Vitamin D2 intake increases 25‐hydroxy vitamin D2 but decreases 25‐hydroxy vitamin D3 concentration in the serum of healthy adults

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is common in the U.S. Few foods contain vitamin D but treatment of mushrooms with ultraviolet (UV) light increases vitamin D2 content and could provide an additional dietary source of vitamin D. We evaluated the impact of consuming UV‐treated white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) on the vitamin D status of healthy adults. Thirty‐eight volunteers were randomized to four treatments taken with a standard lunch for 6 wk: untreated mushrooms providing 34 IU/d vitamin D2 (n = 10), UV‐treated mushrooms providing 352 IU/d (n = 10) or 686 IU/d (n = 9), and untreated mushrooms plus a vitamin D2 capsule providing 1,131 IU/d (n = 9). Serum total 25(OH)D at baseline was 83 ± 38 nmol/L. Serum 25(OH)D2 was 2.4 ± 2.0 nmol/L and increased in the three treatment groups (p < 0.05). Mean increases were 1.2 ± 5.2, 13.8 ± 7.3, 12.7 ± 3.7 and 32.8 ± 3.3 nmol/L, respectively. Serum 25(OH)D3 decreased proportionally in the same groups (p < 0.05). Mean decreases were −3.9 ± 16.3, −10.4 ± 6.4, −20.6 ± 14.6 and −29.5 ± 15.9 nmol/L, respectively. Serum 24,25(OH)2D3 did not differ by group. Total serum 25(OH)D decreased in the treatment groups but concentrations never differed significantly from the control group. In summary, vitamin D2 from these treatments was absorbed and metabolized to 25(OH)D2 but did not affect vitamin D status because serum 25(OH)D3 decreased proportionally. Funding was provided by The Mushroom Council and ARS project 5306‐51530‐018.