Ergocalciferol, more commonly known as Vitamin D2, or nonspecifically referred to as calciferol, is a type of Vitamin D predominantly absorbed through dietary intake. It is a sterol molecule and can be naturally found in select fungi, like mushrooms, and is extensively used as a dietary supplement. Clinically, it is applied in the prevention and treatment of Vitamin D deficiency due to factors such as inadequate dietary intake, minimal sunlight exposure, or absorption issues stemming from intestinal or liver illness. Ergocalciferol acts by increasing the absorption of calcium and promoting bone mineralization.
Parent: Ergocalciferol
Parent: Ergocalciferol
Parent: Ergocalciferol
Parent: Ergocalciferol
Parent: Ergocalciferol
Parent: Ergocalciferol
Parent: Ergocalciferol
Parent: Ergocalciferol
While the purity of Ergocalciferol is critical, it may contain minimal impurities or related compounds, some known entities are lumisterol and tachysterol. Such impurities can occur due to the synthesis process or storage conditions. Lumisterol is a biologically inactive stereoisomer of ergocalciferol, and tachysterol is a photoproduct formed due to the action of sunlight on ergocalciferol. These impurities do not contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of the compound but can interfere in the analytical assays leading to inaccurate quantity estimation.
Ergocalciferol is mainly used to prevent or treat Vitamin D deficiency. This can be due to factors like insufficient dietary intake, lack of adequate sunlight which helps in the natural production of Vitamin D in the body, or health conditions that impact the absorption of Vitamin D, like certain intestinal or liver diseases.
Ergocalciferol is commonly known as Vitamin D2. It is one of the five forms of Vitamin D, which also includes Vitamins D1, D3, D4, and D5.
Ergocalciferol is categorized as Vitamin D2. It’s primarily obtained from plant-based sources and dietary supplements, whereas Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is synthesized in the human body when the skin is exposed to sunlight.
Ergocalciferol functions by being converted in the body to its active form, calcitriol. The conversion occurs first in the liver and then in the kidneys. Calcitriol binds to a protein called a vitamin D receptor, resulting in the production of proteins that assist in calcium and phosphorus absorption in the gut, calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, and promotes optimal bone mineralization. As a supplemental form of Vitamin D, ergocalciferol helps in maintaining optimal levels of calcium and phosphorus, promoting bone health.
