Experts warn that common vitamin D supplements may have an unexpected effect

It is known that Vitamin D is essential for many aspects Human health But a new study indicates that eating a certain form of it can have a negative effect.

The most effective and longest-lasting form, vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is produced naturally when the body is exposed to sunlight and is also found in animal products, While vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) It comes from plant or fungal sources, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Researchers from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom found that taking vitamin D2 can cause low levels of vitamin D3 in the body.

They made this decision by analyzing 11 random samples Controlled experiments Including 655 adults, which showed that people who took vitamin D2 supplements had less vitamin D3 than those who did not take D2, according to a university press release.

The results of the study – conducted in collaboration with the John Innes Center and the Quadram Bioscience Institute in Norwich, England – were published in the journal Nutrition Reviews.

“We have shown that vitamin D3, but not vitamin D2, appears to stimulate the body’s type I interferon signaling system – a key part of the immune system that provides the first line of defense against… Bacteria and virusesProfessor Colin Smith, who led the study mentioned above, said: “Thus, the healthy state of vitamin D3 may help prevent viruses and bacteria from gaining a foothold in the body.”

Professor Martin Warren, chief scientific officer at the Quadram Institute, stressed in the statement that vitamin D deficiency is a “huge factor.” Public health concern“, especially in the winter months.

“This collaborative research effort aligns well with the Quadram Institute’s mission of providing healthier lives through nutritional innovation to enhance the nutrient density of the food we eat,” he said. “Addressing this through the most effective form of vitamin D supplementation or fortification is of paramount importance to the health of the nation.”

More research is needed to determine whether vitamins D2 and D3 affect the body differently, and whether this can change. Doctors’ medical advice The researchers concluded which type to take.

The results of the study indicated several limitations to the analysis.

For example, there were only a few studies with many differences between them, such as their duration, amount and timing of dosing, and how results were measured. There was also the potential for biases due to incomplete reporting of details.

Results can also be affected by factors such as quantity Exposure to sunlightThe researchers pointed out that some people take nutritional supplements and others eat foods fortified with vitamins.

Health sources confirm that some foods that contain vitamin D3 include fatty fish, egg yolks, cod liver oil, fortified dairy products and animal foods. Vitamin D2 can be found in mushrooms, fortified foods, and some plant/fungal supplements.

The study was supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).