Locations:
SearchAdvertisement
The short answer from a rheumatologist and an Ob/Gyn
Q: What is the difference between vitamin D2 and D3, and which one should I take for bone health?
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
A: There are two types of vitamin D: There’s D2, and that’s usually the prescription that doctors write. It’s plant-based and comes in a 50,000 unit D2 capsule. Vitamin D3 is over-the-counter, so you can just pick it up off the shelf. That’s an animal-derived product.
D3 may be a little more potent than D2, but there’s not a huge difference, so either is fine. Consistency is the key.
We should probably mention the optimal vitamin D blood level, because that’s also an area of confusion. The National Institute of Medicine guidelines say anything over 20 ng/mL is adequate for the general population. But for people who are having a lot of achiness, or those with osteoporosis, many of us would feel that that’s sub-optimal. We would try to strive for over 30 ng/mL – ideally 40 to 50 ng/mL.
— Ob/Gyn Pelin Batur, MD and rheumatologist Chad Deal, MD
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
There are several vitamins and mineral supplements that many people can benefit from — but it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before you start one
A daily dose of vitamin D can help babies build strong bones, as well as boost their brain development
Research shows that high doses of vitamin D do nothing to lower your cardiovascular risk
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, having a normal range of vitamin D can help
Vitamins A, D, E and K stay in your body longer and are best eaten with a bit of healthy fat
It’s always best to talk to a healthcare provider before taking any supplements to avoid toxicity
A nutrient-packed diet driven by fruits and veggies can lower certain health risks
High milk consumption linked to higher mortality, hip fractures
A healthy diet can easily meet your body’s important demands for magnesium
A super high heart rate means you’re burning more than fat
Type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable with these dietary changes
