Vitamin D2
What is Vitamin D2?
Vitamin D2, also known as ergocalciferol, is a form of vitamin D that is not naturally produced by the human body. It is typically derived from yeast or fungi exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, which converts a precursor molecule into vitamin D2. It is then purified and often fortified into foods.
Is Vitamin D2 vegan?
Vitamin D2 is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Vitamin D2 gluten-free?
It does not contain gluten.
Is Vitamin D2 a major allergen?
Vitamin D2 is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens.
What is Vitamin D2 used for?
Vitamin D2 is added to foods to increase their vitamin D content, helping consumers meet their daily needs.
Is Vitamin D2 safe?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists vitamin D2 as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) when used as a nutrient supplement.
Why it's used
Vitamin D2 is added to foods to increase their vitamin D content, helping consumers meet their daily needs. It functions as a nutrient fortification. It is commonly found in plant-based milk alternatives, cereals, and some juices.
Health notes
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists vitamin D2 as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) when used as a nutrient supplement. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have established upper intake levels for vitamin D. Both the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated vitamin D2. Typical intakes from fortified foods are not associated with adverse effects.
Allergen info
Vitamin D2 is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Vitamin D2
Compare products →
Learn more
Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.