Stay Curious

SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AND UNLOCK ONE MORE ARTICLE FOR FREE.

Sign Up

VIEW OUR Privacy Policy


Discover Magazine Logo

WANT MORE? KEEP READING FOR AS LOW AS $1.99!

Subscribe

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

FIND MY SUBSCRIPTION
Advertisement

What’s the Difference Between Vitamin D2 and D3?

Curious about the difference between vitamin D2 and D3? Both are essential forms of vitamin D, yet they come from different sources and impact the body uniquely.

ByStephen C. George
Credit: Treetree2016/Shutterstock

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news

Sign Up

We all know that vitamin D is a necessary nutrient for good health. The vitamin is important in helping your system absorb the calcium it needs to maintain strong and healthy bones. We also need vitamin D to support various other functions and systems in the body.

But if you’ve been shopping the supplement aisle, you must have noticed that there isn’t just one form of vitamin D: vitamin D2 and D3 are called out on various labels, too. What exactly is the difference between D, D2, and D3? Are they all forms of the same vitamin, or is each one a completely different nutrient altogether? What foods can you find them in? Is any one of these better for you than the others? We’ve got the lowdown on the different types right here.

(Credit: Evan Lorne/Shutterstock)

Evan Lorne/Shutterstock

Also known as calciferol, vitamin D can be found naturally in ...

  • Stephen C. George

    Steve George is the Editorial Director of Discover Magazine, overseeing all print and digital content for the brand. He edits and writes for both the website and print magazine.

Stay Curious

JoinOur List

Sign up for our weekly science updates

View our Privacy Policy

SubscribeTo The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Subscribe
Advertisement

0 Free Articles