New Study Reveals Vitamin D2 May Lower Vitamin D3 Levels
A recent study has highlighted potential drawbacks of taking vitamin D2 supplements. While vitamin D is essential for our health, researchers have found that this specific form might reduce the levels of the more effective vitamin D3 in the body.
Vitamin D comes in two forms: D2 (ergocalciferol), which is derived from plant sources, and D3 (cholecalciferol), which is produced by our bodies when exposed to sunlight and can also be found in animal products. Researchers from the University of Surrey in the U.K. discovered that taking vitamin D2 supplements could lead to lower vitamin D3 levels in individuals.
The study reviewed 11 controlled trials involving 655 participants and reported that those who took vitamin D2 had reduced levels of vitamin D3 compared to those who didn’t use D2 supplements. The findings were published in the journal Nutrition Reviews.
Dr. Emily Brown, the lead researcher, noted the significance of vitamin D for health, especially in the U.K. during the winter months when natural sunlight is scarce. She pointed out that while vitamin D supplements are crucial, individuals might benefit more from vitamin D3 than D2.
Understanding the Importance of Vitamin D3
Past studies have shown that vitamin D3 is often more effective than D2 in supporting the immune system and battling viral and bacterial illnesses. Professor Colin Smith from the same university confirmed this, stating that vitamin D3 activates an important part of our immune system, potentially preventing infections.
Public health experts, like Professor Martin Warren from the Quadram Institute, emphasize the growing concern of vitamin D deficiency, especially in colder seasons. He stressed the importance of using the most effective vitamin D supplements or fortified foods to ensure public health.
Need for Further Research
While these findings are significant, the researchers call for more studies to explore how D2 and D3 affect the body differently. They want to determine whether this could influence medical advice on which vitamin form people should take.
However, the analysis did have some limitations. The studies reviewed varied widely in duration, dosage, and measurement methods. Other factors, like sunlight exposure and dietary habits, could also impact the results.
In addition, dietary sources of vitamin D3 include fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products, while vitamin D2 can be found in mushrooms and fortified plant-based foods.
The research, which was backed by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), suggests that people should consider these findings when choosing vitamin supplements to support their health.
