ergocalciferol

Ergocalciferol, also known as Vitamin D2, is a fat-soluble vitamin and a secosteroid produced by the ultraviolet irradiation of ergosterol, a sterol found in fungi and plants. It serves as a pro-hormone that undergoes two successive hydroxylations in the body: first in the liver to 25-hydroxyergocalciferol (ercalcidiol) and then in the kidneys to the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyergocalciferol (ercalcitriol). The active metabolite binds to the Vitamin D receptor (VDR), a nuclear receptor that regulates the transcription of genes involved in calcium and phosphorus absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and bone remodeling. Ergocalciferol is primarily indicated for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism, refractory rickets (also known as vitamin D-resistant rickets), and familial hypophosphatemia. It is also widely used as a dietary supplement to treat or prevent vitamin D deficiency.

Brand names

DrisdolCalciferolCalcidolErgo-D

Other names

Vitamin D2ViosterolCalciferolum