Which is better ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol?
Conclusions. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is more potent and longer acting than ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) as measured by the active form of vitamin D in the blood (25-hydroxyvitamin D). Low vitamin D levels are common in North America; most data supports an association between low vitamin D levels and disease.
Is it better to take D2 or D3?
Vitamin D2 and D3 are the main forms of vitamin D and both perform the same role in the body. Scientists are not sure if one is better than the other, although some studies have found that D3 is more effective in raising vitamin D levels in the body than D2.
Does ergocalciferol have side effects?
Ergocalciferol side effects chest pain, feeling short of breath; growth problems (in a child taking ergocalciferol); or. early signs of vitamin D overdose–weakness, metallic taste in your mouth, weight loss, muscle or bone pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.
Is D2 or D3 better for osteoporosis?
They are vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Previous research suggested that vitamin D3 was a better choice than vitamin D2. However, more recent studies show that vitamin D3 and vitamin D2 are fairly equal for bone health.
Why would doctor prescribe D2 instead of D3?
Vitamin D supplements are available as vitamin D2 (D2) and vitamin D3 (D3). Both versions can be used to treat vitamin D deficiency, but D3 seems to be more effective than D2. Vitamin D2 is still prescribed to people with low vitamin D levels, because it’s more readily available in higher doses.
Which vitamin D is best for bone density?
Due to the relative lack of vitamin D-containing foods, supplements of vitamin D are often necessary to achieve an adequate intake. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends an intake of 800 to 1000 international units (IU) of vitamin D3 per day for adults over age 50 (NOF 2008).
Should you take both vitamin D2 and D3?
Although you can safely take both vitamin D2 and D3 supplements, the effectiveness of the two forms of the vitamin differs. Experts agree that vitamin D3 is a preferable choice over D2. Not only is D3 the form that occurs naturally in the human body but it also raises blood levels of vitamin D much more effectively.
Why is ergocalciferol prescribed?
Ergocalciferol is used to treat hypoparathyroidism (decreased functioning of the parathyroid glands). Ergocalciferol is also used to treat rickets (softening of the bones caused by vitamin D deficiency) or low levels of phosphate in the blood (hypophosphatemia).
Why do doctors prescribe D2 and not D3?
You may wonder why doctors prescribe vitamin D2 instead of D3, if vitamin D3 appears to be more potent than vitamin D2. The vitamin D prescription you get from your doctor is typically for 50,000 units of vitamin D2. Vitamin D2 is indicated to treat calcium disorders and parathyroid disorders.
Can I take both ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol?
Using ergocalciferol together with cholecalciferol should generally be avoided unless otherwise directed by your doctor.