Difference between Vitamin D and Vitamin D3

Key Difference: Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble vitamin, occurring in several forms, especially vitamin D2 or vitamin D3, which are required for normal growth of teeth and bones, and produced in general by ultraviolet irradiation of sterols found in milk, fish, and eggs. The naturally occurring form of vitamin D is known as cholecalciferol, or vitamin D3.

Vitamin D Vitamins play a very significant role for a healthy body. They are any group of organic substances essential in small quantities to

normal metabolism, which are found in minute amounts in natural food products or are sometimes produced synthetically. All forms of Vitamin D have the same effect; but, Vitamin D3 basically comes under Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble vitamin that has the ability to absorb calcium and phosphate. There are two forms of Vitamin D: Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is the more important compound. Vitamin D3 is also known as cholecalciferol and it can be ingested from the diet and/or supplements. However, the general term Vitamin D includes chemically modified forms and metabolic products such as calcidiol and calcitriol.

Vitamin D3 is naturally occurring. Foods may be fortified with vitamin D2 or D3. Vitamin D3 is synthesized by humans in the skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight. When you see a reference to Vitamin D without any digit attached, the reference is usually to vitamin D3.

Comparison between Vitamin D and Vitamin D3:

	Vitamin D	Vitamin D3
Description	Any of the several fat-soluble, antirachitic vitamins D 1, D 2, D 3, occurring in milk and fish-liver oils, especially cod and halibut, or obtained by irradiating pro-vitamin D with ultraviolet light, essential for the formation of normal bones and teeth.	It is the naturally occurring form.
Another name	Sunshine Vitamin	Cholecalciferol
Products	Calcidiol and calcitriol	Metabolic products are quite useful to humans.
Functions	To maintain the levels of calcium and phosphorous in the blood.	Is formed from 7-dehydrocholestrol by the action. It maintains the circulation and storage form in the liver.
Effective / Benefits	Treating condition that cause weak and painful bones. Low levels of phosphate in the blood. Low blood calcium levels because of a low thyroid hormone levels. Treating weak bones. Preventing falls in older people. Reducing bone loss in people taking drugs called corticosteroids. Preventing cancer. Weight loss. Respiratory infections – reducing the chance of getting seasonal flu. Preventing tooth loss in the elderly.	It promotes calcium’s absorption and functions for teen’s and children’s healthy teeth and bones. It protects adults and elders muscle, in weakness and immune system issues. It lowers the risks of colon, breast, and prostate cancers in adults.
Ineffective / Side effects of supplements	High blood pressure Breast cancer Improving muscle strength in older adults Preventing bone loss in people with kidney transplants Adults younger than 50 increase the risk of gum disease.	Pain in your lower back Slow growth in a child Changes in behavior Weakness Uneven heart rate Dry mouth