Application

Ergocalciferol has been used as a component of the diet for rats, to study its bioavailability from ultraviolet-irradiated D2-rich yeast. It has also been used as a standard for identification and quantification of vitamins, as part of a study to determine the nutritional composition of food fishes.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Ergocalciferol (vitamin D₂) and 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol (vitamin D₃) are the two forms 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.

Ergocalciferol is used for antirachitic treatment. Vitamin D has an active role in bone mineralization. Severe deficiency of this vitamin has been associated with osteomalacia and rickets.

General description

Vitamin D₂ or ergocalciferol is available through dietary supplements or plant sources. It is a provitamin, which is fat-soluble.

Packaging

1, 5, 25 g in ampule

Sealed ampule.

Quantity

1 USP unit = 1 I.U.