Vitamin D2

indexes

Vitamin D2

CAS No.: 50-14-6

EINECS No.: 200-014-9

Molecular Formula: C₂₈H₄₄O

Molecular Weight: 396.65

Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) is a plant-derived fat-soluble vitamin. Its core applications focus on four major fields: pharmaceuticals, food fortification, animal feed and cosmetics. It mainly functions by regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism as well as cell functions.

Applications of Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol):

1. Pharmaceutical & Clinical Applications

(1) Prevention and Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency

Target populations: vegetarians, individuals with insufficient sunlight exposure, patients with hepatobiliary/pancreatic diseases, malabsorption syndrome, and post-gastrectomy patients.

Function: increases serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, relieves deficiency symptoms such as fatigue, bone pain and muscle soreness.

(2) Treatment of Skeletal Diseases

Rickets (children): promotes bone mineralization and improves deformities including square skull, pigeon chest and bow legs.

Osteomalacia (adults): alleviates bone pain and muscle weakness, prevents pathological fractures.

Osteoporosis (middle-aged, elderly and postmenopausal women): combined with calcium supplements to increase bone mineral density and reduce the risk of falls and fractures.

Tetany: treats postoperative/idiopathic hypocalcemic convulsions.

(3) Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases

Hypoparathyroidism: long-term replacement therapy for postoperative, idiopathic or pseudohypoparathyroidism.

Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD): assists in correcting hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and abnormal bone metabolism.

Familial hypophosphatemia: combined with phosphate preparations to improve bone mineralization defects.

(4) Other Clinical Applications

Immunomodulation: enhances anti-infective capacity (e.g., tuberculosis, respiratory tract infections), and assists in regulating autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis).

Dermatological adjuvant therapy: topical ointments for psoriasis and vitiligo to inhibit excessive proliferation of keratinocytes.

Metabolic support: improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood glucose and blood lipids.

2. Food Fortification

Dairy products: milk, milk powder, yogurt.

Infant foods: formula milk powder, complementary foods.

Beverages and snacks: milk drinks, solid drinks, ice cream.

Fats and oils: margarine.

Plant-based foods: UV-irradiated mushrooms, grains, plant-based milk (main source for vegans).

3. Animal Feed Industry

Poultry: promotes eggshell calcification, prevents cage layer fatigue syndrome, and improves bone development of chicks.

Swine & cattle: prevents rickets and osteomalacia, enhances feed conversion rate and promotes growth.

Aquaculture: added to fish and shrimp feed to improve survival rate and bone health.

4. Cosmetics & Personal Care

Skin care: regulates keratin metabolism, relieves dryness, eczema and dermatitis.

Hair & nail care: improves dryness, brittleness and breakage.

Anti-aging: provides photoprotection, reduces photodamage and promotes skin repair.