Vitamin D form

Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)

Last reviewed September 28, 2026Part of Vitamin D
In short

A plant- and fungus-derived form of vitamin D made by exposing yeast or mushrooms to UV light. It’s vegan and used in some prescriptions and fortified foods.

At a glance

Chemical name
General reference
Ergocalciferol
Common sources
General reference
UV-exposed yeast or fungi
Dietary
From product label
Vegan by source (check capsule)
Raising blood levels
Published research
Effective, but less so than D3 in comparative research

About vitamin d2 (ergocalciferol)

What it is

Vitamin D2 is the form produced by fungi and yeast exposed to ultraviolet light. It’s used in some fortified foods and some high-dose prescription products.

What the research says

Both D2 and D3 raise vitamin D status. Comparative trials pooled in a 2012 meta-analysis found D3 raised blood levels more, particularly with large intermittent doses.

Compare D2

VITAMIN D

D2 vs D3

Sources, vegan status and what research says about raising levels.

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Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) products

Plainlabel Vitamin D2 1,000 IU

Plainlabel Nutrition · Demo
Primary ingredient
Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)
Per serving
25 mcg (1,000 IU) vitamin D
Servings
120
Format
Tablets
Price
Unavailable
Per serving cost
$0.08
Not verified
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Other vitamin d forms

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Sources & references

  1. Tripkovic L, Lambert H, Hart K, et al. (2012). Comparison of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 supplementation in raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status: a systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 95(6). doi:10.3945/ajcn.111.031070Meta-analysis
  2. Vitamin D: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.govGovernment

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This page is educational and is not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting a supplement, especially if you have a medical condition, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.