Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) vs. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol): Which One Is Better?

Written by Katie E. Golden, MD | Reviewed by Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP

Updated on May 2, 2024print_outlinedemail_outlined

Key takeaways:

Vitamin D supplements are available as vitamin D2 (also known as ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (also known as cholecalciferol).
Both versions are similar molecules. The main difference is that D2 comes from plants, and D3 comes from animals.
Both D2 and D3 will raise your vitamin D levels. But research suggests that D3 is slightly more effective.

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Vitamin D 101

D2 vs. D3

Doses

Supplements

Daily dose

Bottom line

References

A woman looks at a vitamin bottle at the pharmacy. Hispanolistic/E+ via Getty Images

Vitamin D is an important nutrient for your bones, muscles, and immune system. And a deficiency can lead to serious health complications, like weakness and osteoporosis. So it’s no surprise that people who don’t get enough daily vitamin D rely on supplements to stay healthy. But there are many different ways to supplement vitamin D levels. There are actually two different versions available: vitamin D2 (D2) and vitamin D3 (D3). So we’ll clear up the confusion around which one is better.

What is vitamin D and how do I get it?

Vitamin D is an important ingredient in many different cellular processes in the body. It’s well known for keeping your bones strong. But it also plays a role in other body functions, including: