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:
Can you combine several different dietary supplements at the same time? How can you gain maximum benefit from their combined effects? This article has the answers.
Nettle is a plant that grows abundantly along country lanes. Your bare legs may not appreciate being stung by it, but nettle is actually full of health virtues when you know how to use it .... Discover its benefits now.
Supplement manufacturers are also acting to safeguard our beautiful blue planet. Discover the most eco-friendly supplements for helping to reduce your carbon footprint and impact on the world’s ecosystems.
Practised for thousands of years, traditional systems of medicine still have much to teach us. Discover the principles, uses and main ingredients of the great ancestral systems of medicine.
A grandmother’s advice can be invaluable. Discover 10 essential, traditional remedies for relieving many everyday health niggles and staying on top form.
Discover the top ten foods with the highest content of potassium, the mineral that supports normal nervous system and muscle function. Do you know which food takes the number 1 spot?
The most complete multivitamin supplement you can take in a single capsule
49.00 €(58.77 US$)Contains 54 ingredients! An exceptionally broad spectrum multi-nutrient for optimal health.
89.00 €(106.75 US$)The most active form of vitamin B12, used primarily to regenerate neurons.
19.00 €(22.79 US$)Beneficial for cardiovascular health. 90% delta-tocotrienols, the most biologically active form of vitamin E.
34.00 €(40.78 US$)
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.
