Vitamin D vs Vitamin D3: Here is the Truth

We have supplied you with lists of so many different Vitamin D supplements that you can take on a daily basis. In each of these supplements, there are various types of vitamin D contained within these, ranging from D3, D2 to just vitamin D. Today we’re going to go through what is behind each of the types and how they differ from each other.

Just to clarify and turn your whole world around, vitamin D is a hormone. It helps guide the process of phosphorous production in your body and watches over your calcium levels.

Where to Find Vitamin D and D3

Vitamin D is made from plants and fungus found naturally and made by the earth. This is the most heard of and common type, because it is found in milk. Of course, milk is not the only food group that you can get your vitamin D from. For instance, you can find it in juice as well, or cereal and fortified foods.

Vitamin D3 is the vitamin that you can get just from being in the sun. Most people who live in rainy or snowy areas, or moments during the winter, do not get enough of it, which means they probably have to take the supplement. If this is you, you might want to check with your doctor about your levels of vitamin D3. It is synthesized when sunlight reaches the skin through UVA and UVB rays. People nowadays are seen to commonly have less and less Vitamin D3 in their systems because of over usage of sunscreen and just because we are outside much, much less, nowadays.

Supplements made up of vitamin D originate from plants or animals, interestingly enough. The majority of your vitamin D however, will be taken from food and a normal diet.

If you don’t get enough sun and you need to start searching for a supplement, be aware that vitamin D3 supplements are only made from animals and animal products. So if you are a vegan or vegetarian, make sure you are okay with that before you purchase them! Vitamin D3 cannot be found through food, unfortunately, so your choices are limited to buying supplements or taking a vacation where the sun is shining brightly.

A few fun facts for the differences between vitamin D and vitamin D3 is that vitamin D is nicknamed the Sunshine Vitamin whereas vitamin D3 is cholecalciferol. Obviously Vitamin D has a cooler name and makes it easier to remember.

The Benefits

There are many benefits when we’re talking about what each of these vitamins do for your body. When we compare, they do so much for our bodies, it seems to cover a lot of our bodily functions.

For instance, vitamin D is made to fortify weak or even pain stricken bones. They lower the level of phosphate in the blood and regulate its calcium levels as well. This is especially beneficial in older people, because it prevents tooth loss. It also helps them when they fall because the bones are strengthened and less likely to break so easily. It actually helps prevent them from falling in the first place. It can also be responsible in preventing cancer and promoting weight loss.

Vitamin D3 also helps with calcium, but instead of regulating the levels, it promotes its absorption. This is crucial in teen and children, who need healthy teeth and bones to develop into their adult years. In the elderly, vitamin D3 strengthens the immune system, which helps their health in general. This particular vitamin also lowers the risk of cancer, particularly in the colon, breast and prostate.

Vitamin D and D3 Possible Side Effects

With every good, there is a bad. If you are taking supplements of vitamin D or vitamin D3, you need to be aware of the possibility of ineffective side effects of them. Though it may seem like these don’t happen in ever taker of the supplements, it is a possibility that you need to be aware and recognize the symptoms immediately.

Vitamin D supplements cause high blood pressure, is not the cause of but can contribute to the development of breast cancer. This type of supplement also increases your risk of getting gum disease if you are younger than the age of 50.

As for Vitamin D3 supplements, the side effects are a little more acute and short term. For instance, it can cause pain in your lower back or changes in your behavior. It is also negatively attributed to maybe being the cause of a slower growth in your child. Other negative side effects include overall weakness, an uneven heart rate and possible dry mouth.

If any of these negative risks have discouraged you from taking these supplements, do not feel beat. There are so many possibilities to get your required or recommended dosage of vitamin D and vitamin D3 in the natural way through food, diet and sunlight. Not only is taking supplements not necessary, but they can also be a hassle. But if you live in a colder place, are in the midst of winter, or you work in the office all day, it’s possible you’re not getting enough of the vitamin naturally and it might be better just to take the supplement.