Vitamin d calciferol
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Vitamin D (Calciferol): Efficacy, Forms, and Supplementation Strategies
Introduction to Vitamin D (Calciferol)
Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is a crucial nutrient for maintaining bone health and supporting various bodily functions. It exists in several forms, including ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), each with distinct properties and potencies. This article synthesizes recent research on the efficacy of different forms of vitamin D, their impact on health, and optimal supplementation strategies.
Efficacy of Vitamin D2 and D3 in Supplementation
Comparative Potency of Vitamin D2 and D3
Research consistently shows that cholecalciferol (D3) is more potent than ergocalciferol (D2) in raising and maintaining serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. A study comparing the two forms found that D3 increased serum 25(OH)D levels significantly more than D2, with D3 being approximately 87% more potent10. Another study confirmed that D3 is almost twice as effective as D2 in increasing serum 25(OH)D levels, regardless of the administration route2.
Stability and Efficacy of Vitamin D Forms
Cholecalciferol is not only more potent but also more stable than ergocalciferol. Ergocalciferol is less stable during storage and more susceptible to breakdown during cooking and baking, making cholecalciferol the preferred form for nutritional supplementation and food fortification3.
Supplementation Strategies: Daily vs. Monthly Dosing
Daily and Monthly High-Dose Supplementation
A study on vitamin D-deficient women in the UAE compared daily and monthly high-dose vitamin D2 supplementation. Both regimens significantly increased serum 25(OH)D levels, but only a small proportion of women achieved optimal levels (>50 nmol/L). This suggests that higher doses or more potent forms like D3 may be necessary when sunlight exposure is limited1.
Long-Term Supplementation and Discontinuation Effects
Long-term studies on calcifediol (a metabolite of vitamin D3) and cholecalciferol show that both are effective and safe for maintaining adequate vitamin D levels. However, calcifediol has a faster onset of action and greater potency, making it a valuable option for rapid correction of deficiency. Discontinuation of calcifediol leads to a significant drop in 25(OH)D levels, highlighting the need for continuous supplementation5 6.
Special Populations: Pregnant Women and the Elderly
Pregnant Women
Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy is crucial for maternal and fetal health. A study on pregnant Asian women found that daily supplementation with ergocalciferol significantly improved maternal and infant vitamin D status, reduced the incidence of hypocalcemia in infants, and supported fetal growth7.
Elderly Population
In elderly individuals, a single large dose of cholecalciferol was more effective than ergocalciferol in improving vitamin D status and reducing parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, which are associated with bone health. This supports the use of cholecalciferol for better long-term outcomes in this population2.
Conclusion
Cholecalciferol (D3) is the preferred form of vitamin D for supplementation due to its higher potency, stability, and efficacy in raising serum 25(OH)D levels. Both daily and monthly dosing regimens can be effective, but higher doses or more potent forms may be necessary in populations with limited sunlight exposure. Special populations, such as pregnant women and the elderly, benefit significantly from appropriate vitamin D supplementation, which supports overall health and prevents deficiency-related complications.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Efficacy of daily and monthly high-dose calciferol in vitamin D-deficient nulliparous and lactating women.
Daily or monthly high-dose calciferol supplementation with 2000 IU/d or 60,000 IU/mo for 3 months is safe and effective in improving vitamin D levels in vitamin D-deficient nulliparous and lactating women.
RCT
Very Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedShort 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.
RCT
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedVitamin D supplementation: cholecalciferol, calcifediol, and calcitriol
Cholecalciferol is the only form of vitamin D that should be considered for fortification and supplementation, as it is more stable, potent, and resistant to breakdown in cooking and baking compared to ergocalciferol.
Highly CitedCholecalciferol or Calcifediol in the Management of Vitamin D Deficiency
Cholecalciferol is the preferred form of vitamin D supplementation for musculoskeletal diseases, with calcifediol reserved for patients with liver failure or severe intestinal malabsorption syndromes.
Literature ReviewVery Rigorous JournalLong‐Term Treatment and Effect of Discontinuation of Calcifediol in Postmenopausal Women with Vitamin D Deficiency: A Randomized Trial
Long-term monthly calcifediol treatment is effective and safe for vitamin D deficiency in postmenopausal women, with stable and sustained 25(OH)D levels without associated safety concerns.
RCT
Large Human TrialCalcifediol is superior to cholecalciferol in improving vitamin D status in postmenopausal women: a randomized trial
Calcifediol is more effective, faster, and more potent than cholecalciferol in raising serum vitamin D levels in postmenopausal women, offering a valuable option for vitamin D deficiency treatment.
RCTLarge Human TrialVery Rigorous JournalVitamin D supplements in pregnant Asian women: effects on calcium status and fetal growth.
Vitamin D supplements during pregnancy in Asian women improve calcium status and fetal growth, with no side effects observed.
RCTHighly CitedTreatment of Vitamin D Deficiency with Calcifediol: Efficacy and Safety Profile and Predictability of Efficacy
Calcifediol is more effective and safer than cholecalciferol for treating vitamin D deficiency, with predictability depending on dose and frequency of administration.
Literature ReviewVery Rigorous JournalVitamin D supplementation in critically ill patients: pros and cons
Vitamin D supplementation may have healing properties and anti-inflammatory effects in critically ill patients with severe brain injury, but its long-term safety and effectiveness remain unclear.
RCTVitamin D(3) is more potent than vitamin D(2) in humans.
D3 is 87% more potent in raising and maintaining serum 25(OH)D concentrations and produces 2- to 3-fold greater storage of vitamin D than equimolar D2, making it the preferred treatment option for vitamin D deficiency.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited