Key Insights from Research Papers

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Fortified malted milk drinks containing low-dose ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol do not differ in their capacity to raise serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in healthy men and women not exposed to UV-B.

Both low-dose ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol in fortified malted milk drinks effectively raise serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in healthy men and women with negligible UV-B exposure.

[Is daily supplementation with vitamin D2 equivalent to daily supplementation with vitamin D3 in the elderly?].

Daily supplementation with 800 IU of vitamin D3 is more effective than D2 in increasing 25-hydroxivitamin D levels in elderly postmenopausal women, but both fail to achieve adequate levels.

The effect of a single oral megadose of vitamin D provided as either ergocalciferol (D2) or cholecalciferol (D3) in alcoholic liver cirrhosis

A single oral megadose of cholecalciferol is more effective than ergocalciferol in treating vitamin D deficiency in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

Relative biopotency of dietary ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol and the role of and requirement for vitamin D in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri).

Vitamin D3 is 3.27 times more potent than D2, and dietary levels of 800 and 1600 IU/kg of D3 per kilogram are sufficient to prevent tetany in rainbow trout without altering calcium content.

Bioavailability of vitamin D(2) and D(3) in healthy volunteers, a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Vitamin D3 increases total 25(OH)D concentration more than vitamin D2, while vitamin D2 supplementation leads to a decrease in 25(OH)D3, explaining the different effect on total 25(OH)D.

Short and long-term variations in serum calciotropic hormones after a single very large dose of ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) or cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) in the elderly.

Cholecalciferol is nearly twice as potent as ergocalciferol in increasing serum 25(OH)D levels and modulating serum PTH in elderly female patients with vitamin D deficiency.

Discrimination in the metabolism of orally dosed ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol by the pig, rat and chick.

Species discrimination between ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol is a general phenomenon in mammals, with a rat showing a preference for ergocalciferol metabolites.

Relative Efficacy of Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3 in Improving Vitamin D Status: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cholecalciferol is more effective than ergocalciferol in improving vitamin D status and regulating PTH levels, regardless of participant demographics, dosage, and supplementation vehicle.

The Change in Plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Did Not Differ between Breast-Fed Infants That Received a Daily Supplement of Ergocalciferol or Cholecalciferol for 3 Months1234

Daily intake of either ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol is acceptable for infants 4 months, with no significant difference in 25(OH)D concentrations.

Effects of a 10-day course of a high dose calciferol versus a single mega dose of ergocalciferol in correcting vitamin D deficiency

The 10-day oral D3 regimen rapidly and effectively normalized 25(OH)D levels, potentially resulting in higher patient compliance.

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