Head-to-Head / Supplements

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) vs Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)

D3 raises serum 25(OH)D levels 2x more effectively than D2. D2 is cheaper but inferior. Always use D3.

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

$10/mo

Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)

$7/mo

Efficacy

✓ Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

D3 raises vitamin D blood levels 87% more than D2 in head-to-head trials. Winner: D3.

Final Verdict

Use D3. D2 is obsolete except for vegans (who should use lichen-derived D3).