Vitamin D3 vs Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)
Evidence-based comparison from our database of 3,862 ingredients
TL;DR
Vitamin D3 is typically chosen for deficiency correction, while Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) is used for vegan vitamin d. Neither outranks the other. The right pick depends on the goal, and the two are not interchangeable.
Vitamin D3
The sun in a pill.
Commonly used for:
Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)
Plant-derived vitamin D (less effective than D3)
Commonly used for:
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Vitamin D3 | Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) |
|---|---|---|
| Research depth | Extensively studied | Well studied |
| Effective Dose | 1000-5000 IU | - |
| Time to Effect | Long-term benefits over weeks to months | - |
| Commonly used for | deficiency correction, bone strength | Vegan vitamin D, Winter vitamin D cover |
Which fits which goal
These two do different jobs, so the comparison ends at the goal, not at a ranking. Match the ingredient to what you are trying to change and check the dose against the amount on the label.
Reach for Vitamin D3 when:
- • The goal is deficiency correction
- • The goal is bone strength
Reach for Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) when:
- • The goal is vegan vitamin d
- • The goal is winter vitamin d cover
Frequently Asked Questions
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Browse the libraryThis comparison is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.