Vitamin D2 Supplements May Reduce Body's Vitamin D3 Levels
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New research indicates that taking vitamin D2 supplements could lower the body's levels of vitamin D3, a form of vitamin D naturally produced from sunlight. The findings suggest the two forms of vitamin D do not have identical roles in supporting immune function.
Facts First
- Vitamin D2 supplementation may reduce vitamin D3 levels compared to a control group not taking D2.
- Vitamin D3 appears to stimulate a key immune defence system, the type I interferon signalling system, while vitamin D2 does not.
- The UK government recommends a daily intake of 10 micrograms (µg) of vitamin D, particularly during winter months.
- Vitamin D3 is produced naturally from sunlight, while vitamin D2 and D3 are the two forms available as supplements.
What Happened
Research from the University of Surrey, John Innes Centre, and Quadram Institute Bioscience indicates that taking vitamin D2 may lower the body's levels of vitamin D3. A study published in Nutrition Reviews analyzed data from randomized controlled trials and found vitamin D2 supplementation resulted in a reduction in vitamin D3 levels. A separate study published in Frontiers in Immunology, led by Professor Colin Smith from the University of Surrey, suggests vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 do not have identical roles in supporting immune function. Professor Colin Smith stated that vitamin D3 appears to stimulate the type I interferon signalling system in the body, whereas vitamin D2 does not.
Why this Matters to You
If you take vitamin D supplements, this research suggests your choice of supplement form (D2 or D3) could have different effects on your immune health. Vitamin D3 appears to support a key first-line defence system against bacteria and viruses, whereas taking vitamin D2 might reduce your body's levels of vitamin D3, which could potentially impact this immune pathway. The UK government recommends a daily intake of 10 micrograms (µg) of vitamin D, particularly during winter months when sunlight is scarce.
What's Next
The findings highlight a need for further research to clarify the distinct roles of vitamin D2 and D3. This could lead to more precise public health guidance on which form of vitamin D supplement is most beneficial for supporting immune function. Consumers may want to consider these emerging differences when choosing a supplement.