Question
What are the differences between Vitamin D and Vitamin D3?
Answer
Vitamin D is a general term for all the D vitamins, while Vitamin D3 is a specific form within this group. Vitamin D is a sterol derivative and a fat-soluble vitamin that has the effect of preventing rickets, hence it is also known as the rickets vitamin. Among the family of Vitamin D, the most important members are D2 and D3, with D3 being particularly crucial. Regular Vitamin D needs to be metabolized by the skin into the active form of Vitamin D3 before it can take effect. Therefore, when children are deficient in calcium, in addition to supplementing with Vitamin D, it is also appropriate to let them get enough sunlight to promote the skin’s production of Vitamin D3, thereby enhancing the absorption and utilization of calcium.