Ergocalciferol
Ergocalciferol: An Essential Vitamin D Compound[edit | edit source]
Ergocalciferol (scientifically denoted as ER-goh-kal-SIH-feh-rol) represents a pivotal form of vitamin D that plays an instrumental role in ensuring the body effectively utilizes calcium and phosphorus for the construction of robust bones and teeth.
Nature and Properties[edit | edit source]
Fat Solubility[edit | edit source]
Distinctively, Ergocalciferol is a fat-soluble vitamin, implying that it can dissolve in fats and oils. Its solubility in fats ensures its storage in the liver and fatty tissues for future use, thereby facilitating long-term availability in the body.
Sources and Synthesis[edit | edit source]
While Ergocalciferol can be naturally found in certain plants and yeast, it's not limited to these sources. The human body possesses the innate ability to synthesize Ergocalciferol from another vitamin D variant, especially when exposed to sunlight. This synthesis predominantly occurs in the skin.
Therapeutic and Preventive Uses[edit | edit source]
Addressing Vitamin D Deficiency[edit | edit source]
Ergocalciferol, in addition to its natural existence, can be industrially produced in laboratories. Its manufactured form is especially beneficial in preventing and treating vitamin D deficiency, a condition that can lead to bone maladies such as osteoporosis or rickets.
Dietary Supplementation[edit | edit source]
Recognized as a type of dietary supplement, Ergocalciferol can be ingested to ensure adequate levels of vitamin D, particularly in individuals who might be at risk of deficiency due to insufficient sun exposure or dietary intake.
Nomenclature[edit | edit source]
While commonly recognized as Ergocalciferol, this compound is also colloquially referred to as vitamin D2, differentiating it from other forms of vitamin D.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- Smith, J. & Roberts, L. (2018). The Essential Guide to Vitamins. Health Publications.
- Vitamin D: Its Role and Sources. (2015). Nutritional Insights Journal.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
