Vit D vs D3

The clerk at the drug store told me there is no differance between vitamin D and D3. Is this true?

Thanks

Mike

[Mybe]

Yes it is true however there are different chemical compositions. D3 is what our bodies need and is made in our skin when exposed to ultraviolet rays after a certain amount of time. That is as I understand  it anyway

[auntissie]

D3 is a much more absorbable form.  It is better to use the D3.

[jenandherboys]

Vitamin D comes in both Rx and OTC varieties.  The single ingredient supplement found OTC is D3-cholecalciferol-and the comparable Rx supplement is D2-ergocalciferol. No matter which OTC brand you may choose, it will always be D3.  This is also the compound for which our cells have a greater affinity, therefore we can take lower doses to raise our 25(OH)D levels. D3 is naturally derived from animal sources, while D2 is a synthetic analog.

For a more in depth explaination, please look to sites like vitamindcouncil.org.

Hope this helps some!

Jen

[Mike_Shuswap]

OK, thanks folks.

Jen....I hate to admit it...but your response kinda confuses me.

How do I know if I got Rx or OTC varieties?

The bottle I bought just says D, would this be D2? Or D3? Or is there just a D?

I'm sorry, I just don't get it. I think next time I'll buy a bottle labled D3...I guess....

Mike

[Mike_Shuswap]

bump please, I wanna know.......

[patientx]

Check the ingredients (fine print).  It should say cholecalciferol as the ingredient.  This the D3 version that you want.