Vitamin D3 May Be More Effective Than D2, New Research Suggests
Many people in the UK take vitamin D supplements, particularly during the winter months when sunlight is limited, to support bone and immune health and meet the recommended daily intake of 10 micrograms. Though, new research from the University of Surrey, John Innes Center and Quadram Institute Bioscience suggests that vitamin D3 might potentially be a more beneficial choice than vitamin D2 for most individuals.
The study, published in Nutrition Reviews, analysed data from multiple trials and found that taking vitamin D2 supplements can actually lower levels of vitamin D3 – the form the body naturally produces and utilizes most effectively. In many cases, vitamin D3 levels were lower in those taking D2 compared to those not supplementing at all.
“We discovered that vitamin D2 supplements can actually decrease levels of vitamin D3 in the body, which is a previously unknown effect,” explains Dr.Emily Brown, Led Researcher from the University of surrey. “This suggests that, subject to personal considerations, vitamin D3 supplements may be more beneficial.”
This finding is supported by previous research published in Frontiers in Immunology,which indicated that vitamin D2 and D3 don’t function identically in supporting the immune system. Vitamin D3 appears to stimulate the type I interferon signalling system – a crucial first line of defense against viruses and bacteria – while vitamin D2 does not.
“we have shown that vitamin D3, but not vitamin D2, appears to stimulate the type I interferon signalling system,” says Professor Colin Smith from the University of Surrey. “thus, a healthy vitamin D3 status may help prevent viruses and bacteria from gaining a foothold in the body.”
Researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into the distinct functionalities of vitamin D2 and D3 to determine if vitamin D3 should be the first-line suggestion for supplementation, taking individual needs into account.
Professor Cathie Martin of the John Innes Centre highlights the importance of making plant-based vitamin D3 more accessible in the UK.
Professor Martin Warren, Chief Scientific Officer at the Quadram Institute, stresses the importance of addressing widespread vitamin D deficiency, particularly during winter, and finding the most effective supplementation or fortification strategies for public health.
