Cholecalciferol vs Ergocalciferol: Which Vitamin D Is Better?

What Is Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)?

Among the fat-soluble vitamins in our body, vitamin D is important for our bone health and mineral balance. Among different forms of vitamin D, vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is the most prominent form. This is because if you have a low level of vitamin D in your body, your doctors prescribe this form of vitamin D3. You can get this form of vitamin D via sources like,

1. The most common and important source of vitamin D3 is sunlight. Ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation in sunlight can convert 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin to cholecalciferol.

2. Fatty fish like trout, sockeye salmon, and mackerel are a natural source of vitamin D3. Also, fish liver oil, like cod liver oil, is a rich source of vitamin D3.

3. Egg yolks can also be a great source of vitamin D3.

Apart from this, doctors can give you cholecalciferol supplements according to your needs. These supplements are available in different forms, like tablets or powder.

What Is Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2)?

Another form of vitamin D is vitamin D2, which is known as ergocalciferol. Doctors also use this form of vitamin D for different medical issues. Unlike vitamin D3, which is mainly used when there is a low level of vitamin D, ergocalciferol is used in hormonal issues. This form of vitamin is not produced in our body. Even sunlight cannot produce ergocalciferol in our bodies. However, plants can produce this type of vitamin from sunlight.

The common source of vitamin D2 is

1. Mushrooms can produce vitamin D2 from sunlight. As a result, mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D2.

2. Apart from this, you can get vitamin D2 from sources like almonds, soy, and oat milk.

When Is Cholecalciferol Recommended?

There are many conditions where you may need cholecalciferol. These issues are,

1. The most common use of vitamin D3 is in cases of low serum vitamin D levels. It helps to maintain the balance of vitamin D in the body. It also maintains calcium balance in the bone. You must know that vitamin D3 can make your bones strong.

2. Daily supplements of vitamin D are needed for pregnant women and lactating mothers.

3. Infants and children often suffer from poor bone strength. Cholecalciferol can make their bones strong. If your child is suffering from diseases like rickets, doctors can prescribe it.

4. Vitamin D3 helps to make your period smooth. Doctors can give you vitamin D3 to make your period cycle regular. It also reduces period pain and cramps.

5. Certain digestive issues can affect your vitamin D level. That's why, in diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, vitamin D3 is given.

When Is Ergocalciferol Recommended?

If you compare the use of vitamin D2 vs D3, the recommendations are different. Ergocalciferol is used in the following issues,

1. If your parathyroid gland is not working properly, and you have a lower level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the body, you need vitamin D2.

2. Sometimes children suffer from rickets, which does not respond to vitamin D3. In such cases, you can use vitamin D2.

3. Familial hypophosphatemia is a genetic disease that can bring down your phosphorus level in the blood. In those cases, you can take vitamin D2.

4. Also, you can take it as a vitamin D supplement.

Which Is More Effective - Vitamin D2 or D3?

If you compare the effectiveness of cholecalciferol vs. ergocalciferol, vitamin D3 is more effective than vitamin D2. This is due to;

1. Our liver converts vitamin D3 to 25-hydroxyvitamin D more rapidly. As a result, the active form of vitamin D is produced at a faster rate.

2. Vitamin D3 binds to protein more effectively.

3. The bioavailability of vitamin D3 is much higher than that of vitamin D2.

4. Vitamin D3 is more effective in increasing the serum 25(OH)D level in the serum.

What Are the Key Differences Between Cholecalciferol and Ergocalciferol?

The difference between vitamin D2 and D3 is mainly based on their use in different health issues. Also, you can get vitamin D2 from plant sources, which makes it useful among vegans. However, in our bodies, vitamin D3 is better absorbed and metabolized. As a result, most doctors prefer vitamin D3 as a supplement.

Cholecalciferol vs Ergocalciferol Dosage Comparison

The dose of vitamin D3 depends on several factors. These factors are,

1. Condition of the patients and the level of vitamin D in the patients' bodies.

2. The age of the patient.

3. Medical condition for which vitamin D3 is needed.

• Infants and children often require vitamin D3 supplements after birth. This helps to make their bones strong. For such cases, the needed dose of vitamin D3 is 400 IU (international units) daily in infants. Children between one year and 18 years also need vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 helps to make their bones strong during growth periods. A daily dose of 600 to 1000 IU of vitamin D3 is needed for them.

• Adults mostly do not require vitamin D3 supplements. However, young women and sports personnel may need this. In such cases, a daily vitamin D3 supplement of 800 to 1200 IU can be useful.

• If you have a severe vitamin D deficiency, the doctor can ask you to take 60000 IU of vitamin D3 for eight to twelve weeks once a week. After that, you can take a daily dose of vitamin D3 with 600 to 1200 IU daily.

Similarly, the dose of Ergocalciferol depends on factors like

1. Health issues.

2. The condition of the patient.

• For adults, doctors prescribe 50,000 to 200,000 IU ergocalciferol and 4 grams (gm) calcium lactate six times a day in hypoparathyroidism.

• For familial hypophosphatemia, doctors can give you a dose of 12,000 to 500,000 IU daily.

• A dose ranging from 12,000 to 500,000 IU is preferred for rickets.

• For children, doctors reduce the dose of vitamin D2 and plan the dose according to the needs of the children. As a vitamin D supplement, the dose of vitamin D2 varies from 400 to 600 IU.

Quick Comparison Table

Conclusion:

Both vitamin D3 and vitamin D2 are two different forms of vitamin D. While you can get vitamin D3 from animal sources, vitamin D2 is vegan in origin. Also, your body can make vitamin D3 from sunlight. If you compare vitamin D3 vs. D2 effectiveness, vitamin D3 is more effective. However, your doctor will decide which form of vitamin D you will need. If you have any queries regarding vitamin D3 or D2, you can consult a general medicine physician for guidance.

Key Takeaways

1. Vitamin D3 is obtained from animal sources, while vitamin D2 is obtained from vegan food like fungi and mushrooms.

2. Bone diseases like osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and rickets need vitamin D3 for treatment.

3. If you have familial hypophosphatemia and hypoparathyroidism, your doctor will recommend vitamin D2.

4. Vitamin D3 is more potent than vitamin D2.