December 01, 2025

How Taking the Wrong Vitamin D Actually Lowers Your Levels

7 minutes

Taking vitamin D2 instead of D3 can actually lower your body's levels of active vitamin D, leaving you more vulnerable to fatigue, poor immunity, and calcium imbalance
A 2025 meta-analysis confirmed that vitamin D2 triggers faster breakdown of vitamin D3, causing average blood concentrations to drop by about 18 nanomoles per liter
Vitamin D3, the same form your body makes from sunlight, is far more effective at raising and maintaining healthy vitamin D levels than D2, especially in those who are deficient
Regular exercise, even without supplements or weight loss, helps activate and protect stored vitamin D, making it a natural way to sustain healthy levels during winter months
To restore and maintain optimal vitamin D, focus on sunlight exposure, avoid seed oils that make your skin more sensitive to UV damage, and supplement wisely with vitamin D3, balanced with magnesium and vitamin K2

...more

By Dr. Mercola

4.6

14871,487 ratings

December 01, 2025

7 minutes

Taking vitamin D2 instead of D3 can actually lower your body's levels of active vitamin D, leaving you more vulnerable to fatigue, poor immunity, and calcium imbalance
A 2025 meta-analysis confirmed that vitamin D2 triggers faster breakdown of vitamin D3, causing average blood concentrations to drop by about 18 nanomoles per liter
Vitamin D3, the same form your body makes from sunlight, is far more effective at raising and maintaining healthy vitamin D levels than D2, especially in those who are deficient
Regular exercise, even without supplements or weight loss, helps activate and protect stored vitamin D, making it a natural way to sustain healthy levels during winter months
To restore and maintain optimal vitamin D, focus on sunlight exposure, avoid seed oils that make your skin more sensitive to UV damage, and supplement wisely with vitamin D3, balanced with magnesium and vitamin K2

...more