Vitamin D2
Ergocalciferol, the plant-based form of vitamin D. Less effective than D3 at raising blood levels but is the strict vegan option.
What is it for?
Indispensable with calcium for absorption and bone health
Key regulator of the immune system
The most universally recommended supplement
For infant bone development and preeclampsia prevention
Breast milk is low in D3. Supplement mother or baby
Prevents accelerated bone loss in pre-menopause
Multiple meta-analyses associate optimal D3 levels with lower incidence of colorectal, breast and prostate cancer.
Optimal levels associated with higher implantation rate
Optimal levels associated with lower all-cause mortality and better immune function with age.
Deficiency causes fatigue
Functions as a prohormone
Very common deficiency in PCOS. Improves insulin sensitivity and fertility
Related to muscle function
Necessary for bone health
Immunomodulator. Deficiency associated with greater severity
Improves muscle function
Deficiency associated with higher body fat
Absorption: D3 is 87% more effective than D2 at raising 25(OH)D. D2 is the only strict vegan option (except lichen-derived D3).
Caution: Same precautions as D3. Requires a higher dose to achieve the same levels.
Recommended doses
Range: 1000 – 4000 UI
Lichen-sourced D3 is the best vegan option if available
Scientific references (3)▼
UV-exposed mushrooms are a natural vegan source of vitamin D2.
D3 is significantly more effective than D2 at raising serum 25(OH)D levels.
D2 has shorter half-life and lower potency than D3 for maintaining vitamin D status.
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