Taking vitamin D2 supplements can lower vitamin D3 in body, research shows
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Vitamin D is known to be essential for many aspects of human health, but a new study suggests that taking a certain form of vitamin D may have a negative effect.
The stronger and longer-lasting vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is produced naturally when the body is exposed to sunlight and is also found in animal products; Vitamin D2 (cholecalciferol) comes from plant or fungal sources, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Researchers from the University of Surrey in England found that taking vitamin D2 may cause decreased levels of vitamin D3 in the body.
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They made this determination by analyzing 11 randomized controlled trials involving 655 adults that showed that people who took vitamin D2 supplements had less vitamin D3 than those who did not take D2, according to a university press release.
The findings of the study, conducted in collaboration with the John Innes Center and the Quadram Institute of Bioscience in Norwich, England, were published in the journal Nutrition Reviews.
Vitamin D is known to be essential for human health, but a new study suggests that taking a certain form of vitamin D may have a negative effect. (iStock)
Ph.D. “Vitamin D supplements are particularly important between October and March, when our bodies are unable to produce vitamin D from sunlight in the UK,” said lead researcher Emily Brown. The research fellow, from the University of Surrey’s Department of Nutrition, Exercise, Chronobiology and Sleep, stated in the press release.
“However, we discovered that vitamin D2 supplements can actually reduce vitamin D3 levels in the body, a previously unknown effect of taking these supplements. This study suggests that, subject to individual evaluation, vitamin D3 supplements may be more beneficial than vitamin D2 for most individuals.”
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Previous research had suggested that the two forms of vitamin D were not interchangeable. In a study published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, also conducted by the University of Surrey, it was revealed that vitamin D3 is more effective in strengthening the immune system and protecting the body from viral and bacterial diseases.
Health sources confirm that some foods containing vitamin D3 include fatty fish, egg yolks, cod liver oil, and fortified dairy and animal foods. (iStock)
Professor Colin Smith, who led the above study, said: “We have shown that vitamin D3, but not vitamin D2, stimulates the type I interferon signaling system in the body, an important part of the immune system that provides the first line of defense against bacteria and viruses.” he said. “So a healthy vitamin D3 status can help prevent viruses and bacteria from gaining a foothold in the body.”
Professor Martin Warren, chief scientific officer of the Quadram Institute, confirmed in the statement that vitamin D deficiency is a “significant public health problem”, particularly during the winter months.
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“This collaborative research effort aligns well with the Quadram Institute’s mission to deliver healthier lives through food innovation to increase the nutrient density of the food we eat,” he said. “Combating this through the most effective vitamin D supplement or supplement is critical to the health of the nation.”
The researchers concluded that more research is needed to determine whether vitamins D2 and D3 affect the body differently and whether this could change doctors’ medical advice about which type should be taken. (iStock)
The researchers concluded that more research is needed to determine whether vitamins D2 and D3 affect the body differently and whether this could change doctors’ medical advice about which type should be taken.
The study findings noted that there were several limitations to the analysis.
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There were few studies with many differences between them, for example, in their duration, amount and timing of doses, and how results were measured. The potential for bias also existed due to underreporting of details.
The results may also be affected by factors such as the amount of sunlight exposure, whether some people take supplements and others eat vitamin-fortified foods, the researchers noted.
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Health sources confirm that some foods containing vitamin D3 include fatty fish, egg yolks, cod liver oil, and fortified dairy and animal foods. Vitamin D2 can be found in mushrooms, fortified foods, and some plant/mushroom-based supplements.
The study was supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
