What Is Vitamin D3?
Vitamin D3, or calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin, distinct from other forms like D2 (ergocalciferol). D2 and D3 are crucial for calcium and phosphorus metabolism, supporting bone health. While D2 is sourced from plants like mushrooms, D3 comes from fatty fish and can be synthesized in human skin through UVB light exposure.
Uses of Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is essential for bone health and calcium balance. Its deficiency can cause osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children. Besides, it offers benefits such as immune support, antioxidant properties, and potential anticancer effects. It’s used in food fortification and supplements to prevent deficiencies and related diseases. The body must metabolize vitamin D3 into its active form for efficacy, making overdose risks low.
Due to limited food sources, including fish, dairy, and certain mushrooms, sunlight exposure is a primary means of obtaining adequate vitamin D3, especially in varying seasonal durations.
Properties of Vitamin D3
As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin D3 is stored in adipose tissue, facilitating long-term storage. It’s converted into active calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyVitamin D3) in the body, regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism and promoting bone health. Deficiency can lead to reduced calcium absorption and bone demineralization.
Structure of Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 has a molecular formula of C27H44O, featuring three rings and a hydrocarbon chain. Its synthesis from 7-dehydrocholesterol, and activation to calcitriol, involves enzymes CYP2R1 and CYP27B1, underlining its role in calcium metabolism.
Other Information about Vitamin D3
How to Produce Vitamin D3
Industrial production of vitamin D3 involves synthesizing a precursor using an aldehyde and iodomethylene compound, followed by thermal isomerization for purification. This process yields high-purity vitamin D3.