Mechanism Įrgocalciferol is a secosteroid formed by a photochemical bond breaking of a steroid, specifically, by the action of ultraviolet light (UV-B or UV-C) on ergosterol, a form of provitamin D 2. A meta-analysis concluded that evidence usually favors cholecalciferol in raising vitamin D levels in blood, although it stated more research is needed. Conflicting reports exist, however, concerning the relative effectiveness, with some studies suggesting that ergocalciferol has less efficacy based on limitations in absorption, binding, and inactivation. Ergocalciferol (D 2) and cholecalciferol (D 3) are considered to be equivalent for vitamin D production, as both forms appear to have similar efficacy in ameliorating rickets and reducing the incidence of falls in elderly patients.
Use Įrgocalciferol may be used as a vitamin D supplement, whereas cholecalciferol (vitamin D 3) is produced naturally by the skin when exposed to ultraviolet light. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Certain foods such as breakfast cereal and margarine have ergocalciferol added to them in some countries.
In 2020, it was the 46th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 14 million prescriptions. Ergocalciferol is available as a generic medication and over the counter. Įrgocalciferol was first described in 1936. Food in which it is found include some mushrooms. It works by increasing the amount of calcium absorbed by the intestines and kidneys. If high doses are taken for a long period of time, tissue calcification may occur. Įxcessive doses can result in increased urine production, high blood pressure, kidney stones, kidney failure, weakness, and constipation. It is used by mouth or injection into a muscle. It may also be used for low blood calcium due to hypoparathyroidism. This includes vitamin D deficiency due to poor absorption by the intestines or liver disease.
As a supplement it is used to prevent and treat vitamin D deficiency. Ergocalciferol, also known as vitamin D 2 and nonspecifically calciferol, is a type of vitamin D found in food and used as a dietary supplement.
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