Vitamin d 25 hydroxy d2 normal range
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Understanding the Normal Range of Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy D2
Introduction to Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy D2
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health and supporting various bodily functions. It exists in two primary forms: Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Both forms are converted in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), which is the main circulating form and a reliable indicator of vitamin D status in the body. This article focuses on the normal range of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25OHD2) and its implications for health.
Normal Range of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D2
The normal range for 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25OHD2) is generally considered to be similar to that of total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), which includes both 25OHD2 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3). Studies suggest that a sufficient level of 25OHD is typically above 75 nmol/L (30 ng/mL)1 6 7. Levels below this threshold are often associated with vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to various health issues, including bone disorders.
Factors Influencing 25-Hydroxyvitamin D2 Levels
Dosage and Supplementation
Research indicates that higher doses of vitamin D2 are required to achieve adequate 25OHD levels compared to vitamin D3. For instance, a study on postmenopausal women showed that a daily dose of 250 µg (10,000 IU) of vitamin D2 was more effective in raising 25OHD levels to above 85 nmol/L (34 ng/mL) compared to lower doses1. Another study found that both vitamin D2 and D3 supplementation effectively increased total 25OHD levels, but vitamin D3 was more efficient in maintaining these levels3 4 5.
Measurement Techniques
Accurate measurement of 25OHD2 is crucial for determining vitamin D status. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) are reliable methods for measuring 25OHD2 and 25OHD3 in plasma or serum2 4. These methods provide precise and consistent results, which are essential for assessing vitamin D sufficiency.
Implications for Health
Bone Health
Adequate levels of 25OHD are vital for bone health. Insufficient vitamin D can lead to conditions such as osteopenia, osteoporosis, and increased fracture risk. Studies have shown that maintaining 25OHD levels above 75 nmol/L (30 ng/mL) is associated with better bone mineral density and reduced parathyroid hormone levels, which are indicators of improved bone health1 6.
Broader Health Implications
Beyond bone health, sufficient 25OHD levels are linked to various other health benefits. Higher serum 25OHD concentrations are associated with improved outcomes for several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers7. Therefore, maintaining adequate 25OHD levels is crucial for overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
The normal range for 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 is generally aligned with the total 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, with sufficiency typically defined as levels above 75 nmol/L (30 ng/mL). Achieving and maintaining these levels may require higher doses of vitamin D2 compared to vitamin D3. Accurate measurement techniques and appropriate supplementation are essential for ensuring adequate vitamin D status, which is crucial for bone health and overall well-being.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Vitamin D2 dose required to rapidly increase 25OHD levels in osteoporotic women
A 250 g/day dose of vitamin D2 effectively raises 25OHD levels to 85 nmol/l in 75% of postmenopausal osteopenic/osteoporotic women after 3 months, compared to 125 g/day and 125 g/day dose
RCTAssay of vitamins D2 and D3, and 25-hydroxyvitamins D2 and D3 in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography.
This new assay provides a rapid, reliable method for measuring circulating vitamin D levels in human plasma, offering advantages over existing protein binding assays.
In Vitro Study
Highly CitedDaily supplementation with 15 μg vitamin D2 compared with vitamin D3 to increase wintertime 25-hydroxyvitamin D status in healthy South Asian and white European women: a 12-wk randomized, placebo-controlled food-fortification trial.
Vitamin D3 is more effective than vitamin D2 in increasing serum 25(OH)D in wintertime, making it a preferential form for optimizing vitamin D status in the general population.
RCT
Large Human Trial
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedSerum concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in response to vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 supplementation.
Ingesting 1000 IU vitamin D2 or vitamin D3 daily for 11 weeks effectively raises and maintains total serum concentrations of 25(OH)D, while vitamin D3 does not alter 1,25(OH)2D3 or total 1,25(OH)2D levels.
RCT
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedVitamin D2 is as effective as vitamin D3 in maintaining circulating concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D.
Vitamin D2 is as effective as vitamin D3 in maintaining serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and does not negatively influence D3 levels.
RCTRigorous JournalHighly CitedCirculating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels indicative of vitamin D sufficiency: implications for establishing a new effective dietary intake recommendation for vitamin D.
Current dietary recommendations for vitamin D are inadequate, and a new, more accurate method for assessing vitamin D sufficiency is needed.
Highly CitedVitamin D supplementation guidelines
Higher vitamin D levels are associated with improved outcomes for various chronic diseases, and supplementation is recommended based on individual factors like age, body weight, and latitude.
Highly CitedComparison of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 supplementation in raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Vitamin D3 supplementation is more effective at raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations than vitamin D2, potentially making it the preferred choice for supplementation.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels in patients treated with high-dosage ergo- and cholecalciferol.
High doses of vitamin D2 or D3 effectively raise plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in patients with metabolic bone disease or hypoparathyroidism, with a therapeutic range established.
Non-RCTThe vitamin D status of the US population from 1988 to 2010 using standardized serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D shows recent modest increases.
US vitamin D levels showed stable mean concentrations from 1988-2006, but modest increases from 2007-2010, with race-ethnic differences and higher supplement usage contributing to the increase.
Observational StudyVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited