My D3 level was 90 but my D2 level was <8. What does this mean. Do I need to supplement with D2... is there such a thing. Thanks
D2 <8: My D3 level was 90 but my D... - Pernicious Anaemi...
D2 <8
I've never heard of measuring them separately.
"In your bloodstream, vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 are changed into a form of vitamin D called 25 hydroxyvitamin D, also known as 25(OH)D. A vitamin D blood test measures the level of 25(OH)D in your blood. Abnormal levels of vitamin D can indicate bone disorders, nutrition problems, organ damage, or other medical conditions."
medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/v...
Quite a number of NHS labs show D2, D3 and total results. Over on Thyroid UK it has been quite a regular question.
One NHS lab in particular sells its testing online and says:
We use the latest LC-MS/MS equipment to measures D3 and D2 to give a ‘Total Vitamin D’ level.
vitamindtest.org.uk/index.html
Ah. You live and learn.
Is there an advantage to knowing individual results?
I'm not sure.
There have been suggestions that D3 is preferable but it is a long time since I really looked. UK focus is mostly D3 so I haven't really been bothered, to be honest.
I suppose if you are drinking ultraviolet treated milk and taking lanolin-derived capsules, it would help to identify how much you are getting from each.
Last one I had done, my D2 was at or near zero.
I guess that the very technique LC-MS/MS probably means that D2 and D3 results drop out separately so why not report? Other than this ongoing confusion, I rather agree with passing on all the info.
D2 is formed when they use ultraviolet on milk, for example. That is why in the USA, where that is near-standard, D2 levels tend to be higher.
Nowadays most D supplements are D3. Though those derived from fungi are (usually) D2.
D supplements from animal sources (e.g. lanolin) are D3.
There has been research on the two forms and whether they are equally good - I leave you to check that out as it is complicated.
What matters is total.
So if my total is a healthy number then the D2 doesn’t matter if D3 is ok?