Is there a big difference in 2000iu of vit D and 2000iu of vit D-3?

Vitamin D2 which is in foods is less potent and less active in the body.

Vitamin D3 is the active form, which goes right to work for you.

Some doctors do not understand the difference.

I have seen comparisons that D2 (ergocalciferol) is about 1/2 as biologically potent/active as an equal dose of D3 (cholecalciferol).

The only RX version of Vit D available as a single entity (not mixed with calcium or other vits), is D2.

All of the new recommendations coming out are for D3 version.

Yippy! I got the right stuff!!! Stoped at Sam's club on the way home yesterday after rereading your post to me about vit's. It's D-3 2000iu per pill. I'm out in the sun a bit now so I guess I need to be a bit careful.


Question:

Does a normal blood test show D levels? I will look at mine when I get home from work. Even if it says I'm ok I'm going to take this for 3 months to see if it helps.

BTW, I'm really excited!!! Going hiking in the Rockies tomorrow!!!! Wish me luck. It's the best exercise for me and for some reason if I keep chugging along with my heart rate high my pain is low. I can't get this from anything else other then swimming. Running kills my feet. Weird. I love reaching the summits. I can't get this feeling from normal life anymore. Mowing lawn or what ever is really painful. I feel free for a few minutes.

Nope, the doctor has to order Vit D testing. Then, often times they use the wrong test...you want: VITAMIN D,25-OH,LC,MS , the other test (VITAMIN D,1,25-DIHYDROXY) does not give you the correct numbers. You will have to ask to have this test done if you want your true Vit D number.

Oh ok, thanks a bunch for the info! I go in for a physical in November and will ask for this.

Thanks,
Marty