Vitamin D3 1,25 (OH)2D

Vitamin D3 1,25 (OH)2D

Vitamin D comes in two forms - as vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and D2 ergocalciferol.

Cholecalciferol is formed in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol, the so-called provitamin D3 under the influence of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. It is one of the few vitamins that our body can produce on its own.

Vitamin D2 is of plant origin and is contained in foods. These substances are activated by metabolism (hydroxylation).

In the liver, the derivative 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol (25-OHD3) is formed, in the kidneys by further hydroxylation 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (calcitriol), which is the most biologically active form of vitamin D3, exhibiting the properties of a hormone.

Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism, as well as many metabolic changes in the body and organ functions, has a strengthening effect on bones and inhibits their demineralization.