What are the differences between vitamin D1, D2, and D3?
Feb 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
There is no such thing as vitamin D1. The differences between vitamin D2 and D3 include their sources, functions, and effects. Vitamin D2 is obtained from plant-based foods, while vitamin D3 comes from animal-based foods. Vitamin D2 promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus; vitamin D3 helps prevent miscarriage. Deficiency in vitamin D2 leads to delayed growth and development; deficiency in vitamin D3 causes osteoporosis and miscarriage.
There is no such thing as vitamin D1; the differences between vitamin D2 and D3 include different sources, functions, and effects.
1. Different Sources
Vitamin D2 is mainly obtained through plant-based foods; vitamin D3 is primarily acquired from animal-based foods.
2. Different Functions
Vitamin D2 helps promote the absorption of calcium and phosphorus; vitamin D3 mainly helps prevent miscarriage.
3. Different Effects
A deficiency in vitamin D2 can lead to delayed growth and development and affect bone growth; a deficiency in vitamin D3 may cause osteoporosis. In pregnant women, deficiency may result in miscarriage.
In addition, the production methods of vitamin D2 and D3 differ. Vitamin D2 is mainly produced through photosynthesis triggered by ultraviolet radiation; vitamin D3 is primarily formed through exposure to ultraviolet rays in sunlight.
