Application

Ergocalciferol has been used as a standard to measure vitamin D3 levels in food samples.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) has less potential than cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) in treating vitamin deficiency related disorders in humans. Supplementation of adequate dose of vitamin D2 prevents infantile rickets and is capable of curing adult osteomalacia.

Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol (vitamin D3) are the two form of vitamin D which are activated in vivo by hydroxylation. Vitamin D2 and D3 may be used in a wide range of studies to assess their effects on function such as immune function and calcium homeostasis.

General description

Ergocalciferol or viosterol is obtained from irradiated ergosterol. It represents plant source of vitamin D.

Ergocalciferol is one of the two forms of supplemental vitamin D available. It is a fat-soluble vitamin.