Vitamin D2 or D3 for athletes?
Vitamin D for athletes
So is vitamin D2 or D3 the right one for athletes?
Technically, Vitamin D is a hormone. It is found in a few foods, added to others, and made by the body when exposed to UV light. Vitamin D is one of the most common suboptimal nutrients in athletes.
When looking for a Vitamin D supplement, you’ll see a couple of options: Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). According to research, Vitamin D2 and D3 both seem to cure rickets equally well. But you don’t care about rickets, you want to feel and perform better as an athlete.
In that case, Vitamin D3.
Why? Both forms are well absorbed in the gut. But most studies have shown that Vitamin D3 increases serum 23(OH)D (vitamin D in your blood) to a greater extent and maintains these higher levels longer than Vitamin D2.
The research concludes that Vitamin D3 increases blood levels longer than vitamin D2
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Wanna learn more about vitamin D? Read our in-depth analysis of What Athletes Should Know About Vitamin D.
About Dr. A’nna
Dr. A’nna strives to inspire people to optimally fuel their bodies to achieve their best and have a positive impact on the world. She is the only combined Ph.D./RD specializing in sports performance nutrition in the world with all Ivy League degrees.
Dr. A’nna aims to cultivate a world of healthy athletes who understand nutrition and know how to leverage their physiology to get the best results in sports and life. You can reach her at [email protected] or on Instagram @drannaroby.
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