Vitamin D2D3

Vitamin D3 and vitamin D2.

Vitamin D exists in the forms "vitamin D3" and "vitamin D2". The chemical name for D3 is cholecalciferol, and you find this form of the vitamin in, among other things, fatty fish. Here you can read more about vitamin D3. D2, or ergocalciferol, is found in plants. Both forms are converted in the body to active vitamin D (calcitriol).

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is one of the forms of vitamin D found in nature. It is this form of vitamin D that is consumed through, among other things, fatty fish. The other form, vitamin D2, is found in the plant kingdom, but has little significance for the vitamin D intake in humans. Read more about Vitamin D here.

Why does the body need vitamin D3?In the event of a lack of vitamin D, one can ultimately develop rickets as a child, or ostemalacia as an adult. Deficiency can also cause symptoms such as muscle aches and fatigue, and depressive thoughts.

What is the difference between vitamin D3 and vitamin D2?Vitamin D3 is formed in the skin by sun exposure, and is consumed in the diet through marine sources. Vitamin D2 comes mainly from the plant kingdom. Both of these forms of vitamin D are inactive in the body, and must be converted before they have a biological effect. Both D2 and D3 are first converted to calcidiol in the liver, and then to the active form of vitamin D (calcitriol) in the kidneys. Some studies have shown that vitamin D3 produces higher concentrations of calcidiol, but both D2 and D3 are suitable for treating vitamin D deficiency. The sum of D2 and D3 levels determines whether a person has a vitamin D deficiency.

What does vitamin D3 do in the body?

The active vitamin D is converted into vitamin D3 in the body and helps to strengthen the skeleton. Vitamin D is important for the body's absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which in turn are necessary for a normal skeleton and teeth.The formation of bone tissue is stimulated by vitamin D and the risk of bone fragility can be reduced.Vitamin D is one of the contributors to a normal immune system.Vitamin D is also important for normal cell division.

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Where is vitamin D3 found?

When the skin is exposed to sunlight, the body produces vitamin D3 itself. The most important food sources of vitamin D3 are fatty fish, roe and fish liver. D3 is also found in eggs.

Who needs to take care to get enough vitamin D3 or D2 and may need supplements?

• Vegetarians

• Vegans

• Dark-skinned, especially in winter. Darker skin forms less vitamin D than light skin

• Those who are little out in the sun or are protected from sunlight

• People who do not eat fish, or eat low-fat fish in the winter

• Pregnant and breastfeeding

• Children under 3 years

Lack of vitamin D

A lack of vitamin D can cause muscle pain, weakness and an increased risk of osteoporosis. In severe vitamin D deficiency, children can develop rickets and adults can develop osteomalacia. These conditions mean that the skeleton does not have sufficient strength and that the bones can become deformed. Here you can read more about vitamin D deficiency.

Dietary supplement with vitamin D3

There are several ways to take vitamin D3 as a dietary supplement. Vitamin D3 drops are well suited for children who cannot swallow tablets. D3 is also found in cod liver oil, in addition to omega-3 fatty acids. Other alternatives to supplements are tablets and capsules, or chewable tablets.