Vitamin D2 Supplements May be Favorable for Older Adults, Research Suggests
LONDON – New research indicates that vitamin D2 supplements may be particularly beneficial for older individuals, as the body’s ability to convert vitamin D3 into its active form, calcitriol, declines with age. This finding comes as scientists explore improved vitamin D sources, including genetically modified tomatoes designed to produce vitamin D3.
Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread concern, particularly in northern latitudes where sunlight exposure is limited during winter months. This can lead to osteomalacia – known as “English disease” or rickets in children – manifesting as fatigue, bone and muscle pain, and increased susceptibility to infections. While vitamin D3 is commonly recommended,the research highlights a potential advantage of D2 for certain populations.
According to food scientist Oliana ziouzenkova of The Ohio State University, older adults may experience less efficient conversion of vitamin D3 to calcitriol, making D2 supplementation a potentially wiser choice than no supplementation at all for those with deficiencies, particularly vegans.Nutrition scientist Bernadette Moore from the University of Liverpool echoes this sentiment, stating, “As long as there is no evidence for negative effects, it remains for someone who is vegan and a vitamin D deficiency probably has a wise choice to prefer the taking D2 supplement to no supplements at all.”
Researchers are also working to enhance natural vitamin D sources.Scientists have genetically modified a tomato to produce vitamin D3, though testing is ongoing. University of Surrey team member Susan Lanham-New emphasizes the importance of vitamin D supplementation,noting that many people in northern regions experience mild osteomalacia unknowingly during the winter due to vitamin D deficiency.
