Calciferol Health Dictionary

A combination of CALCIFEROL and vitamin D2 (see APPENDIX 5: VITAMINS) given to prevent or cure RICKETS, a de?ciency disorder caused by the lack of calcium and vitamin D in the diet.... ergocalciferol

A sterol found in yeasts and fungi and in plant and animal fat. Under the action of sunlight or ultraviolet rays it produces vitamin D2. The substance produced in this way is known as calciferol, and is used for the prevention and cure of RICKETS and OSTEOMALACIA. A similar change in the ergosterol of the skin is produced when the body is freely exposed to sunlight. Calciferol is probably not so active as, and di?ers chemically from, the vitamin D occurring in ?sh-liver oils. (See APPENDIX 5: VITAMINS.)... ergosterol

A disease of childhood characterised chie?y by a softened condition of the bones (see BONE), and by other evidence of poor nutrition.

Causes This disease is the result of de?ciency of vitamin D in the diet. Healthy bones cannot be built up without calcium (or lime) salts, and the body cannot use these salts in the absence of vitamin D. Want of sunlight and fresh air in the dwellings where children are reared is also of importance. Once a common condition in industrial areas, it had almost disappeared in Great Britain but has recurred in recent years, largely amongst children of Asian and African origin.

The periosteum – the membrane enveloping the bones – becomes in?amed, and the bone formed beneath it is defective in lime salts and very soft. Changes also occur at the growing part of the bone, the epiphyseal plate.

Symptoms The symptoms of rickets most usually appear towards the end of the ?rst year, and rarely after the age of ?ve. The children are often ‘snu?y’ and miserable.

Gradually, changes in the shape of the bones becomes visible, ?rst chie?y noticed at the ends of the long bones. The softened bones also tend to become distorted, the legs bending outwards and forwards so the child becomes bow-legged or knock-kneed. Changes occur in the ribs (‘rickets rosary’) and cranial bones, while teeth appear late and decay or fall out.

The disease usually ends in recovery with more or less of deformity and dwar?ng – the bones, although altered in shape, becoming ultimately ossi?ed.

Treatment The speci?c remedy is vitamin D in the form of calciferol (vitamin D2). A full diet is of course essential, with emphasis upon a su?cient supply of milk. Rickets is very rare in breast-fed children but it is a wise precaution to give breast-fed babies supplementary vitamin

D. After the child is weaned, the provision of suitable food is vital, supplemented with some source of vitamin D. Regular exposure to sunlight is desirable. Controversy exists as to whether vitamin D should be added in the manufacture of ?our, particularly of types used by the Asian community.

De?ciency of vitamin D in adults results in osteomalacia (see under BONE, DISORDERS OF). (See also APPENDIX 5: VITAMINS.)... rickets

a fat-soluble vitamin that enhances the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestine and promotes their deposition in the bone. It occurs in two forms: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2, calciferol), which is manufactured by plants when the sterol ergosterol is exposed to ultraviolet light, and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), which is produced by the action of sunlight on 7-dehydrocholesterol, a sterol widely distributed in the skin. A deficiency of vitamin D, either from a poor diet or lack of sunlight, leads to decalcified bones and the development of *rickets and *osteomalacia. Good sources of vitamin D are liver and fish oils. An RNI (see Dietary Reference Values) was set for the first time in 2015, at 10 ug/d for all individuals over 4 years of age. Research continues into a possible association between vitamin D levels and multiple sclerosis. Vitamin D is toxic and large doses must therefore be avoided.... vitamin d