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Vitamin D2

Vitamin Unit: µg

Plant-derived form of vitamin D found in mushrooms and fortified foods. Less potent than D3.

No established daily requirement for this nutrient.

Top Foods Highest in Vitamin D2

Amount per 100g serving. Values in µg per 100g.

Foods Highest in Vitamin D2 (Table)

#FoodPer 100gGroup
1Mushrooms, brown, italian, or crimini, exposed to ultraviole31.9 µgVegetables and Vegetable Products
2Mushrooms, portabella, exposed to ultraviolet light, raw28.4 µgVegetables and Vegetable Products
3Mushroom, white, exposed to ultraviolet light, raw26.2 µgVegetables and Vegetable Products
4Mushrooms, portabella, exposed to ultraviolet light, grilled13.1 µgVegetables and Vegetable Products
5Mushrooms, Chanterelle, raw5.3 µgVegetables and Vegetable Products
6Mushrooms, morel, raw5.1 µgVegetables and Vegetable Products
7Mushrooms, shiitake, dried3.9 µgVegetables and Vegetable Products
8Mushrooms, maitake, raw1.6 µgVegetables and Vegetable Products
9Soymilk (All flavors), enhanced1.2 µgLegumes and Legume Products
10Soymilk, original and vanilla, light, with added calcium, vi1.2 µgLegumes and Legume Products
11Soymilk, chocolate and other flavors, light, with added calc1.2 µgLegumes and Legume Products
12Soymilk, original and vanilla, with added calcium, vitamins 1.1 µgLegumes and Legume Products
13Milk, imitation, non-soy1.1 µgDairy and Egg Products
14Soymilk (all flavors), nonfat, with added calcium, vitamins 1.0 µgLegumes and Legume Products
15Beverages, chocolate almond milk, unsweetened, shelf-stable,1.0 µgBeverages
16Soymilk (All flavors), lowfat, with added calcium, vitamins 1.0 µgLegumes and Legume Products
17Soymilk, chocolate, nonfat, with added calcium, vitamins A a1.0 µgLegumes and Legume Products
18Soymilk, original and vanilla, light, unsweetened, with adde1.0 µgLegumes and Legume Products
19Soymilk, chocolate, with added calcium, vitamins A and D1.0 µgLegumes and Legume Products
20Beverages, rice milk, unsweetened1.0 µgBeverages

Health Effects of Vitamin D2

Function

Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is a plant/fungal form of vitamin D. It contributes to calcium homeostasis and bone health, though with somewhat lower potency than D3 in raising serum 25(OH)D levels.

Deficiency Signs

Same as general vitamin D deficiency. D2 is less effective at maintaining serum levels than D3, so relying solely on D2 sources may leave levels suboptimal.

Excess / Toxicity

Same toxicity profile as vitamin D generally. D2 is cleared from the body faster than D3.

Absorption & Interactions

How It’s Absorbed

Absorbed identically to D3 in the small intestine with dietary fat. Both forms undergo the same hepatic and renal activation steps, but D2 has a shorter half-life and lower binding affinity for vitamin D-binding protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much Vitamin D2 do I need per day?

There is no established daily requirement for Vitamin D2.

Which food has the most Vitamin D2?

The food highest in Vitamin D2 is Mushrooms, brown, italian, or crimini, exposed to ultraviolet light, raw with 31.9 µg per 100g.

What does Vitamin D2 do in the body?

Plant-derived form of vitamin D found in mushrooms and fortified foods. Less potent than D3.