cholecalciferol

Cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3, is a secosteroid produced in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light and is present in certain foods. It is used as a dietary supplement and medication to prevent or treat vitamin D deficiency and associated diseases such as rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, familial hypophosphatemia, hypoparathyroidism with low blood calcium, and Fanconi syndrome. Cholecalciferol works by promoting intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate to maintain healthy bone mineralization. After ingestion or synthesis in the skin, it is converted in the liver to calcifediol (25-hydroxycholecalciferol), then further hydroxylated in the kidney to its active form calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol), which acts on target tissues including intestines and bones. Cholecalciferol may also play roles in immune modulation and reduction of inflammation[1][4][5][8].

Brand names

Carlson DDdropsDecaraDelta D3Enfamil D-Vi-SolAdrovanceAnimi-3 With Vitamin DAnimi3 With Vitamin DAnimi 3 With Vitamin DCitranatal B-calm KitCitranatal HarmonyFosamax Plus DFosavanceInfuvite Pediatric

Other names

vitamin D3colecalciferolcalciol