Calciferol

Calciferol is a synonym for ergocalciferol and vitamin D2, one of the group of sterols which constitute vitamin D. It is synthesized by irradiation of the plant provitamin ergosterol with ultraviolet light, which converts ergosterol into the active vitamin. Vitamin D supports calcium absorption and bone mineralization, and deficiency causes rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Calciferol is used to fortify foods such as milk and margarine, and in supplements, particularly for people with limited sunlight exposure. It is one of the two main supplemental forms of vitamin D, the other being cholecalciferol, vitamin D3, which comes from animal sources and sunlight on skin.