Vitamin D3 vs. Vitamin D2

Many of you have questions about the different forms of vitamin D available in supplement form: vitamin D3, known as cholecalciferol, and vitamin D2, called ergocalciferol. Although they’re slightly structurally different, both have been used for years to help with vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D is necessary for bone health, of course, but research has found D to be related to other conditions such as depression, multiple sclerosis, and more. Vitamin D is a vitamin we can make ourselves when exposed to the correct ultraviolet radiation, but we shun the sun these days for a variety of reasons; both D2 and D3 are available in foods such as fish and dairy. Today getting a vitamin D blood test is commonplace; if it’s low, vitamin D will be prescribed by your physician, and of course you can buy vitamin D as a supplement.

Why the controversy about the form D3 or D2? Many Internet gurus and medical blogs from major health organizations claim that D3 is the only supplement you should use; D2 is not as good because it’s not as well absorbed and it can cost more.

What does the research say? What form should you take? We’ll find out this week as I review the research on both forms of vitamin D.

Remember, the Super Bowl Webinar is this Sunday. You don’t want to miss this one! All you have to lose is some fat.

What are you prepared to do today?

Dr. Chet