Vitamin D is known to be essential for many aspects of health. human health — But new research suggests that ingesting it in certain forms can have negative effects.
The more potent and long-lasting vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is naturally produced when the body is exposed to sunlight and is also found in the body. animal productsvitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) According to the National Institutes of Health, it can be derived from plant or fungal sources.
Researchers at the University of Surrey in the UK have found that taking vitamin D2 can reduce vitamin D3 levels in the body.
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They made this decision by analyzing data from 11 randomized cases. Controlled test The study, which included 655 adults, showed that people taking vitamin D2 supplements had less vitamin D3 than those who did not take vitamin D2, according to a press release from the university.
The findings were carried out in collaboration with the John Innes Center and the Quadrum Institute for Biosciences in Norwich, UK, and were published in the journal Nutrition Reviews.
Lead researcher Dr Emily Brown said: “Vitamin D supplements are especially important in the UK between October and March, when our bodies are unable to produce vitamin D from sunlight.” He is a research fellow in the field of nutrition, exercise, chronobiology and sleep at the University of Surrey, the press release states.
“However, we found that vitamin D2 supplements can actually reduce vitamin D3 levels in the body, a previously unknown effect of taking them.” these supplements. This study suggests that vitamin D3 supplements may be more beneficial than vitamin D2 for most people, depending on personal considerations. ”
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Previous research suggests that the two forms of vitamin D are not interchangeable. A study published in Frontiers in Immunology, also conducted by the University of Surrey, found that vitamin D3 strengthens the immune system and is more effective at protecting the body from it. viral and bacterial He is ill, the release notes.
“We showed that vitamin D3, but not vitamin D2, appears to stimulate the type I interferon signaling system in the body, which is an important part of the immune system and is the immune system’s first line of defense. bacteria and virusesProfessor Colin Smith, who led the study, said: “A healthy vitamin D3 status may therefore help prevent viruses and bacteria from entering the body.”
Professor Martin Warren, chief scientific officer at the Quadrum Institute, acknowledged in a release that vitamin D deficiency is “a significant problem”. public health This is especially worrying during the winter.
“This collaborative research effort aligns well with Quadrum Institute’s mission to increase nutrient density and provide healthier lives through food innovation. food we eat“Tackling this problem with the most effective vitamin D supplementation or fortification is of paramount importance to the health of the population,” he said.
Further research is needed to determine whether vitamins D2 and D3 have different effects on the body and whether this can change Doctor’s medical advice The researchers concluded which type to take.
The study results point out that the analysis has several limitations.
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There were only a small number of studies with many differences between studies, for example, study duration, dose and timing, and how outcomes were measured. There was also potential for bias due to incomplete reporting of details.
Results may also be affected by factors such as intake. exposure to sunlightresearchers noted that some people take supplements or consume vitamin-fortified foods.
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Health sources confirm that foods containing vitamin D3 include fatty fish, egg yolks, cod liver oil, fortified dairy products and animal products. Vitamin D2 is found in mushrooms, fortified foods, and plant/fungal-based supplements.
This research was supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
