Vitamin 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.
This quality Nature’s Life product meets our quality assurance procedures and good manufacturing practices. Store in a cool, dry place safely away from children. Do not buy if outer seal is broken or missing. 2 x 2 x 4.3 inches ; Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Domestic Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues. International Shipping: This item is not eligible for international shipping. Item model number: 40647132368 Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #45,696 in Health & Personal Care (See Top 100 in Health & Personal Care) in Health & Personal Care > Vitamins & Dietary Supplements > Vitamins > Vitamin D IngredientsEach vegetarian capsule contains: Vitamin D (as Ergocalciferol( (D-2) - 2,000 IULegal DisclaimerActual product packaging and materials may contain more and different information than what is shown on our website.
We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming a product. Please see our full disclaimer below. See questions and answers 5 star71%4 star16%3 star5%2 star3%1 star5%See all verified purchase reviewsTop Customer ReviewsIncreased Vit D Level!|Inexpensive vegetarian source of Vitamin D!|Best value for highest concentration of vitamin D-2 I can ...|I have been taking a prescription Vitamin D2 (gel) for ...|Great choice for vegans| Most Recent Customer ReviewsSearch Customer Reviews Set up an Amazon Giveaway Learn more about Amazon Giveaway See and discover other items: vit d Disclaimer: While we work to ensure that product information is correct, on occasion manufacturers may alter their ingredient lists. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our Web site. We recommend that you do not solely rely on the information presented and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming a product.
For additional information about a product, please contact the manufacturer. Content on this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. assumes no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products. The Truth About Vitamin D: What Kind of Vitamin D is Best? WebMD feature series on vitamin D. What kind of vitamin D is best? The recommended form of vitamin D is vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol. This is the natural form of vitamin D that your body makes from sunlight.