Regarding the manufacturing of oral vitamin D formulations, ergocalciferol is made from
ultraviolet irradiation of ergosterol in yeast
. Cholecalciferol is made from irradiation of 7-dehydrocholesterol from lanolin and the chemical conversion of cholesterol.
Is ergocalciferol natural?
Vitamin D, as either ergocalciferol (vitamin D
2
) or cholecalciferol (vitamin D
3
),
is not widely present in nature
; however, its provitamins are common is both plants and animals. Ergocalciferol and its precursor ergosterol are found in plants, fungi,
23
molds, lichens, and some invertebrates (e.g., snails and worms).
What is ergocalciferol derived from?
Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) is obtained from
plant sources or dietary supplements derived from irradiated fungi
, and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is produced by synthesis in the skin with ultraviolet B light exposure, from animal sources, or dietary supplements.
What are the ingredients in ergocalciferol?
Each softgel, for oral administration, contains Ergocalciferol (ergocalciferol) , USP 1.25 mg (equivalent to 50,000 USP units of Vitamin D), in an edible vegetable oil. Inactive Ingredients:
Refined soybean oil, gelatin, glycerin
, purified water, D&C Yellow #10, and FD&C Blue #1.
Is ergocalciferol the same as vitamin D?
Vitamin D (D2—ergocalciferol) is a
vitamin D supplement
available in both prescription and over-the-counter formulations. It is available in oral tablets and capsules, as well as an oral solution. Vitamin D2 comes from plant sources and is the most common form of vitamin D found in fortified foods.
Is 50000 vitamin D2 Safe?
Boston University School of Medicine researchers (BUSM) have found that 50,000 International Units (IU) of vitamin D2, given weekly for eight weeks, effectively treats vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D2 is a mainstay for the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in children and adults.
What plants does vitamin D2 come from?
Excluding fortified foods,
mushrooms
are the only good plant source of vitamin D. Like humans, mushrooms can synthesize this vitamin when exposed to UV light ( 27 ). However, mushrooms produce vitamin D2, whereas animals produce vitamin D3.
Why is ergocalciferol prescribed?
Ergocalciferol is used in the treatment of
hypoparathyroidism
(condition in which the body does not produce enough parathyroid hormone), refractory rickets (softening and weakening of bones that does not respond to treatment), and familial hypophosphatemia (rickets or osteomalacia caused by an inherited condition with …
Why is vitamin D2 bad?
Researchers found that taking vitamin D2 supplements decreased levels of vitamin D3 in the body and
resulted in higher muscle damage after intense weight lifting
. Power athletes and others looking for an edge to improve their performance should avoid taking vitamin D2, a new study suggests.
Is ergocalciferol a steroid?
Ergocalciferol is
a secosteroid formed by a photochemical bond breaking of a steroid
, specifically, by the action of ultraviolet light (UV-B or UV-C) on ergosterol, a form of provitamin D
2
. Like cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol is inactive by itself.
What are signs of low vitamin D?
- Fatigue.
- Bone pain.
- Muscle weakness, muscle aches, or muscle cramps.
- Mood changes, like depression.
Why would a doctor prescribe 50 000 units of vitamin D?
For people
with a severe vitamin D deficiency confirmed in blood tests
, some health care providers are prescribing a mega-dose: 50,000 IU vitamin D taken once a week for six to eight weeks. As we age, we become less physical and more stiff.
Why would a doctor prescribe vitamin D2?
Vitamin D2 is
indicated to treat calcium disorders and parathyroid disorders
. It is also the preferred form for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Is 2000 IU of vitamin D safe?
Nearly all vitamin D overdoses come from supplements. The Institute of Medicine’s Food and Nutrition Board’s old 1997 recommendations suggested that
2,000 IU per day of vitamin D is safe for adults
and that 1,000 IU per day is safe for infants up to 12 months of age.
What is Vit D 50 000 IU D2 used for?
Vitamin D (ergocalciferol-D2, cholecalciferol-D3, alfacalcidol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that
helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus
. Having the right amount of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus is important for building and keeping strong bones.
Does vitamin D2 help you lose weight?
Getting enough vitamin D can keep your hormone levels in check and
may help enhance weight loss and decrease body fat
. In turn, losing weight can increase vitamin D levels and help you maximize its other benefits, such as maintaining strong bones and protecting against illness ( 29 , 30 ).
