Vitamin D2 or D3

Some studies have shown that D3 is better absorbed by our bodies than D2. When doctors prescribe Vitamin D, it is typically D2 however.

I personally was prescribed Vitamin D for a very substantial deficiency and switched to an OTC supplement of Vitamin D3 after finishing my first Rx bottle because it was cheaper. The same studies that show D3 is better absorbed also seem to indicate that you need about 1/3 the IUs of D3 to match D2. So instead of taking 15000 IUs of Vitamin D2 once a week, I take 5000 IUs of Vitamin D3 once a week. My deficiency is almost gone after 6 months and my PCP is pleased. :ohmy:

Definitely be careful with Vitamin D, however. It can be toxic if taken in high doses. The recommended average intake is 200 IU/day. Vitamin D supplements with a few thousand IU are not intended to be taken every day!

It might be worthwhile to visit your PCP and have them do a Vitamin D blood test so you can know if you are deficient. Then you can get an accurate dosage from your doctor to address your personal needs. Vitamin D deficiency has recently come to the forefront since recent studies have found that lots of people are significantly deficient these days, so a lot of doctors are now aware of it and checking for it even routinely. That's how my doctor caught me!

Check out the wikipedia for more info on Vitamin D in general: Cholecalciferol - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia