Difference Between Vitamin D3 And Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy
Vitamin D is one of the essential vitamins that our body needs for various functions. It helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which is essential for bone health. Additionally, Vitamin D also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system and reducing inflammation.
There are two types of Vitamin D that are commonly known, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy. While both are essential for our body, they differ in their composition and functions. This article will highlight the differences between Vitamin D3 and Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy.
What is Vitamin D3?
Vitamin D3, also known as Cholecalciferol, is the type of Vitamin D that is produced in our skin when it is exposed to sunlight. It is also found in some foods such as fatty fish, liver, and egg yolks. Vitamin D3 is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and is vital for the development and maintenance of healthy bones.
Additionally, Vitamin D3 also plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of various diseases such as osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, and some types of cancer. It also helps in regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation.
What is Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy?
Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy, also known as Calcidiol, is the type of Vitamin D that is produced in the liver from Vitamin D3. It is the circulating form of Vitamin D and is used to measure the overall Vitamin D status in our body.
Calcidiol is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and maintaining healthy bones. It is also used to diagnose various conditions such as kidney diseases, liver diseases, and Vitamin D deficiency.
Differences Between Vitamin D3 And Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy
While both Vitamin D3 and Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy are essential for our body, they differ in their composition and functions. The following are the differences between the two:
- Vitamin D3 is the type of Vitamin D that is produced in our skin when it is exposed to sunlight, while Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy is the type of Vitamin D that is produced in the liver from Vitamin D3.
- Vitamin D3 is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and maintaining healthy bones, while Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy is used to measure the overall Vitamin D status in our body.
- Vitamin D3 is found in some foods such as fatty fish, liver, and egg yolks, while Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy is not found in any food sources.
Conclusion
Both Vitamin D3 and Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy are essential for our body and play a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones and reducing the risk of various diseases. While Vitamin D3 is produced in our skin when it is exposed to sunlight and found in some foods, Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy is produced in the liver and used to measure the overall Vitamin D status in our body.