Vitamin D2 Ergocalciferol

Ergocalciferol (CAS 50-14-6), traded as Vitamin D2, is a plant-derived form of vitamin D produced through UV irradiation of ergosterol. Also marketed as Viosterol and Deltalin.

Where is Vitamin D2 Ergocalciferol used?

• Food and beverage: fortification of dairy alternatives, cereals and infant formula where plant-based sourcing is required
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: active ingredient in vitamin D deficiency treatments; also used as starting material for APIs.
• Nutraceutical contract manufacturing: softgels and powdered blends
• Cosmetics and personal care: skin-conditioning products for barrier support and nutrient delivery
• It functions as a bioactive nutrient supplement in food fortification, pharmaceutical dosage forms and cosmetic preparations.
• Analytical reference material for identification, assay and quality control testing in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical analysis.
• Incorporation into controlled-release matrices, enabled by the crystalline structure.

Good to know: Recognized grades include USP, BP and Ph. Eur., supporting regulatory compliance in pharmaceutical and food applications.

Formulation notes

• Compared to colecalciferol, ergocalciferol produces lower circulating calcidiol concentrations and generally has a lower effect.
• Concurrent use of thiazide diuretics in hypoparathyroid patients treated with ergocalciferol may cause hypercalcemia.

Typical specification

• Potency: 40,000,000 IU per gram.
• Specific grades available on the market include base, salt, micronized, or specific purity.
• Typical appearance: white, colorless crystals; insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents, slightly soluble in vegetable oils.
• One USP unit of vitamin D2 equals one International Unit; 1 mcg equals 40 IU.

Regulatory status

• Classified as transport class 6.1, packing group II.
• Assigned UN number UN2811.
• A chemical substance under the Turkish KKDIK Regulation; annual manufacture or import of 1 tonne or more triggers a KKDIK registration obligation.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Suppliers must provide evidence of identity, secosteroid purity, and photodegradation control, along with documented stability under light-protected conditions.
• Protect from light and moisture.
• Stored at 2 to 8 °C protected from light and moisture.

Frequently asked questions about Vitamin D2 Ergocalciferol

How is the purity of ergocalciferol assessed?

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is typically used to assess the purity of Ergocalciferol.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.