It's not as it seems. The common myth about this popular vitamin has burst like a bubble.
In a joint study conducted by the Universities of Surrey and Brighton, experts examined the effect of two types of vitamin D - D2 and D3 - taken daily for 12 weeks on gene activity in human blood.
The research team found that, contrary to popular belief, these two forms do not have the same effect . The researchers found evidence that vitamin D3 can positively modulate immune function, helping the body fight viral and bacterial infections, while vitamin D2 does not provide similar benefits .
Vitamin D includes several fat-soluble chemicals, but the most important are ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Vitamin D is primarily found in plant foods and mushrooms, while the latter is obtained primarily from animal foods ( oily fish, fish oils, liver, egg yolks, butter ) and is produced in our skin upon exposure to sunlight. Both forms are also sold as dietary supplements.
Some foods (e.g., breakfast cereals, yogurts, and breads) are artificially fortified with vitamin D to make it easier for people to consume sufficient amounts. In this case, vitamin D2 is more commonly used.
"We showed that only vitamin D3 stimulates the interferon I signaling pathway in the body. This is a key part of the immune system, providing the first line of defense against bacteria and viruses. Therefore, proper levels of vitamin D3 may help prevent infections; vitamin D2 does not perform this function," says Professor Colin Smith, the study's lead author.
"Our results suggest that the public should be educated about these differences and that everyone should take vitamin D3 supplements or foods fortified with it, especially in the fall and winter," he adds.
The vast majority of people in our climate zone have insufficient vitamin D3 levels because they live in areas with limited sunlight. Additionally, scientists estimate that the COVID-19 pandemic has limited people's natural exposure to the sun, which also contributes to deficiencies.
Professor Susan Lanham-New, co-author of the study and head of the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Surrey, said: "The results of our study highlight the need to better understand the differences between the two forms of vitamin D. For now, we suggest that vitamin D3 supplements be included in our family diets," she concluded.
Link to the source article: http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.790444
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