Is Vitamin D and Vitamin D3 the Same? Explore the Difference

Vitamin D and Vitamin D3 are commonly and frequently used interchangeably, which raises the question, are they the same? Check out the differences and benefits of Vitamin D and D3 and the importance of these vitamins to your health!

Are Vitamin D and Vitamin D3 the Same?

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, primarily synthesized upon skin exposure to sunlight, but also can be obtained through your diet and supplements. It is important for calcium absorption, your immune system, and bone health.

The Difference Between Vitamin D and Vitamin D3

In our everyday lives, we hear about the terms “vitamin D” and “vitamin D3” all the time. What do they mean?

1. Definition of Vitamin D
   Vitamin D is actually D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). D3 is most common in nature and it is primarily produced in the skin from the sunlight, if you are in the sun, and D2 is in the main from plants.
2. Advantages of Vitamin D3
   Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is more potent than vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). Research has shown that D3 is better at raising vitamin D in the body than D2. D3 is better at maintaining blood calcium and phosphorus levels, especially in bone health.
3. Food Sources of Vitamin D
   Vitamin D can be consumed through food (such as deep-sea fish or fortified foods) but most people get it through sunlight. Vitamin D3 is typically consumed from animal food sources (such as “cod liver oil” and egg yolk) while D2 is consumed from mainly plant sources, such as mushrooms.
4. Recommendations for Vitamin D Supplementation
   Most people supplement with vitamin D3 to improve their health. Compared to vitamin D2, vitamin D3 is better absorbed in dinner and more effective. Many dietary supplements use vitamin D3 over vitamin D2.

How Do Vitamin D Help Our Bodies?

Vitamin D is essential for our health, with several key benefits:

1. Promotes Bone Health
   Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for healthy bones to maintain density. Without enough vitamin D, we may be at risk for bone conditions, like osteoporosis.
2. Boosts the Immune System
   Vitamin D is vital for the immune system to function properly, in order to fend off bacteria and viruses, to and make us less susceptible to infection.
3. Prevents Chronic Disease
   Research has found that having adequate levels of vitamin D can lower the risk of chronic disease including, but not limited to: heart disease and diabetes.

How to Choose the Right Vitamin D Supplement for You?

In terms of choosing a vitamin D supplement, we recommend taking the D3 form because it is usually better absorbed and effective compared to D2. Additionally, it may be advantageous to consult a professional or doctor regarding the selection of a supplement based upon your own health and dietary preferences.

ComeHealth Group – Your Professional Dietary Supplement Partner

ComeHealth Group is a professional dietary supplement manufacturer founded in 2004. We manufacture dietary supplements in various forms (gummies, capsules, softgels, powders, liquid drops, etc.) and we offer custom formulations, private label, and contract manufacturing of dietary supplements. ComeHealth has high-tech production facilities and is certified internationally (GMP and ISO) and we offer customers high-quality dietary supplements as well as efficient product service.

If you are looking to have your own customized dietary supplement product developed or a contract manufacturer for a larger volume, we can help. We provide flexible manufacturing solutions for all types of dietary supplements allowing your brand to be more competitive in the market.

We hope this article helps you better understand the differences between vitamin D and vitamin D3, and how to choose the right dietary supplement to promote your health. If you’re interested in customizing your own private label dietary supplement, please contact us.