Vit d2 vs d3
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Comparative Efficacy of Vitamin D2 vs. Vitamin D3
Introduction to Vitamin D Forms
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health and supporting the immune system. It exists in two primary forms: Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Despite their structural similarities, recent research indicates significant differences in their efficacy in raising vitamin D levels in the body.
Vitamin D3 Superior in Raising Vitamin D Levels
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Findings
A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted in 2012 suggested that Vitamin D3 is more effective than Vitamin D2 in increasing total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, a marker of vitamin D status. However, the analysis noted high heterogeneity among studies and insufficient sample sizes, which prevented a definitive conclusion 1.
Large-Scale Randomized Controlled Trial
To address these limitations, a large randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 335 healthy South Asian and White European women. Participants were given either Vitamin D2 or Vitamin D3 at a dose of 15 µg/day for 12 weeks. The results were striking: those who consumed Vitamin D3 experienced an average increase in vitamin D status of 74%-75%, while those who consumed Vitamin D2 saw only a 33%-34% increase. This study conclusively demonstrated that Vitamin D3 is more than twice as effective as Vitamin D2 in raising total 25(OH)D concentrations 1.
Differential Bioactivity in Young Healthy Males
Randomized Crossover Study
Another study focused on young healthy males further explored the bioactivity of Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. In this randomized crossover study, participants consumed 10 µg/day of Vitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OH-D3), and Vitamin D2 over different periods. The findings revealed that 23 µg of Vitamin D2 and 6.8 µg of 25OH-D3 were required to achieve the same increase in vitamin D status as 10 µg of Vitamin D3. This indicates that Vitamin D3 is significantly more potent than Vitamin D2 in raising serum 25(OH)D levels 2.
Conclusion
The evidence from both large-scale trials and smaller controlled studies consistently shows that Vitamin D3 is more effective than Vitamin D2 in improving vitamin D status. These findings have important implications for dietary recommendations and public health guidelines, suggesting a preference for Vitamin D3 supplementation to achieve optimal vitamin D levels.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Vitamin D2 vs. vitamin D3: They are not one and the same
Vitamin D3 is more than twice as effective as vitamin D2 at raising vitamin D levels, when given at a low dose in a physiologically relevant and public health-friendly manner.
Meta-AnalysisVitamin D Vitamers Affect Vitamin D Status Differently in Young Healthy Males
Vitamin D3, 25OH-D3, and vitD2 do not have equal effects on vitamin D status in young healthy males, suggesting further investigations are needed to quantify total vitamin D activity.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalA comparative absorption study of sucrosomial® orodispersible vitamin D3 supplementation vs. a reference chewable tablet and soft gel capsule vitamin D3 in improving circulatory 25(OH)D levels in healthy adults with vitamin D deficiency—Results from a prospective randomized clinical trial
Sucrosomial® orodispersible vitamin D3 supplementation effectively absorbs in the gastrointestinal system, achieving higher and sustained circulatory 25(OH)D levels in healthy adults with vitamin D deficiency.
RCTVitamin D Modifies the Incidence of Graft-versus-Host Disease after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Depending on the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) Polymorphisms
Vitamin D reduces the incidence of chronic graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, with FokI CT genotype showing the highest benefit.
RCT1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Has a Direct Effect on Naive CD4+ T Cells to Enhance the Development of Th2 Cells1
Vitamin D3 directly affects T cell development, inhibiting Th1 responses and enhancing Th2 cell development, potentially benefiting autoimmune diseases and transplantation by preventing strong Th1 responses.
Non-RCT
Animal Study
Highly CitedVitamin D3 deficiency is associated with more severe insulin resistance and metformin use in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Vitamin D3 deficiency in patients with type 2 diabetes is associated with more severe insulin resistance, poor glycemic control, and obesity compared to normal levels or vit. D3 insufficiency.
Observational StudyRelations of vitamin D status, gender and type 2 diabetes in middle-aged Caucasians
Low vitamin D levels are independently associated with type 2 diabetes in middle-aged Caucasian women, but not in men.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalA highly sensitive LC-MS/MS method for quantitative determination of 7 vitamin D metabolites in mouse brain tissue
Our novel LC-MS/MS method effectively detects seven major vitamin D metabolites in mouse brain tissue, improving our understanding of vitamin D's role in neurodevelopment and brain function.
Supplemental Vit D3 does not affect musculoskeletal or psychomotor performance in college aged males.
Four weeks of vitamin D supplementation did not improve musculoskeletal or psychomotor performance in college aged males.
RCT