Description
Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and overall well‑being [1]. The body can produce it from sunlight, but many people don't get enough sun exposure-making supplements and fortified foods necessary. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is one of the two main forms of vitamin D. It is produced from ergosterol, a compound found in fungi, yeast, and plants, through UV irradiation [2]. This makes it a pure, plant‑derived source of vitamin D.
Think of vitamin D2 as a "pro‑hormone" that the body converts into its active form in two steps: first in the liver, then in the kidneys [3]. Once activated, it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, supports strong bones, and boosts the immune system [4]. For customers seeking a vegan‑friendly, non‑animal source of vitamin D, ergocalciferol is the ideal choice. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and complies with USP, EP, and FCC specifications worldwide.
Physicochemical Properties & Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 50-14-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₈H₄₄O |
| Molecular Weight | 396.65 – 396.70 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Odor / Taste | Odorless, tasteless |
| Melting Point | 111.0–118.0°C (decomposes) |
| Solubility in Water | Insoluble |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents | Soluble in ethanol, methanol, acetone, chloroform, diethyl ether, DMSO |
| Solubility in Vegetable Oils | Slightly soluble |
| Specific Optical Rotation | +102° to +107° (in ethanol) |
| Loss on Drying | ≤0.5% |
| Assay Purity | 97.0–103.0% (USP/EP specifications, on dried basis) |
| Storage Temperature | 2–8°C (refrigerated) |
| Storage Conditions | Hermetically sealed containers under nitrogen, protected from light |
| Shelf Life | 48 months under recommended storage |
| GHS Hazard Classification | GHS07 (may cause skin/eye irritation in concentrated form) |
Mechanism of Action
Vitamin D2 works like a key that unlocks your body's ability to use calcium and phosphorus. Here's how it happens in five steps.
Step 1 – Absorption
Vitamin D2 from food or supplements is absorbed in the small intestine with the help of dietary fat. Because vitamin D is fat‑soluble, the body can store it in fat tissue for later use.
Step 2 – Liver Activation (Storage Form)
Vitamin D2 travels to the liver, where an enzyme adds a hydroxyl group (–OH), forming 25‑hydroxyvitamin D (calcidiol) [2][6]. This is the main storage form of vitamin D and what doctors measure in blood tests.
Step 3 – Kidney Activation (Active Hormone)
The 25‑hydroxyvitamin D then goes to the kidneys, where a second enzyme adds another hydroxyl group to produce 1,25‑dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol) [2]. This is the fully active, hormonal form of vitamin D.
Step 4 – Cellular Action (The Master Switch)
Active vitamin D travels through the bloodstream and binds to the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) inside cells of the intestines, bones, kidneys, and immune system [1][7]. This binding turns specific genes on or off, controlling calcium absorption, bone mineralization, and immune responses.
Step 5 – Breakdown & Clearance
An enzyme called CYP24A1 breaks down used vitamin D molecules so they don't build up to toxic levels [2]. This is the body's natural "cleanup crew."
In a Nutshell:
| Step | Location | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Small intestine | Vitamin D2 is absorbed |
| 2 | Liver | Converted to 25(OH)D (storage form) |
| 3 | Kidneys | Converted to 1,25(OH)₂D (active form) |
| 4 | Cell nucleus (via VDR) | Turns genes on/off to regulate calcium, bone, and immunity |
| 5 | Various tissues | Used vitamin D is broken down |
So when you take vitamin D2, you are giving your body a compound that supports strong bones, a healthy immune system, and proper cellular function [1][4][7].
Health Benefits
1 Builds and Maintains Strong Bones
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, preventing rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults [3]. A 2026 meta‑analysis confirmed that vitamin D2 significantly increases serum calcium and lowers PTH, helping maintain bone strength, especially in older adults [5].
2 Supports Immune Function
Vitamin D receptors are found on immune cells, allowing vitamin D to enhance infection‑fighting responses while reducing harmful inflammation [1]. Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to protect against acute respiratory infections [4].
3 Regulates Calcium and Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
Low vitamin D triggers high PTH, which pulls calcium from bones. Vitamin D2 supplementation significantly reduces PTH levels, keeping this hormone in check [5].
4 Supports Heart and Metabolic Health
Vitamin D receptors are present in the heart muscle and blood vessels, suggesting direct cardiovascular effects [1]. Adequate vitamin D also supports healthy blood sugar metabolism [3].
5 Reduces Inflammation
Active vitamin D influences the production of inflammatory compounds, helping maintain a balanced immune response rather than chronic inflammation [1][4].
6 Supports Healthy Pregnancy
Vitamin D is crucial for fetal bone development and immune maturation. Adequate maternal levels are associated with a healthier pregnancy course, which is why many prenatal supplements include vitamin D [3].
Applications
1 Dietary Supplements
Vitamin D2 powder is used in multivitamins, standalone D2 supplements (400–50,000 IU), liquid drops, gummy vitamins, sublingual sprays, and combination formulas with calcium or vitamin K2. It is the preferred choice for vegan and plant‑based supplements.
2 Functional Foods and Beverages
Commonly fortifies plant‑based milks (soy, almond, oat), breakfast cereals, dairy products, nutritional beverages, orange juice, infant formula, margarine, and baked goods. Vitamin D2 is stable and effective in these applications.
3 Pharmaceutical Formulations
Used as an API in prescription high‑dose capsules (50,000 IU), intramuscular injections, oral tablets, and compounded formulations for treating vitamin D deficiency, hypoparathyroidism, rickets, and hypophosphatemia.
4 Animal Feed and Pet Nutrition
Added to poultry, swine, cattle, and aquaculture feed to support bone health and calcium absorption. Also used in pet food, especially plant‑based formulations.
5 Cell Culture and Biotechnology Research
Employed in mammalian cell culture media, VDR binding studies, immunological research, and fermentation media.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How stable is vitamin D2, and how should it be protected?
A: Vitamin D2 is sensitive to light, air, heat, and moisture. To maximize stability: use UV‑blocking packaging (amber glass, foil pouches), add antioxidants (tocopherols), store at 2–8°C, avoid high heat or shear processing, and consider microencapsulation. Properly formulated, it retains potency for up to 48 months.
Q: Is this product compliant with global regulations?
A: Yes. Manufactured in GMP‑certified facilities and complies with US (21 CFR §172.379), EU (EC 1925/2006, 2002/46/EC), China (GB 14880‑2012), and JECFA standards.
Q: What packaging options are available?
A: Aluminum foil bags (1–5 kg), sealed plastic drums (10–25 kg), fiber drums (25–50 kg), and customized packaging upon request. All packaging is light‑protective and hermetically sealed.
Q: What is your lead time for bulk orders?
A: For standard bulk orders (≥25 kg), lead time is typically 10–15 business days after order confirmation and payment.
Q: Do you offer custom formulations or encapsulation services?
A: We offer custom micronization, microencapsulation (to improve stability and shelf life), custom premixes with other vitamins and minerals, and spray‑dried formulations. Please contact our technical team to discuss your specific formulation requirements.
Why Choose Us?
Your Professional Manufacturing & Sourcing Partner
We are more than a supplier - we are a comprehensive supply chain partner dedicated to high-quality ingredients, custom formulations, and finished products across multiple industries.
Professional Expertise
With years of experience in plant extracts, food additives, cosmetic raw materials, and nutritional ingredients, our team brings deep technical knowledge and market insight to every partnership.
01
Diverse Product Range
We offer a broad range of products, including food additives, plant extracts, fruit & vegetable powders, cosmetic actives, and functional food ingredients.
02
One-Stop Shop
Raw Materials: High-purity ingredients for food, beverage, supplement, and cosmetic applications.
Finished Products: In-house manufacturing of capsules, soft gels, gummies, liquid drops, and blended powders.
03
OEM/ODM/OBM Services
Label Design & Packaging: Custom branding tailored to your target market.
Formulation & R&D: Expert support to develop custom blends, proprietary formulas, and innovative products.
Global Logistics: Reliable shipping, documentation, and customs clearance support.
04
Quality Assurance
Strict adherence to GMP standards and full regulatory transparency. We stay current with global requirements, including FDA GRAS, EFSA, and other regional regulations, to ensure your products meet the highest safety and compliance standards.
05
Act Now
Ready to formulate with premium Pure Vitamin D2 Powder?
- Request a Quote or Sample
- Request Documentation: COA, TDS, SDS, or regulatory compliance documents
- Bulk Orders & Contract Manufacturing: Inquire about volume discount schedules, long‑term supply agreements, and private‑label manufacturing.
- Sample Policy: Lab‑scale samples (10–100g) available for formulation development, stability testing, and quality evaluation.
Please contact us at ella.zhang@huilinbio-tech.com.
References
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