Ergocalciferol
Encyclopedia
Ergocalciferol is a form of vitamin D
, also called vitamin D2. It is marketed under various names including Deltalin (Eli Lilly and Company
), Drisdol (Sanofi-Synthelabo) and Calcidol (Patrin Pharma). It is created from viosterol, which in turn is created when ultraviolet light activates ergosterol
(which is found in fungi and named as a sterol
from ergot
) and so comes only from plants.
Ergocalciferol is widely used as a Vitamin D supplement, and a 2011 clinical guideline considers it to be as effective as cholecalciferol
(Vitamin D3), which is produced naturally by the skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet light. However there is now conflicting evidence regarding how similarly D2 and D3 behave in the body and whether they are equally potent. Some studies suggest D3 is more potent, but others have found that they are equally effective.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids. In humans, vitamin D is unique both because it functions as a prohormone and because the body can synthesize it when sun exposure is adequate ....
, also called vitamin D2. It is marketed under various names including Deltalin (Eli Lilly and Company
Eli Lilly and Company
Eli Lilly and Company is a global pharmaceutical company. Eli Lilly's global headquarters is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, in the United States...
), Drisdol (Sanofi-Synthelabo) and Calcidol (Patrin Pharma). It is created from viosterol, which in turn is created when ultraviolet light activates ergosterol
Ergosterol
Ergosterol is a sterol found in fungi, and named for ergot, a common name for the members of the fungal genus Claviceps from which ergosterol was first isolated. Ergosterol does not occur in plant or animal cells...
(which is found in fungi and named as a sterol
Sterol
Sterols, also known as steroid alcohols, are a subgroup of the steroids and an important class of organic molecules. They occur naturally in plants, animals, and fungi, with the most familiar type of animal sterol being cholesterol...
from ergot
Ergot
Ergot or ergot fungi refers to a group of fungi of the genus Claviceps. The most prominent member of this group is Claviceps purpurea. This fungus grows on rye and related plants, and produces alkaloids that can cause ergotism in humans and other mammals who consume grains contaminated with its...
) and so comes only from plants.
Ergocalciferol is widely used as a Vitamin D supplement, and a 2011 clinical guideline considers it to be as effective as cholecalciferol
Cholecalciferol
Cholecalciferol is a form of vitamin D, also called vitamin D3 or calciol.It is structurally similar to steroids such as testosterone, cholesterol, and cortisol .-Forms:Vitamin D3 has several forms:...
(Vitamin D3), which is produced naturally by the skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet light. However there is now conflicting evidence regarding how similarly D2 and D3 behave in the body and whether they are equally potent. Some studies suggest D3 is more potent, but others have found that they are equally effective.