Vitamin
ergocalciferol
er·go·cal·cif·er·ol [ er-goh-kal-sih-feh-rol ]
Brand Names:
Calcidol; Drisdol; MVI Pediatric
Effect:
Bone Resorption Inhibition; Decreased Distal Tubule PO4-- Excretion; Decreased Proximal Tubule PO4-- Excretion; Decreased PTH Secretion; Decreased Renal Ca++ Excretion; Inorganic Ion Absorption Alteration; Stimulation Small Intestine Fluid/Electrolyte Absorption; Vitamin Uptake and Modification Alteration
May Prevent:
Osteoporosis
May Treat:
Hypoparathyroidism;
Hypophosphatemia;
Rickets
More Information:
Definitions related to ergocalciferol:
-
(vitamin d2) Vitamin D synthesized from 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin after exposure to UVB radiation.CRCH Nutrition TerminologyCancer Research Center of Hawaii, University of Hawaii, 2021
-
A form of vitamin D that helps the body use calcium and phosphorus to make strong bones and teeth. It is fat-soluble (can dissolve in fats and oils) and is found in plants and yeast. It can be made in the body from another form of vitamin D when the body is exposed to the sun. Ergocalciferol is also made in the laboratory. It is used to prevent and to treat vitamin D deficiency. It is a type of dietary supplement.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
Vitamin D2, a fat-soluble vitamin important for many biochemical processes including the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. In vivo, ergocalciferol is formed after sun (ultraviolet) irradiation of plant-derived ergosterol, another form of vitamin D. Ergocalciferol is the form of vitamin D usually found in vitamin supplements. (NCI04)NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary
> E
This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.