Scientists are not sure if one is better than the other, although some studies have found that
D3 is more effective
in raising vitamin D levels in the body than D2. Vitamin D2 comes from plants, while animals, including people, produce D3. Few foods naturally contain vitamin D.
Is vitamin D and vitamin D3 the same thing?
What's the difference between vitamin D and vitamin D3? There are two possible forms of vitamin D in the human body: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Both D2 and D3 are simply called “vitamin D,” so
there's no meaningful difference between vitamin D3 and just vitamin D
.
Why do doctors prescribe vitamin D instead of D3?
Both
forms raise your blood vitamin D levels
, and both can treat and prevent rickets from vitamin D deficiency. However, studies have found that vitamin D3 effectively raises blood vitamin D levels for a longer period than vitamin D2.
Should seniors take vitamin D or vitamin D3?
My Recommended Daily Dose for Vitamin D in Older Adults
For most older adults, I recommend a
supplement of vitamin D 1000 IU/day
. I do this because: The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) recommends that clinicians tell older patients to take vitamin D 1000 IU/day, to help prevent fractures.
Which is better for you vitamin D3 or vitamin D?
Scientists are not sure if one is better than the other, although some studies have found that
D3 is more effective
in raising vitamin D levels in the body than D2. Vitamin D2 comes from plants, while animals, including people, produce D3. Few foods naturally contain vitamin D.
Can I take vitamin D3 everyday?
Most experts recommend that you
shouldn't take more than 4,000 IU of vitamin D a day
. When your serum D3 is very low (less than 12 nanograms per milliliter), some may recommend a short course of once-weekly 50,000 IU of vitamin D2 or D3, followed by a usual dose of 600 to 800 IU daily.
Is 2000 IU of vitamin D safe?
Nearly all vitamin D overdoses come from supplements. The Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board's old 1997 recommendations suggested that
2,000 IU per day of vitamin D is safe for adults
and that 1,000 IU per day is safe for infants up to 12 months of age.
Can I take 5000 IU of vitamin D3 everyday?
In summary, long-term supplementation with vitamin D3 in doses ranging from 5000 to 50,000 IUs
/day appears to be safe
.
How much vitamin D3 should a 50 year old woman take?
The Institute of Medicine has placed the recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, for vitamin D at 600 international units (IU) per day for young adults and
800 IU per day for adults older than 70
.
What is the vitamin D3 good for?
Vitamin D (ergocalciferol-D2, cholecalciferol-D3, alfacalcidol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. Having the right amount of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus is
important for building and keeping strong bones
.
Why would a doctor prescribed 50 000 units of vitamin D?
For people
with a severe vitamin D deficiency confirmed in blood tests
, some health care providers are prescribing a mega-dose: 50,000 IU vitamin D taken once a week for six to eight weeks. As we age, we become less physical and more stiff.
Can I take vitamin D without consulting a doctor?
“
It is very unsafe to take Vitamin D
or any supplement without consulting a doctor or health practitioner as there have been cases where patients have shown toxic levels of Vitamin D in their blood,” warns Syed.
How much vitamin D3 should I take daily?
The Vitamin D Council recommends that healthy adults take
2,000 IU of vitamin D daily
— more if they get little or no sun exposure. There's evidence that people with a lot of body fat need more vitamin D than lean people.
How much vitamin D3 should an elderly woman take?
Adults aged up to 70 years old should be getting at least 600 IU. Adults older than 70 should be getting
at least 800 IU
of vitamin D.
Is vitamin D3 good for elderly?
Due to its ability to manage immune cells,
a healthy vitamin D status
puts seniors at decreased risk for colon cancer and blood cancers, specifically. Recent research from the University of Eastern Finland also suggests reduced mortality among some cancer patients treated with vitamin D.
How much vitamin D3 should a 70 year old woman take?
According to the report, children older than 1 years old and adults up to 70 years of age are recommended to consume 600 IU of vitamin D daily and adults greater than 70 years of age are recommended to consume
800 IU of vitamin
D daily [40].
