An alternative name for colecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3 (see vitamin D).
Osteomalacia is the adult form of RICKETS. It is due to inadequate mineralisation of osteoid tissue caused by a de?ciency of vitamin D. This de?ciency may arise because of inadequate intake, or it may be due to impaired absorption such as occurs in intestinal malabsorption. It may also be due to renal disease, as the kidney is responsible for the hydroxylation of cholecalciferol, which has virtually no metabolic action, to dihydroxy-cholecalciferol – the metabolically active form of the vitamin. (See APPENDIX 5: VITAMINS.)... osteomalacia
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
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