Translations:Ergocalciferol/10/en

Use

Vitamin D₂ supplements

Ergocalciferol may be used as a vitamin D supplement, whereas cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃) is produced naturally by the skin when exposed to ultraviolet light. Ergocalciferol (D₂) and cholecalciferol (D₃) are considered to be equivalent for vitamin D production, as both forms appear to have similar efficacy in ameliorating rickets Conflicting reports exist, however, concerning the relative effectiveness, with some studies suggesting that ergocalciferol has less efficacy based on limitations in absorption, binding, and inactivation. A meta-analysis concluded that evidence usually favors cholecalciferol in raising vitamin D levels in blood, although it stated more research is needed.