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What is the Difference Between Vitamin D and Vitamin D3?

Helena Reimer
Helena Reimer

The main difference between vitamin D and vitamin D3 is that vitamin D3 is just one of the five types of vitamin D. The different forms include vitamin D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5. The two main forms of vitamin D, however, are vitamin D2, which is also known as ergocalciferol; and vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol. Vitamin D can refer to both of them, or to just one of them.

Vitamin D can obtained by consuming either plants or animal products, such as mushrooms, eggs, meat and fish. Vitamin D3, on the other hand, can be obtained only from animals or through exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or from tanning beds. When the rays hit the skin, it reacts with 7-dehydrocholesterol, which is a precursor to cholesterol, and it is changed into vitamin D3.

Vitamin D is produced whenever the skin is exposed to UV rays, which tanning beds produce.
Vitamin D is produced whenever the skin is exposed to UV rays, which tanning beds produce.

Both vitamin D and vitamin D3 can be obtained from supplements. Vitamin D can also be obtained from many vitamin D-fortified foods such as cereal, dairy and juice. Vitamin D3, however, is not usually available from fortified foods. Instead, as a form of a supplement, it usually is available only in the form of a liquid or a pill.

A vitamin D deficiency can result in weak and brittle bones in the elderly, which is referred to as osteoporosis. In young children it can result in rickets, which is also a disease of the bones. The reason for this is that vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium and balances the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body. Both minerals are essential for strong bones, but when phosphorus levels rise too high, it can result in weak and brittle bones. Taking both vitamin D and vitamin D3 can also help to protect the body against cancer, a weak immune system, influenza, depression and anxiety.

The body produces vitamin D3 when skin is exposed to sunlight.
The body produces vitamin D3 when skin is exposed to sunlight.

One cannot overdose from vitamin D and vitamin D3 when they are consumed naturally from food or when they are produced by ultraviolet light. An overdose, however, can occur when it is taken in the form of supplements. The recommended daily intake is only 400 international units (IU) per day. Symptoms of an overdose can include dehydration, constipation, vomiting, loss of appetite and fatigue. The long-term side effects of taking vitamin D supplements might include heart disease and premature aging.

Discussion Comments

Rotergirl

@Pippinwhite -- I've heard there has been a lot of controversy over how much of any vitamin people need, but especially about Vitamin D. I can't remember the substance of the controversy, but it had something to do with the way vitamin supplements were measured. An International Unit isn't the same as a milligram or gram. I wish I could recall the gist of the argument, but it dealt with the actual safe, therapeutic doses of vitamin supplements, as opposed to what consumers are able to buy on the shelf.

Pippinwhite

I take Vitamin D supplements as advised by my doctor, since my Vitamin D levels tend to be low. I am not a sun worshiper, which probably explains why I run low in the Vitamin D department. I burn so easily, I just don't get out in the sun that much.

My supplements say they include D3, which is what my doctor advised me to take. I usually take 2,000 units a day, five days a week. I give it a rest on weekends. This seems to agree with me, and I've never had any problems from it.

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    • Vitamin D is produced whenever the skin is exposed to UV rays, which tanning beds produce.
      By: Rido
      Vitamin D is produced whenever the skin is exposed to UV rays, which tanning beds produce.
    • The body produces vitamin D3 when skin is exposed to sunlight.
      By: yanlev
      The body produces vitamin D3 when skin is exposed to sunlight.
    • A vitamin D deficiency may result in osteoporosis in the elderly.
      By: peterjunaidy
      A vitamin D deficiency may result in osteoporosis in the elderly.
    • A vitamin D3 deficiency may cause weak bones.
      By: ivolodina
      A vitamin D3 deficiency may cause weak bones.
    • By spending 30 minutes in the sun, a person's body can make the equivalent of 10,000 international units of vitamin D.
      By: Natalya Glinskaya
      By spending 30 minutes in the sun, a person's body can make the equivalent of 10,000 international units of vitamin D.
    • Consuming too much vitamin D from supplements can be harmful.
      By: naihei
      Consuming too much vitamin D from supplements can be harmful.
    • Vitamin D is found in animal and plant products like mushrooms.
      By: Tim UR
      Vitamin D is found in animal and plant products like mushrooms.