Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.8
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8.4
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin D2 (as Ergocalciferol)
25 mcg (1,000 IU)
125%

Top Medical Research Studies

We sought to understand how doxercalciferol, a form of vitamin D2, affects bone health in aging mice, particularly in relation to osteoporosis. Through a series of experiments, we investigated its potential benefits in preventing bone loss, a common issue as animals age.

Our findings revealed that aging mice exhibited increased urine calcium excretion, decreased bone calcium content, and a reduction in biomechanical strength. However, upon administering doxercalciferol, we observed significant effects; especially, it lowered serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels which are commonly elevated in aging.

Additionally, our analysis through specific staining techniques confirmed that doxercalciferol helped protect against bone loss and supported cartilage regeneration. We also noted that the treatment enhanced the activity of bone-building cells while inhibiting the activity of cells that break down bone.

Overall, these results suggest that doxercalciferol could be an effective treatment for aging-related osteoporosis by enhancing bone health and improving overall quality of life.
Read More
We aimed to understand how vitamin D influences bone health and helps combat osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones. In our study, we used various mouse models, including those that mimic a deficiency in active vitamin D. Through a range of advanced methods, we assessed how changes in vitamin D levels affected bone structure and metabolism.

The research revealed that insufficient vitamin D led to a drop in Sirt1, a gene that plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. This lack of Sirt1 resulted in increased bone loss. However, when we boosted Sirt1 levels in bone stem cells, we observed a reversal in bone loss. This improvement happened because higher Sirt1 levels reduced oxidative stress, slowed down aging processes in bone cells, and enhanced new bone formation while curbing bone resorption.

Additionally, our findings indicated that vitamin D directly stimulates Sirt1 expression in these stem cells, which is vital for bone health. We also explored the effects of resveratrol, a natural compound known for activating Sirt1, and found it helped alleviate osteoporosis symptoms linked to vitamin D deficiency by enhancing the relationship between Sirt1 and another protein called PGC1α, which supports bone formation and energy metabolism.

This research underscores the importance of the vitamin D-Sirt1/PGC1α axis in bone metabolism, providing insight into how vitamin D can serve as a target for osteoporosis prevention and treatment.
Read More
We explored the effects of vitamin D supplementation on osteoporosis, especially among individuals at risk for this condition. The Osteoporosis Research and Information Group (GRIO) highlighted the critical difference between daily and intermittent vitamin D dosing.

Current literature indicates that taking high doses of vitamin D intermittently, such as 60,000 IU a month, can actually elevate the chances of falls, fractures, and even premature death in some groups. Conversely, daily supplementation of 800-1000 IU, particularly alongside calcium, has been shown to reduce falls and non-vertebral fractures in the elderly who have a vitamin D deficiency.

Before anyone starts supplementing, it is crucial to measure their vitamin D levels to achieve a target concentration of 30 to 60 ng/mL. For those needing a quick boost in vitamin D levels—like patients showing symptoms of osteomalacia or those with critically low vitamin D—a starting loading dose followed by daily maintenance is the preferred approach. If daily options aren’t available, of course, a smaller intermittent dose can be a temporary solution until better options are accessible.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Effective alternative found
12 people found this helpful
Much better and less hazardous than taking Fosamax! My husband takes this for his osteoporosis, and it works well. He switched from Fosamax due to side effects to a more natural method, which has proven successful without side effects.
Read More
9
Helps manage osteoporosis
Excellent! This product is crucial for me due to osteoporosis. Following my doctor's recommendation, it has been beneficial.
Read More
9
Improves mood
I had low vitamin D levels during a check-up and began taking this after an injection. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, and I've found that taking just one tablet daily has helped lift my spirits.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.8
  • All Researches
9
Probiotic support for osteoporosis treatment
We explored how a specific probiotic strain, FSHHK13M1, affects vitamin D metabolism and osteoporosis in mice. Previous research pointed out that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in vitamin D metabolism, which is especially relevant for older adults who tend to suffer from osteoporosis due to declining organ functions.

Our study demonstrated that treating the mice with FSHHK13M1 led to a significant increase in their serum levels of active vitamin D metabolites, particularly 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D. This increase was linked to activation of important bone health pathways, helping to fortify bone structure and function.

Not only did we observe improvements in vitamin D levels, but the intervention also restored balance in the gut microbiota, which showed signs of imbalance in mice suffering from osteoporosis. The findings suggest that FSHHK13M1 could be a promising direction for improving bone health and reducing fracture risks in the elderly by enhancing vitamin D levels naturally.

Overall, this research highlights the potential of combining probiotics with vitamin D strategies for better management of osteoporosis, especially in older populations who often face challenges absorbing conventional treatments.
Read More
We sought to understand how doxercalciferol, a form of vitamin D2, affects bone health in aging mice, particularly in relation to osteoporosis. Through a series of experiments, we investigated its potential benefits in preventing bone loss, a common issue as animals age.

Our findings revealed that aging mice exhibited increased urine calcium excretion, decreased bone calcium content, and a reduction in biomechanical strength. However, upon administering doxercalciferol, we observed significant effects; especially, it lowered serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels which are commonly elevated in aging.

Additionally, our analysis through specific staining techniques confirmed that doxercalciferol helped protect against bone loss and supported cartilage regeneration. We also noted that the treatment enhanced the activity of bone-building cells while inhibiting the activity of cells that break down bone.

Overall, these results suggest that doxercalciferol could be an effective treatment for aging-related osteoporosis by enhancing bone health and improving overall quality of life.
Read More
We explored the potential benefits of a unique bone health product that combines micellar casein with calcium, vitamin D2, and vitamin K2, specifically for improving bone mineral density (BMD). Using ovariectomized mice, a model that closely resembles postmenopausal osteoporosis in humans, we assessed how different concentrations of this product affected bone quality over time.

Our findings highlighted that when administered consistently, this innovative bone health product effectively improved BMD in the mice. While vitamin D2 was one of the crucial ingredients, its isolated effect on the outcomes was difficult to determine since it was part of a combination formulation. However, the overall results supported the idea that incorporating calcium and these vitamins can be an effective approach to enhance bone health.

This study underscores the importance of nutrition in addressing bone-related issues, showing that a well-formulated product can aid in maintaining bone density and quality, especially in scenarios akin to osteoporosis. Although more research is essential to isolate the effects of each component, the positive results here are promising for future nutritional strategies aimed at osteoporosis management.
Read More
We examined the impact of vitamin D supplementation on bone health in Korean postmenopausal women suffering from osteoporosis. Our research involved a screening phase for a broader study on a medication called denosumab, where we collected data specifically on vitamin D levels.

In our study, we focused on women aged 60 to 90 years who had serum vitamin D levels below 50 nmol/L, the point considered deficient. Those participants received a supplement of 1000 IU of vitamin D daily over a screening period of 2.5 months. We utilized advanced methods to measure both vitamin D2 and D3 levels in their blood.

Out of 371 women screened, a remarkable 191 were found to need vitamin D supplementation, and 88% of these individuals successfully reached the recommended vitamin D level. Notably, more than half of those who improved had been taking higher doses of 2000 IU daily. This repletion was achieved in an average of just 31 days, showcasing an effective turnaround.

This study highlights the significant role that vitamin D supplementation can play in managing osteoporosis among postmenopausal women in Korea. With the vast majority showing positive results, it’s clear that proper vitamin D intake is crucial for bone health in this population.
Read More
8
Vitamin D aids cancer treatment outcomes
We explored the role of vitamin D (VD) supplementation in supporting cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, particularly regarding its effects on osteoporosis. The aim was to sift through scientific evidence to understand how vitamin D influences not just bone health but also alleviates the side effects of demanding cancer treatments.

Our findings indicated that adequate levels of VD are important for maintaining bone density in patients, especially those receiving preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Some studies showed that vitamin D supplementation could lessen certain severe side effects, like fatigue and nausea, often experienced during cancer treatments.

However, the evidence regarding the isolated effects of vitamin D on osteoporosis, specifically, was limited due to the varied designs of the included studies. Despite these challenges, it seems clear that vitamin D plays a valuable role in managing bone health and reducing treatment-related complications.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8.4
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Effective alternative found
12 people found this helpful
Much better and less hazardous than taking Fosamax! My husband takes this for his osteoporosis, and it works well. He switched from Fosamax due to side effects to a more natural method, which has proven successful without side effects.
Read More
9
Helps manage osteoporosis
Excellent! This product is crucial for me due to osteoporosis. Following my doctor's recommendation, it has been beneficial.
Read More
9
Improves mood
I had low vitamin D levels during a check-up and began taking this after an injection. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, and I've found that taking just one tablet daily has helped lift my spirits.
Read More
7.5
Supports bone health
Ergocalciferol aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which is vital for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It helps prevent the development of osteoporosis and rickets.
Read More
7.5
Strengthens bones
Ergocalciferol enhances calcium and phosphorus absorption, which strengthens bones and teeth. It supports the immune system, reduces infection risks, and plays a role in muscle and nervous system function. It may help in osteoporosis prevention and overall well-being.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Improves mood
I had low vitamin D levels during a check-up and began taking this after an injection. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, and I've found that taking just one tablet daily has helped lift my spirits.
7.5
Prevents osteoporosis
I repurchased this product for use outside of winter. It seems effective in preventing osteoporosis and compensating for deficiencies.
9
Helps manage osteoporosis
Excellent! This product is crucial for me due to osteoporosis. Following my doctor's recommendation, it has been beneficial.
7.5
Strengthens bones
Ergocalciferol enhances calcium and phosphorus absorption, which strengthens bones and teeth. It supports the immune system, reduces infection risks, and plays a role in muscle and nervous system function. It may help in osteoporosis prevention and overall well-being.
7.5
Supports bone health
Ergocalciferol aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which is vital for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It helps prevent the development of osteoporosis and rickets.
7.5
Boosts immunity
High quality with clean ingredients, free from genetic modification. It raises vitamin D levels, strengthens immunity, and treats osteoporosis.
We explored the effects of vitamin D supplementation on osteoporosis, especially among individuals at risk for this condition. The Osteoporosis Research and Information Group (GRIO) highlighted the critical difference between daily and intermittent vitamin D dosing.

Current literature indicates that taking high doses of vitamin D intermittently, such as 60,000 IU a month, can actually elevate the chances of falls, fractures, and even premature death in some groups. Conversely, daily supplementation of 800-1000 IU, particularly alongside calcium, has been shown to reduce falls and non-vertebral fractures in the elderly who have a vitamin D deficiency.

Before anyone starts supplementing, it is crucial to measure their vitamin D levels to achieve a target concentration of 30 to 60 ng/mL. For those needing a quick boost in vitamin D levels—like patients showing symptoms of osteomalacia or those with critically low vitamin D—a starting loading dose followed by daily maintenance is the preferred approach. If daily options aren’t available, of course, a smaller intermittent dose can be a temporary solution until better options are accessible.
8
Vitamin D's role in fracture risk
We examined the relationship between vitamin D levels and the risk of new vertebral fractures after patients underwent a specific spine procedure called percutaneous vertebral augmentation. Our focus was on postmenopausal women aged 50 and above, who often face an increased risk of fractures due to osteoporosis.

In this retrospective study, we categorized patients into groups based on whether they experienced new osteoporotic vertebral fractures or not. Our analysis revealed that low levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D are an independent risk factor for these new fractures.

This suggests that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels could be crucial for individuals recovering from this type of spinal surgery. By ensuring active vitamin D supplementation after the procedure, patients may significantly lower their chances of future osteoporotic vertebral fractures, promoting better recovery and overall health.
We evaluated how vitamin D2 compares to vitamin D3 in restoring low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D), a key indicator of vitamin D status, particularly in adults with osteoporosis. Our focus was on understanding whether vitamin D2 effectively supports calcium balance and overall vitamin D bioactivity compared to its counterpart, D3.

In a carefully designed study, participants with low baseline 25D levels received high doses of either vitamin D2 or D3 over ten weeks. We observed that while both forms were introduced with equal levels of intake, the results revealed a notable advantage for vitamin D3. Specifically, D3 significantly increased both total and free 25D levels compared to D2, indicating its superior ability to enhance vitamin D status.

Importantly, we found that changes in the intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were more closely linked to changes in free 25D levels than total 25D, thereby suggesting that free 25D may be a better marker of vitamin D's bioactive effects. This insight is crucial as it highlights the potential limitations of D2 in osteoporosis management, leading us to conclude that while D2 is a valid option, D3 appears to be more effective in improving vitamin D levels, thereby potentially benefiting bone health.
We examined the impact of vitamin D supplementation on bone health in Korean postmenopausal women suffering from osteoporosis. Our research involved a screening phase for a broader study on a medication called denosumab, where we collected data specifically on vitamin D levels.

In our study, we focused on women aged 60 to 90 years who had serum vitamin D levels below 50 nmol/L, the point considered deficient. Those participants received a supplement of 1000 IU of vitamin D daily over a screening period of 2.5 months. We utilized advanced methods to measure both vitamin D2 and D3 levels in their blood.

Out of 371 women screened, a remarkable 191 were found to need vitamin D supplementation, and 88% of these individuals successfully reached the recommended vitamin D level. Notably, more than half of those who improved had been taking higher doses of 2000 IU daily. This repletion was achieved in an average of just 31 days, showcasing an effective turnaround.

This study highlights the significant role that vitamin D supplementation can play in managing osteoporosis among postmenopausal women in Korea. With the vast majority showing positive results, it’s clear that proper vitamin D intake is crucial for bone health in this population.

References

  1. Afonso ML, Capelas ML, Pimenta NM, Santos T, Mäkitie A, et al. A Systematic Review of Vitamin D Supplementation in Oncology: Chance of Science or Effectiveness?. Nutrients. 2025;17. doi:10.3390/nu17040634
  2. Wang H, Tian G, Pei Z, Yu X, Wang Y, et al. increases serum vitamin D metabolite levels and modulates intestinal flora to alleviate osteoporosis in mice. mSphere. 2025. doi:10.1128/msphere.01039-24
  3. Skubica P, Hoffmanova I, Dankova P. Chronically increased osteoclastogenesis in adult celiac disease patients does not hinder improvement in bone health induced by gluten-free diet: Role of vitamin D, OPG and IL-6. J Nutr Biochem. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2025.109871
  4. Pickering ME, Souberbielle JC, Boutten A, Breuil V, Briot K, et al. Daily or intermittent vitamin D supplementation in patients with or at risk of osteoporosis: Position statement from the GRIO. Joint Bone Spine. 2025;92:105858. doi:10.1016/j.jbspin.2025.105858
  5. Shi L, Bao Y, Deng X, Xu X, Hu J. Association between calcium and vitamin D supplementation and increased risk of kidney stone formation in patients with osteoporosis in Southwest China: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open. 2025;15:e092901. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2024-092901
  6. Zhang SB, Yang J, Xu HW, Yi YY, Ren CX, et al. Association Between 25-hydroxyvitamin D Status and New Vertebral Fractures Post Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation in Patients During Postmenopause: A Retrospective Case-control Study. Pain Physician. 2025;28:E31.
  7. Yang C, Chen L, Guo X, Sun H, Miao D. The Vitamin D-Sirt1/PGC1α Axis Regulates Bone Metabolism and Counteracts Osteoporosis. J Orthop Translat. 2025;50:211. doi:10.1016/j.jot.2024.10.011
  8. Kuwabara N, Kanda J, Sato S, Nakagawa S. Impact of Daily High Ergosterol Intake for 14 Weeks in Ovariectomized Rats on Cholesterol and Vitamin D Biosynthesis Pathways. Biol Pharm Bull. 2025;48:39. doi:10.1248/bpb.b24-00536
  9. McCarrison S, Abdelrahman S, Quinlivan R, Keen R, Wong SC. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A systematic review. Bone. 2025;193:117410. doi:10.1016/j.bone.2025.117410
  10. Ma M, Zhang Y, Liu J, Tian C, Duan Z, et al. Associations of the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D with mortality among patients in osteopenia or osteoporosis. Bone. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.bone.2025.117408
  11. Chen Y, Sun X, Sui X, Li Y, Wang Z. Application of bone alkaline phosphatase and 25-oxhydryl-vitamin D in diagnosis and prediction of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. J Orthop Surg Res. 2023;18:739. doi:10.1186/s13018-023-04144-2
  12. Li J, Li N, Yan S, Liu M, Sun B, et al. Doxercalciferol Alleviates Bone Deteriorations and Cartilage Degeneration in Aging Mice. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2020;128:540. doi:10.1055/a-0754-1956
  13. Cavalier E, Lukas P, Bekaert AC, Carlisi A, Le Goff C, et al. Analytical and clinical validation of the new Abbot Architect 25(OH)D assay: fit for purpose?. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2017;55:378. doi:10.1515/cclm-2016-0566
  14. Boulier A, Schwarz J, Lespesailles E, Baniel A, Tomé D, et al. Combination of micellar casein with calcium and vitamins D2 and K2 improves bone status of ovariectomized mice. Osteoporos Int. 2016;27:3103. doi:10.1007/s00198-016-3638-z
  15. Shieh A, Chun RF, Ma C, Witzel S, Meyer B, et al. Effects of High-Dose Vitamin D2 Versus D3 on Total and Free 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Markers of Calcium Balance. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101:3070. doi:10.1210/jc.2016-1871
  16. Chung YS, Chung DJ, Kang MI, Kim IJ, Koh JM, et al. Vitamin D Repletion in Korean Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis. Yonsei Med J. 2016;57:923. doi:10.3349/ymj.2016.57.4.923
image