Why are physicians prescribing vitamin D2 instead of D3?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes calcium intake that regulates bone growth¹ and plays a role in immune function. There are two main forms:

• Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)
• Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

The difference between vitamin D2 and D3 is mainly in the sources from which they come from:

Vitamin D3 comes only in foods of animal origin before ¹, such as. B:

• Fish like salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel;

In addition, cholecalciferol is also the form of Vitamin Dwhich is formed by the body itself by cutaneous synthesis when the skin comes into contact with the sun. In the meantime, vitamin D2 can be obtained mainly by the effect of the UVB rays of the sun on a sterole called ergosterol, which occurs in yeast (fungi) and plants. For commercial use, it is even synthesized by irradiation of the ergosterin present in mushrooms. Vitamin D in his two forms, D2 and D3is still included in nutritional supplements, which must be taken under medical supervision.  

The meaning of cutaneous vitamin D3 synthesis

In addition to the presentation of the difference between vitamin D2 and D3 in terms of their sources, it is important here the peculiarity of D3 with regard to its production by sunlight. This is one of the most important methods for obtaining this vital nutrient. In countries with good sun radiation, 90 to 95% of the vitamin D can be obtained by cutaneous synthesis.

Vitamin D3 from the connection

But how does it happen? The ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) of the sunlight solves the formation of Vitamin D3 From the connection 7-dehydrocholesterin in the skin off¹. So if you are regular in bright clothes and without sunscreen outdoors, you may receive the entire vitamin D needs. However, several factors can be the "quality" of the UVB rays for the production of Vitamin D3 Through the skin influence: Many people get little sun because they work in closed rooms throughout the day;

1. The use of sunscreens (required daily to avoid injury due to excessive sunlight);
2. Climate and environmental conditions - location, pollution, the season. For example, people who live in a country where there is not much sunlight in winter.
3. In addition, the best sunty for vitamin D is between 10am and 4pm, so exactly the time that has most with skin cancer and premature aging.
4. Therefore, you should be careful when you expose yourself to sunlight:
5. Make sure you do not spend too much time in the sun. 10 to 15 minutes a day are sufficient;
6. Leave arms and legs free, but protect sensitive places like face and neck.

Vitamin D2 and D3: What is better for your health?

1. Both vitamin D2 and D3 have significant functions for your health. However, some studies are not equivalent when it comes to increase the vitamin D5 mirror.
2. Both are effectively absorbed into the bloodstream. However, they are metabolized differently from the liver. But what does that mean?
3. Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol) must be processed by the body to get into their metabolically active form, the calcitriol.
4. For this purpose, they undergo a chemical process called hydroxylation (insertion of a hydroxyl group (-OH) in an organic compound) first in the liver and then in the kidneys.
5. The first hydroxylation that takes place in the liver converts vitamin D in 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25 (OH) d], which is also known as calcidiol.
6. The second hydroxylation takes place mainly in the kidney and forms 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D [1.25 (OH) 2D], calcitriol. This hormone has several functions in the body such. B. calcium intake, the bone metabolism, the immune response, etc.

Vitamins D2 and D3

Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is supplied exogenous via the food and endogues by sunlight. Vitamin D2 or ErgoCalciferol is included in small quantities in many foods such as cereals and fungi. The vitamins D2 and D3 are converted to the liver in Calcifediol. This gets into the kidneys and leads to the release of calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D. Vitamin D2 is less stable than Vitamin D3 And reacts more sensitive to moisture and heat. On the other hand, vitamin D3 would increase the calcitriol mirror in the body more than vitamin D2. Doctors recommend a supplement with vitamin D3 because it is better absorbed by the body. You can choose from multiple options, e.g. B. Vitamin D3 30000 Or less Vitamin D3 10000

Cholecalciferol vitamin D3

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) is synthesized by ultraviolet light in the skin and is also included with the food while ergocalcififerol (vitamin D2) is taken exclusively with the food. It is estimated that most people can make sufficient amounts of vitamin D3 at a sunlight of 5-10 minutes 2-3 times a week, while in the shadow or cloudy weather, the synthesis of cholecalcififerol precursor can be reduced by 60%. Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) is a vitamin D analog that is photosynthetized in plants, fungi and yeasts; Vitamin D2 is also used in the vitamin D enrichment of food. The main function of vitamins D2 and D3 is to ensure the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the food in the small intestine.