There are two forms of vitamin D in the body – D2 and D3: their empirical chemical formulae differ by a single carbon atom. We get them from different sources: D2 is found primarily in plant-based foods, while D3 is obtained from animal-origin foods, and is also produced when our skin is exposed to the sun’s rays.
Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is synthesised from a sterol (complex lipid) called 7-dehydrocholesterol, naturally present in the body. When this sterol is exposed to the sun’s UVB rays, it is converted into vitamin D. Most of the vitamin D circulating in the body is produced in this way (1). That’s why we’re advised to expose our skin as much as possible to natural light. Vitamin D3 is also obtained from the diet, in particular from oily fish and egg yolk.
Vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, is a derivative of ergosterol, a sterol naturally present in the cell membranes of certain plants and fungi. Vitamin D2 is obtained by exposing ergosterol to the sun’s UVB rays. It is found in mushrooms (especially those exposed to UVB rays) as well as in vitamin D-fortified foods like margarine.
Vitamins D2 and D3 are both metabolised in the liver into calcifediol and then converted in the kidneys into calcitriol, the active and usable form of vitamin D (2). However, research has shown that vitamin D3 increases the level of calcitriol in the body to a greater degree (3). It is also less sensitive to heat and humidity than D2 and thus more stable (4).
As a consequence, if you wish to take a vitamin D supplement, vitamin D3 is the better choice. You have three options to choose from:
Potassium is an essential mineral, involved in nervous system and muscle function ... Suffice to say that a lack of potassium can quickly become a real risk to health. Here’s how to identify and correct such deficiency.
You’re taking a supplement such as Daily 3 and want to know the perfect time to take it for maximum absorption of all its nutrients? Supersmart has the answer.
For thousands of years, Ayurvedic medicine has successfully relied on diet and the use of plants to take care of the body and mind. Discover 8 essential Ayurvedic medicinal plants.
As a result of an initiative in April 2021, SuperSmart has enabled thousands of trees to be planted in Madagascar. Discover the positive impact of this project in which large numbers of you participated.
As well as adding flavour to our cooking, certain aromatic plants have positive effects on our well-being. Discover these highly-fragrant and health-beneficial plants.
Phytonutrients remain in the shadow of vitamins and minerals, yet they too have their superpowers. What role do they play in maintaining health? Which ones should you prioritise?
The most complete multivitamin supplement you can take in a single capsule
49.00 €(57.41 US$)Contains 54 ingredients! An exceptionally broad spectrum multi-nutrient for optimal health.
89.00 €(104.27 US$)The most active form of vitamin B12, used primarily to regenerate neurons.
21.00 €(24.60 US$)Beneficial for cardiovascular health. 90% delta-tocotrienols, the most biologically active form of vitamin E.
34.00 €(39.83 US$)
The wish list lets you save items you're interested in so you can add them to your basket easily the next time you visit the site.
You need to be registered to use this service.
