Vitamin D2 - description, benefits, sources and norm

For the first time, vitamin D2 was synthesized from cod fat in 1921 during the search for a panacea for rickets, after a while they learned to obtain it from vegetable oil, having previously treated the latter with ultraviolet light.

Ergocalciferol is formed by a long chain of transformations, the starting point of which is the substance ergosterol, which can be obtained exclusively from fungi and yeast. As a result of such a long transformation, many by-substances are formed - decomposition products, which in the case of an excess of the vitamin can be toxic.

Ergocalciferol is a crystalline powder that is colorless and odorless. The substance is insoluble in water.

Vitamin D2 helps the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and also acts as a hormone, through receptors affecting the functioning of internal organs.

Vitamin D2 is oil soluble and is often available in oil capsule form. Promotes the absorption of phosphorus and calcium from the small intestine, distributes them to the missing areas of bone tissue.

Benefits for the body

Ergocalciferol is mainly responsible for the absorption of phosphorus and calcium in the body. In addition, the vitamin has a number of other important properties:

1. regulates the correct formation of the bone skeleton;
2. activates the synthesis of immune cells;
3. controls the production of hormones from the adrenal gland, thyroid gland and pituitary gland;
4. strengthens the muscles;
5. participates in protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism;
6. has antioxidant properties;
7. normalizes blood pressure;
8. keeps insulin production under control;
9. reduces the risk of prostate cancer.

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Indications for use

Ergocalciferol is prescribed for the prevention of rickets in children. The indications for taking it are the following diseases:

• osteopathy;
• muscle dystrophy;
• skin problems;
• lupus;
• arthritis;
• rheumatism;
• hypovitaminosis.

Vitamin D2 promotes early healing of fractures, sports injuries, and postoperative scars. It is taken to improve liver function, to relieve menopausal symptoms, thyroid disorders, and a predisposition to increased blood sugar levels.

The body's need (instructions for use)

The daily consumption rate depends on age, living conditions, and the state of human health. Pregnant women need a minimum amount of the vitamin, while older people or professional athletes need additional sources.

During pregnancy, the vitamin should be used with extreme caution, since it is able to penetrate the placenta and have a detrimental effect on the development of the fetus.

During breastfeeding, as a rule, additional vitamin intake is not prescribed.

Contraindications

Ergocalciferol supplements should not be taken if:

• Serious liver disease.
• Inflammatory processes and chronic kidney diseases.
• Hypercalcemia.
• Open forms of tuberculosis.
• Intestinal ulcer.
• Cardiovascular diseases.

Pregnant women and the elderly should only take the supplement under medical supervision.

Content in food (sources)

Foods contain a small amount of vitamin, with the exception of deep-sea fish of fatty varieties, but they are not included in the diet every day. Most of the D vitamins enter the body from the foods listed below.

It should be remembered that vitamin D2 does not tolerate prolonged heat or water processing, therefore it is recommended to cook products containing it, choosing the fastest gentle recipes, for example, baking in foil or steaming. Freezing does not critically reduce the concentration of the vitamin, the main thing is not to subject the food to sudden defrosting by soaking and do not immediately put it in boiling water.

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Interaction with other elements

Vitamin D2 goes well with phosphorus, calcium, vitamin K, cyanocobalamin. Hinders the permeability of vitamins A and E.

Taking barbiturates, cholestyramine, colestipol, glucocorticoids, anti-tuberculosis drugs impairs the absorption of the vitamin.

Joint reception with iodine-containing drugs can lead to oxidative processes involving ergocalciferol.

D2 or D3?

Despite the fact that both vitamins belong to the same group, their action and methods of synthesis are slightly different.

Vitamin D2 is synthesized exclusively from fungi and yeast; you can get enough of it only through the intake of fortified foods. Vitamin D3 is able to be synthesized by the body on its own. This process is short-lived, not long-lasting, in contrast to the synthesis of vitamin D2. The stages of transformation of the latter are so long that during their implementation, toxic decomposition products are formed, and not calcitriol, which prevents the formation of cancer cells, as in the breakdown of vitamin D3.

To prevent rickets and strengthen bones, it is recommended to take vitamin D3 due to its safety and quick absorption.

Vitamin D2 Supplements

Watch the video: Best Ways To Raise Your Vitamin D Levels. Benefits, Deficiencies, u0026 Sources (June 2025).