Vitamin D2

Synonyms: Ergocalciferol, Calciferol, Drisdol, Oleovitamin D2, Vitamin D2

Vitamin D2, also known as ergocalciferol, is a fat-soluble secosteroid that plays a critical role in calcium and phosphate metabolism, bone health, and immune function. Unlike vitamin D3, which is synthesized in the skin upon UVB exposure, vitamin D2 is produced by UV irradiation of ergosterol, a sterol found in fungi, yeast, and some plants. This distinction makes vitamin D2 the primary vegan-friendly form of vitamin D, widely used in dietary supplements and food fortification.

First identified in the 1920s, vitamin D2 was instrumental in eradicating rickets in many parts of the world. Its chemical structure features a broken B-ring (secosteroid) and a side chain with a double bond between C22 and C23, which differentiates it from vitamin D3. While both forms undergo similar metabolic activation in the liver and kidneys to become calcitriol, the active hormone, vitamin D2 has a slightly lower affinity for the vitamin D-binding protein and a shorter half-life, which is why some clinical studies suggest it may be less potent than D3 in raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Nevertheless, vitamin D2 remains a valuable therapeutic agent, particularly for patients with malabsorption syndromes, chronic kidney disease, and those following strict vegan diets.

In the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, vitamin D2 is available in various forms, including crystalline powder, oil solutions, and water-dispersible powders. Its stability and compatibility with a wide range of excipients make it suitable for tablets, capsules, softgels, and fortified foods. As a leading supplier of vitamin D2, LyvBio offers high-purity ergocalciferol that meets or exceeds USP, EP, and BP standards, ensuring consistent quality for your formulation needs.

Function

• Calcium homeostasis: Regulates intestinal calcium absorption and renal calcium reabsorption.
• Bone health: Promotes bone mineralization and prevents rickets and osteomalacia.
• Immune modulation: Modulates both innate and adaptive immune responses.
• Cell differentiation: Influences cell growth and differentiation in various tissues.
• Phosphate regulation: Maintains adequate serum phosphate levels for skeletal health.

Source & Standardization

• Source: Ergosterol from yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) or fungi, irradiated with UV light.
• Production: Ergosterol is extracted and purified, then subjected to controlled UV irradiation to yield vitamin D2, followed by crystallization and drying.
• Standardization: ≥ 97.0% (HPLC), meeting USP, EP, and BP monographs.
• Forms: Crystalline powder, oil solutions (e.g., in soybean oil), and water-dispersible powder (e.g., with gum arabic).
• Applications: Dietary supplements, food fortification (dairy, cereals, beverages), pharmaceutical formulations, and clinical nutrition.

Specifications

Documentation & Supply

• Monthly capacity: 5 metric tons
• Lead time: 3-5 business days (stock items)
• Documentation: COA, MSDS, TDS, and regulatory support available upon request
• Packaging: 1 kg, 5 kg, and 25 kg fiber drums with double polyethylene liners, or as per customer requirements

Request For Quote

• LyvBio Co., Ltd. — Email: info@lyvbio.com