Vitamin D2

No summary available for this substance.

Vitamin D2

Vitamin D2, also known as ergocalciferol, is a type of vitamin D found in food and used as a dietary supplement. It is synthesized by plants and is not produced by the human body. When consumed, it is converted into its active form in the liver and kidneys to regulate calcium absorption contributing to the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth.

Category
Vitamin
Molecular Formula
C28H44O
Mechanism of Action
Vitamin D2 is converted into 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the liver, and then into its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, in the kidneys. This active form acts as a hormone, regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the gut and influencing numerous other metabolic processes.
Evidence Grade
A

Other Names

  • Ergocalciferol
  • Calciferol

Primary Benefits

  • Promotes bone health
  • Supports immune function
  • Regulates mood and wards off depression

Recommended Dosage

Adults 15-20 micrograms per day
Children 15 micrograms per day

Side Effects

  • High blood calcium levels
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Poor appetite
  • Constipation
  • Weakness

Precautions

  • Avoid high doses in pregnancy
  • Caution for those with kidney disease
  • Risk of interaction with certain medications such as steroids and weight-loss drugs

Interactions

  • Steroids
  • Orlistat
  • Cholestyramine
  • Phenytoin

Key References

  • The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2004, Vol. 89, Issue 11
  • The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2008, Vol. 88, Issue 2
  • Archives of Internal Medicine, 2007, Vol. 167, Issue 11
Rhonda Patrick at Orthomolecular Medicine Congress in Bussum, Netherlands (Keynote Oct. 3rd, 2015)
Optimizing Health Through Micronutrients: Key Role in Disease Prevention 43:36 0
“Vitamin D is absorbed better with fat, it's a fat-soluble vitamin and vitamin D3 is better than vitamin D2.”

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Exercise & Nutrition Scientist: The Truth About Exercise On Your Period! Take These 4 Supplements!
Optimizing Women's Health and Performance Through Physiological Understanding 1:05:51 0
“If we're looking at Vitamin D especially vitamin D3, the difference so you have vitamin D2 and vitamin D3, vitamin D2 is more of a storage form it's not converted to being a functional form so if you take D3 it's already a functional form so it means your body is going to take it in and use it as it should be.”

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Dr. Rhonda Patrick: Micronutrients for Health & Longevity | Huberman Lab Podcast #70
Optimizing Health and Longevity Through Nutrients and Lifestyle Choices 1:26:45 0
“So vitamin D3 is a good way to supplement with it. Vitamin D2 would be a plant source. You often find it fortified in foods like milk, usually D2.”

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