Vitamin D is commonly known for its role in bone health. Scientists now believe that the effects of vitamin D deficiency go beyond the skeletal system. A lack of vitamin D may also increase your risk for several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and autoimmune diseases. Many physicians are measuring vitamin D levels in their patients and recommending supplementation. Vitamin D supplements come in either a prescription form or an over-the-counter version. The prescription version of vitamin D is called Drisdol, and it comes in 50,000 International Units of capsules. It is commonly prescribed to be taken once per week. Drisdol is ergocalciferol, which is the form of vitamin D that is derived from plants. Ergocalciferol is often referred to as vitamin D-2. This is different than cholecalciferol, or vitamin D-3, which is the form that is synthesized in the skin with exposure to ultraviolet B rays. Both vitamins D-2 and D-3 are available in over-the-counter versions.
They can easily be purchased in most drug stores and usually come in 400 International Units, 1,000 International Units, 2,000 International Units or 5,000 International Units of capsules. Because the doses are smaller than the prescription version, the OTC versions are intended to be taken daily. OTC vitamin-D is relatively inexpensive and a month's supply may even cost less than your insurance co-pay for the prescription version. One difference between prescription and OTC vitamin D is that the prescription version is only available as D-2, or ergocalciferol. Many scientists believe that ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol are comparable in potency, but ergocalciferol is broken down more quickly in the body. Therefore, cholecalciferol, or D-3, may be slightly more effective to raise the blood levels of vitamin D. Another difference between prescription and OTC vitamin D is that the prescription version is USP verified. A supplement that is USP verified has been tested for quality and the ingredients have been examined.
You can be sure that these supplements contain what the label claims they contain and free from contaminants. Dietary supplements are not regulated by a governmental agency, so the quality of OTC cannot be guaranteed. If you choose to purchase an OTC form of vitamin D, choose a brand with a reliable reputation. The Benefits and Risks of Erythritol as a Sweetener List of Nightshade Vegetables & Fruits How to Use Egg for Hair Growth Which Types of Hard Alcohol Have No Sugars or Carbs? List of Foods for Those Allergic to Nightshade Foods With High Vitamin D What Are the Effects of Taking 50,000 IU of Vitamin D Weekly? Homemade Egg Protein Treatment for Hair Can Cayenne Pepper Hurt Your Stomach? 4 Ways to Stop Alcohol Craving Are Dole Fruit Drinks Healthy? What Are the Recommended Daily Vitamins & Minerals for Women? Blood Type O Positive Diet FoodsVitamin D2 vs Vitamin D3: What’s the Difference? by The GoodRx Pharmacist on July 9, 2014 at 3:24 pm
Although these medications are both vitamin D supplements, they are available in different strengths and have different indications, as well as different potencies and absorption. The most common strength is the source of confusion though: both vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 come in a 50,000 unit capsule. So why the confusion? The trouble with vitamin D2 vs D3 comes up when your doctor does not specify on your prescription which type of vitamin D he or she wants you to have. Many doctors will write vitamin D 50,000 units and leave it at that. The pharmacist will then have to call your doctor to find out their preference—D2 (ergocalciferol) or D3 (cholecalciferol). What is the difference between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3? At one time these two forms of vitamin D were thought to be equivalent, however, that is not the case! Vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol is actually less potent and has a shorter duration of action than its counterpart Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol.
Is a prescription actually required to purchase vitamin D? Vitamin D2 50,000 units requires a prescription, however, Vitamin D3 50,000 units does NOT require one. However, although Vitamin D3 50,000 units does not require a prescription, it is still usually purchased from behind the pharmacy counter and may need to be ordered in. What are vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 prescribed for? Vitamin D2 is indicated for rickets, hypoparathyroidism, and familial hypophosphatemia. In contrast, vitamin D3 is indicated for dietary supplementation (use as a vitamin). What else can you do to get more vitamin D? Vitamin D can be obtained from various sources including food, drink, and even sunlight. Some foods (such as tuna, salmon, sardines, egg yolks, mushrooms, and fortified cereal) and drinks (like milk, soy drinks, and orange juice) have up to 100 units of Vitamin D per serving. What is the recommended daily intake amount of vitamin D in general? The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends 600 units of Vitamin D per day for people 1 to 70 years of age, and 800 units of Vitamin D per day for those 71 years of age and older.
Research shows that vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is approximately 87% more potent than vitamin D2 for raising and maintaining vitamin D blood levels. Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Shipping Weight: 0.3 ounces #65,840 in Health & Personal Care (See Top 100 in Health & Personal Care) in Health & Personal Care > Vitamins & Dietary Supplements > Vitamins > Vitamin D > D3 5 star77%4 star10%3 star4%2 star3%1 star6%See all verified purchase reviewsTop Customer Reviews000U once weekly for 12 weeks and I'm glad to say after those 12 weeksGreat Value! Only 12 capsules not 100!D3 in powder form works great.I ordered the 100 count as listed even in my ... These pills help better than the ones by doctor prescribed which was D2 ...I got 1/10 of my order.... ...Product not as described!!! See and discover other items: vit d, vitamin d with calcium