Vitamin D2 and D3 are not equal when it comes to raising your vitamin D status. Both are effectively absorbed into the bloodstream. However, the liver metabolizes them differently. The liver metabolizes vitamin D2 into 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and vitamin D3 into 25-hydroxyvitamin D3.
Why do doctors prescribe vitamin D2 instead of D3?
You may wonder why doctors prescribe vitamin D2 instead of D3, if vitamin D3 appears to be more potent than vitamin D2. The vitamin D prescription you get from your doctor is typically for 50,000 units of vitamin D2. Vitamin D2 is indicated to treat calcium disorders and parathyroid disorders.
Is it better to take vitamin D2 or D3?
Most of the research published to date has suggested that the main difference between vitamin D2 and D3 supplementation is the effect on circulating vitamin D levels in the bloodstream. Studies have repeatedly shown that vitamin D3 is superior at raising levels of vitamin D in the body.
Is D3 more potent than D2?
D3 is approximately 87% more potent in raising and maintaining serum 25(OH)D concentrations and produces 2- to 3-fold greater storage of vitamin D than does equimolar D2.
Can I take 5000 IU of vitamin D3 everyday?
In summary, long-term supplementation with vitamin D3 in doses ranging from 5000 to 50,000 IUs/day appears to be safe.
Is 50 000 units of vitamin D2 a lot?
For the majority of the population, a daily intake of 400-800IU of vitamin D is adequate. Even on the high end, this would only equal about 5,000IU weekly. However, some research has shown that some patients who are vitamin D deficient may need up to 50,000IU weekly to reach normal ranges.
Does vitamin D2 give you energy?
Low energy or fatigue is a common symptom of vitamin D deficiency. That’s because vitamin D seems to help mitochondria—the part of a cell that generates energy—use oxygen and power various parts of the body, including muscles.
Is D2 or D3 better for osteoporosis?
They are vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Previous research suggested that vitamin D3 was a better choice than vitamin D2. However, more recent studies show that vitamin D3 and vitamin D2 are fairly equal for bone health.
What stops the absorption of vitamin D?
Some factors that may reduce or block its absorption include: Conditions such as celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, Crohn’s disease, and cystic fibrosis. These can all affect the intestines, preventing them from absorbing vitamin D found in food.
Is D2 less effective than D3?
Evidence shows that D2 is actually less effective at raising vitamin D levels, and has a shorter duration of action than its D3 counterpart. So while both can be used as a supplement, D3 seems to be slightly superior to vitamin D2.
Does D3 help with depression?
There were no significant differences in the effects of vitamin D3 on risk of depression or clinically relevant depressive symptoms among subgroups (Figure 4), including the fish oil group vs the fish oil placebo group; tests of interaction were not significant.
What happens if you take too much vitamin D?
The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. Vitamin D toxicity might progress to bone pain and kidney problems, such as the formation of calcium stones.
Is 10000 IU of D3 too much?
The Endocrine Society Practice Guidelines recommend that up to 10,000 IUs daily was safe for adults. This is in contrast to the recommended UL at 4,000 IU/d from the IOM.
Is it better to take vitamin D every day or once a week?
Conclusion. Daily vitamin D was more effective than weekly, and monthly administration was the least effective.
How can I raise my vitamin D levels quickly?
You can raise your vitamin D levels quickly in three main ways: Getting outside and exposing your skin to sunlight. Taking a vitamin D supplement.
Eat foods rich in vitamin D
- Cod liver oil*
- Trout*
- Salmon*
- Mushrooms*
- Fortified dairy and non-dairy milks.
- Fortified cereals.
- Sardines.
- Eggs.
How long does vitamin D2 stay in system?
There are several metabolic products or modified versions of vitamin D (TABLE 1). Calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3), the active form of vitamin D, has a half-life of about 15 hours, while calcidiol (25-hydroxyvitamin D3) has a half-life of about 15 days.
How long should you take vitamin D2?
Vitamin D2 is a mainstay for the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in children and adults. Continued treatment with the same dose of vitamin D2 every other week for up to six years after the initial eight-week period prevents vitamin D deficiency from recurring with no toxicity.
How long can you take vitamin D2 50 000?
For people with a severe vitamin D deficiency confirmed in blood tests, some health care providers are prescribing a mega-dose: 50,000 IU vitamin D taken once a week for six to eight weeks. After the temporary regimen, patients return to store-bought options.
Does vitamin D2 make you sleepy?
Too much vitamin D can cause harmful high calcium levels. Tell your doctor right away if any of these signs of high vitamin D/calcium levels occur: nausea/vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, mental/mood changes, unusual tiredness.
What are the symptoms of vitamin D2 deficiency?
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can include muscle weakness, pain, fatigue and depression. To get enough D, look to certain foods, supplements, and carefully planned sunlight.
Signs and symptoms might include:
- Fatigue.
- Bone pain.
- Muscle weakness, muscle aches, or muscle cramps.
- Mood changes, like depression.
Why is my vitamin D2 low?
A deficiency in vitamin D can result from inadequate exposure to sunlight, inefficient production in the skin, not enough vitamin D in your diet, and health conditions that can affect it including, gastrointestinal disorders, renal diseases, and liver diseases.
