What is Vitamin D2?

Vitamin D2, also called ergocalciferol, is a form of vitamin D found in supplements, fortified foods, and some prescription products, including Drisdol. It is fat soluble, meaning your body absorbs it along with dietary fat and can store it for later use.

Vitamin D2 is primarily made from plant and fungal sources. Common sources include UV exposed mushrooms, fortified cereals, fortified plant based milks, and certain supplements. Fatty fish and egg yolks contain vitamin D3 rather than significant amounts of vitamin D2.

What are the benefits of Vitamin D2?

Vitamin D2 helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus, two minerals needed to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. It also helps keep calcium levels within a healthy range by supporting the intestines, kidneys, bones, and parathyroid glands.

Vitamin D also contributes to:

• Healthy bone development and maintenance

• Normal muscle function

• Proper immune system function

• Healthy calcium and phosphorus levels

What is Vitamin D2 used for?

Vitamin D2 may be recommended to:

• Treat or prevent vitamin D deficiency

• Treat rickets or osteomalacia, conditions that weaken bones

• Help manage low phosphate levels

• Support treatment for certain parathyroid disorders

• Address vitamin D deficiency related to kidney, liver, or digestive conditions

A healthcare professional may also recommend vitamin D2 for other reasons based on your medical history and laboratory results.

Who may be at risk for Vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency can occur without noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do develop, they may include fatigue, muscle weakness, bone discomfort, or an increased risk of fractures.

You may have a greater risk of deficiency if you:

• Have limited exposure to sunlight

• Do not regularly consume foods containing vitamin D

• Have a condition that affects nutrient absorption

• Have kidney or liver disease

• Have darker skin, which produces less vitamin D from sunlight

• Are an older adult

• Take certain medications that affect vitamin D levels

A blood test can help determine whether your vitamin D level is low.

What is the difference between Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3?

Vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 both help increase vitamin D levels and support bone health, but they come from different sources.

Vitamin D2	Vitamin D3
Also called ergocalciferol	Also called cholecalciferol
Usually derived from fungi or yeast	Traditionally derived from animal sources, although vegan forms made from lichen are available
Common in fortified foods and prescription strength products	Common in over the counter supplements and animal based foods
Can effectively treat vitamin D deficiency	May raise and maintain vitamin D levels more effectively for some people

The best option depends on your vitamin D level, dietary preferences, allergies, medical conditions, and the recommendation of your healthcare professional.

How should Vitamin D2 be taken?

Vitamin D2 is available in different strengths. Some high dose products are taken weekly rather than daily, so it is important to follow the directions provided by your healthcare professional or pharmacist.

Because vitamin D is fat soluble, taking it with a meal that contains some fat may help with absorption. Do not take more than recommended. Excessive vitamin D can cause calcium to build up in the blood and may lead to nausea, weakness, confusion, kidney stones, or other serious problems.

Talk with a healthcare professional before starting vitamin D2, especially if you have kidney disease, high calcium levels, a parathyroid condition, or take other supplements or medications.

Animal-free Vitamin D2 options

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Conclusion

Maintaining healthy vitamin D levels is an important part of supporting your bones, muscles, immune system, and overall wellness. However, finding a supplement that meets your dietary preferences, allergy concerns, or other personal needs is not always simple.

Pill Clarity helps take the guesswork out of medication and supplement ingredients. Members can receive personalized support from pharmacists when searching for suitable options, including vegan products.

Co-authored by: Ashley Kim

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Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on Pill Clarity is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.

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