Safety Profile
Known Safety Concerns
- Hypercalcaemia at excessive doses (same as D3)
- Less potent than D3 — may require higher doses to achieve equivalent effect
- Fat-soluble — accumulation risk with prolonged high-dose supplementation
- Rare: hypersensitivity reactions
Contraindications
- Hypercalcaemia at excessive doses (same as D3)
- Less potent than D3 — may require higher doses to achieve equivalent effect
Interactions
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Evidence and Scientific Findings
Ingredient Overview
Vitamin D2 is the plant-derived form of vitamin D used in vegan supplements. It is less potent than D3 at raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Like D3, excessive doses cause hypervitaminosis D with hypercalcaemia. Safety profile is similar to D3 but with lower bioavailability per unit dose.
Biological and Chemical Classification
- Scientific Name
- Ergocalciferol
Mechanism of Action
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Pharmacokinetics
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Recommended Dosage
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index
Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or RCT)
- Main clinical benefit observed: Vitamin
- Evidence consistency: High consistency across studies (100%)
- Hypercalcaemia at excessive doses (same as D3)
- Less potent than D3 — may require higher doses to achieve equivalent effect
- Fat-soluble — accumulation risk with prolonged high-dose supplementation
- Rare: hypersensitivity reactions
The available scientific evidence for Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) indicates notable safety signals that warrant caution. Use should be considered carefully and monitored, particularly in sensitive populations or alongside other medications.
Total SETI Score
High risk| Evidence quality | 10/40 |
| Evidence consistency | 20/20 |
| Safety signals | 0/20 |
| Study recency | 10/10 |
| Evidence transparency | 10/10 |
Evidence Summary
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or systematic review)
- 0 studies identified benefits or no safety concern (GREEN)
- 10 studies reported limited or advisory safety evidence (YELLOW)
Evidence Policy
Only peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in PubMed or comparable databases is included in this evaluation. Commercial websites, blogs, and marketing materials are excluded. All references include direct traceable links to source documents.
Last updated: 01 მაი 2026, 07:26
Evidence Distribution
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWValue Assignment of Vitamin D and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Food-Matrix Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) Using Isotope Dilution Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (ID… ↗Burdette CQ et al.. Value Assignment of Vitamin D and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Food-Matrix Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) Using Isotope Dilution Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (ID LC-MS/MS).. J Agric Food Chem. 2026. PMID:41934645.PMID 41934645 ↗Journal J Agric Food ChemYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41934645/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWAnalysis of Vitamins B1, D2, and D3 in Commercial Animal Feed Matrices by LC-MS/MS: Validation of AOAC Official Methods. ↗Garcia AG et al.. Analysis of Vitamins B1, D2, and D3 in Commercial Animal Feed Matrices by LC-MS/MS: Validation of AOAC Official Methods.. J AOAC Int. 2026. PMID:41920939.PMID 41920939 ↗Journal J AOAC IntYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41920939/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWVitamin D deficiency and disease conditions relevant to: Orthopaedic translation. ↗Ekanayake Mudiyanselage D et al.. Vitamin D deficiency and disease conditions relevant to: Orthopaedic translation.. J Orthop Translat. 2026. PMID:41777703.PMID 41777703 ↗Journal J Orthop TranslatYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41777703/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWVitamin D and Fracture Healing. ↗Zaman MS et al.. Vitamin D and Fracture Healing.. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2026. PMID:41219601.PMID 41219601 ↗Journal Adv Exp Med BiolYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41219601/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWVitamin D and Brain Health. ↗Ahmad R et al.. Vitamin D and Brain Health.. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2026. PMID:41219598.PMID 41219598 ↗Journal Adv Exp Med BiolYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41219598/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWA 3-Year-Old Child With Incidental High-Dose Vitamin D Intoxication: A Case Report and Literature Review. ↗Kasiri H et al.. A 3-Year-Old Child With Incidental High-Dose Vitamin D Intoxication: A Case Report and Literature Review.. Case Rep Endocrinol. 2025. PMID:41163646.PMID 41163646 ↗Journal Case Rep EndocrinolYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41163646/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWHimalayan Mushrooms as a Natural Source of Ergosterol and Vitamin D(2): A Review of Nutraceutical and Functional Food Perspectives. ↗Panthari P et al.. Himalayan Mushrooms as a Natural Source of Ergosterol and Vitamin D(2): A Review of Nutraceutical and Functional Food Perspectives.. Foods. 2025. PMID:41154052.PMID 41154052 ↗Journal FoodsYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41154052/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWMedical Management of an Infusion Site Extravasation Injury After Peripheral Intravenous Infusion of Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine in a 38-Year-Old Woman with Breast Cancer:… ↗Gamvroulas EM et al.. Medical Management of an Infusion Site Extravasation Injury After Peripheral Intravenous Infusion of Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine in a 38-Year-Old Woman with Breast Cancer: A Case Report.. Am J Case Rep. 2025. PMID:41134751.PMID 41134751 ↗Journal Am J Case RepYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134751/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWA Hitchhiker Story? Exploring HDL as an Overlooked Vitamin D Carrier. ↗Bean JD et al.. A Hitchhiker Story? Exploring HDL as an Overlooked Vitamin D Carrier.. Curr Dev Nutr. 2025. PMID:41127035.PMID 41127035 ↗Journal Curr Dev NutrYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41127035/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWLetter to the Editor Regarding "Effects of Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) on Parathyroid Hormone, Calcium, and Phosphorus in Humans: A Systematic Review and… ↗Hashmi MUH et al.. Letter to the Editor Regarding "Effects of Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) on Parathyroid Hormone, Calcium, and Phosphorus in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials".. Nutr Rev. 2025. PMID:41092267.PMID 41092267 ↗Journal Nutr RevYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41092267/
Score Transparency
0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.
Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies
Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.
Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals
Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.
One or more monitoring-level safety signals active
Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.
Final GIRI Score for Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol). Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
Full methodology & data sources
The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.
- References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
- Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
- Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
- Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Risk Level Classification
Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a low safety concern under normal conditions of use.
0–3.0
3.0–5.5
5.5–7.5
7.5–10
The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.
What drove the Low classification for Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)
A score of 3.5 places this ingredient in the Low band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
0 approved references.
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).
Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.
No active signals — S component is at neutral baseline (0.5), contributing no extra risk weight.
No major regulatory restrictions or advisories recorded across monitored jurisdictions (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others).
How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?
The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:
| Level | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0.0 – 2.9 | Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts. |
| MODERATE | 3.0 – 5.4 | Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups. |
| HIGH | 5.5 – 7.4 | Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended. |
| CRITICAL | 7.5 – 10 | Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision. |
Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.