Which Is Better: Vitamin D2 or D3?

"Which oral formulation of vitamin D is preferred: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) or vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)?

Response from Darrell Hulisz, PharmD
Associate Professor, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Clinical Specialist in Family Medicine, University Hospitals, Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
Vitamin D is essential for adequate gastrointestinal absorption of calcium. Insufficient amounts of vitamin D over time reduces serum calcium and can trigger a compensatory release of parathyroid hormone.[1,2] This may produce secondary hyperparathyroidism, resulting in mobilization of calcium from bone and a reduction in bone mineral density.[2,3] Long-term vitamin D insufficiency can lead to muscle weakness and increase the risk for osteoporotic fractures, falls, rickets, and osteomalacia.[2,4,5] Some experts suggest that, based on epidemiologic evidence, vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk for certain chronic illnesses, including various cancers, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular disease."

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