Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3): A Compound for the Maintenance of Normal Skeleton Architecture and Mineral Homeostasis
Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D
3) is known for the maintenance of normal skeleton architecture and mineral homeostasis. Vitamin D
3 is synthesized from 7-dehydrocholesterol [CAS: 434-16-2] in the skin under the influence of UV light, or it is obtained from food, especially fatty fish. The transformation (hydroxylation) of vitamin D
3 is catalyzed by enzymes in the liver and the kidney to produce calcitriol [
C3078] (other name: 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D
3), the active form of vitamin D
3. Calcitriol is active in the regulation of the absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract. (The product is for research purpose only.)