Vitamin D ( Calciferol )

Vitamin D ( Calciferol )

Cholecalciferol D3, Ergocalciferol D2

Cholecalciferol D3

An animal form of vitamin D, can be formed by the action of the suns UV light on skin to D3

Ergocalciferol D2

Plant form of vitamin D, compound found in fungi and yeast, when they are exposed to UV light, ergosterol is converted to Ergocalciferol

Effect of deficiency

Rickets in children-bones soft, weak, lead to bow legs, risk of fracture, Osteomalacia in adults- low bone mass due to loss of calcium, softening of bones, Osteoporosis in elderly and PMW-bones weaken, become brittle, fragile, tooth decay

Sources of cholecalciferol

Animal sources-fish liver oils, oily fish, eggs, margarine, milk

Sources of Ergocalciferol

Plant source-fungi, yeast

Properties of vitamin D

Fat soluble, insoluble in water, heat stable, unaffected by oxygen, acids, alkalis

RDA value of vitamin D

Children/Adult/Pregnancy/Lactation- 10ug Teen-15ug

Biological Functione

Healthy bones, calcification of teeth, aids absorption of calcium and phosphorus, controls level of calcium in blood, inhibits development of bone disorders