Cholecalciferol

Cholecalciferol is a fat-soluble vitamin that has the chemical formula C27H44O and a molecular weight of 384.6 gm/mole. It appears as colorless and odorless crystals with a melting point of 181.4°F. Although commonly known as Vitamin D3, cholecalciferol is actually a hormone. Cholecalciferol is synthesized naturally when human skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays from sunlight by chemically converting the precursor 7-dehydrocholesterol present in our skin into cholecalciferol. The cholecalciferol is converted by hydroxylation to calcidiol in the liver, and finally to calcitriol an active form of the hormone in the kidneys. In 1922 multiple scientists found cod-liver oil and milk helped children with Rickets. Ultimately they discovered how the body synthesizes Vitamin D. Additionally, Vitamin D helps regulate phosphorus and calcium levels in the body, which enables normal bone growth, combats bone diseases such as osteoporosis and aids in fighting respiratory diseases such as COVID-19.

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