Cholecalciferol

Cholecalciferol

Cholecalciferol was first described in 1936. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. Cholecalciferol is available as a generic medication and over the counter.

Structure of vitamin D3

Cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3 which is made by the skin when exposed to sunlight; it is also found in some foods and can be taken as a dietary supplement. It is used to treat and prevent vitamin D deficiency and associated diseases, including rickets. It is also used for familial hypophosphatemia, hypoparathyroidism that is causing low blood calcium, and Fanconi syndrome. It is usually taken by mouth.

Excessive doses can result in

• vomiting, 
• constipation, 
• weakness, and 
• confusion.
• Other risks include kidney stones.
• Normal doses are safe in pregnancy.
• It may not be effective in people with severe kidney disease.

Cholecalciferol is made in the skin following UVB light exposure. It is converted in the liver to calcifediol (25-hydroxyvitamin D) which is then converted in the kidney to calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D). One of its actions is to increase the uptake of calcium by the intestines.

It is found in food such as

• some fish, 
• cheese, and 
• eggs.
• Certain foods such as milk have cholecalciferol added to them in some countries.