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Vitamin

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is one form of the fat-soluble vitamin D. Skin makes it in response to UV light, and it also comes from foods and supplements.

Also listed as Cholecalciferol, Vitamin D, D3, Vitamin D-3

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Is D3 different from D2?

Both D2 and D3 raise blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D. D3 generally produces a larger and longer-lasting rise, although both are absorbed well. Improving this marker is not the same as proving superior clinical outcomes for every proposed use. 1

Can D3 be vegan?

Many D3 products use lanolin from sheep’s wool, but lichen-derived D3 is available. D2 is produced from irradiated yeast. Source and dose are separate label questions; the name D3 alone does not establish whether a product is animal-free. 1

Forms

Form of Vitamin DSee the parent entry for its own ratings and studies

Sources

  1. Vitamin D: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals NIH Office of Dietary Supplements