Ergocalciferol Health Dictionary

An alternative name for vitamin D2, also known as ergocalciferol (see vitamin D).... calciferol

n. a plant sterol that, when irradiated with ultraviolet light, is converted to ergocalciferol (vitamin D2). See vitamin D.... ergosterol

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