Scientists warn popular vitamin D supplement may have a “previously unknown” downside
Key takeaways
- Taking vitamin D2 might lower the body's levels of the more efficient form of vitamin D, vitamin D3, according to new research from the University of Surrey, John Innes Centre and Quadram Institute Bioscience.
- There are two forms of vitamin D supplements available: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3.
- In many of the studies, the vitamin D3 levels went lower than in the control group.
Why this matters: new research or scientific developments with potential real-world impact.
Taking vitamin D2 might lower the body's levels of the more efficient form of vitamin D, vitamin D3, according to new research from the University of Surrey, John Innes Centre and Quadram Institute Bioscience. Many people take vitamin D supplements to support their bone and immune health and meet the UK government recommendation of 10 micrograms ( g) each day, especially during the winter months.
There are two forms of vitamin D supplements available: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Researchers have found that taking vitamin D2 supplements can lead to a drop in the body's concentration of vitamin D3, which is the form our bodies naturally produce from sunlight and use most effectively to raise overall vitamin D levels.
The study, published in Nutrition Reviews, analyzed data from randomized controlled trials and found that vitamin D2 supplementation resulted in a reduction in vitamin D3 levels compared to those not taking a vitamin D2 supplement. In many of the studies, the vitamin D3 levels went lower than in the control group.