vitamin D (redirected from vitamin D D2)

vitamin D

n.

A fat-soluble vitamin occurring in several forms, especially vitamin D₂ or vitamin D₃, required for normal growth of teeth and bones, and produced in general by ultraviolet irradiation of sterols found in milk, fish, and eggs.

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vitamin D₂

n.

A white crystalline compound, C₂₈H₄₄O, produced by ultraviolet irradiation of ergosterol. Also called calciferol, ergocalciferol.

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vitamin D

Any of a group of fat-soluble sterols necessary for normal bone growth, especially vitamin D₂ (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D is found in milk, fish, and eggs and can be produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight. A deficiency of vitamin D in the diet causes rickets in children.

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vitamin D₂

A white crystalline sterol produced by ultraviolet irradiation of ergosterol and also occurring naturally in fungi and some fish oils. Vitamin D₂ is the form of vitamin D generally used as a dietary supplement. Also called calciferol, ergocalciferol. Chemical formula: C₂₈H₄₄O.

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vitamin D₃

A colorless, crystalline steroid hormone that the body synthesizes in the skin when its precursor, a derivative of cholesterol, is irradiated by sunlight. Vitamin D₃ is also found in fish-liver oils, irradiated milk, and all irradiated animal foodstuffs. Also called calciferol, cholecalciferol. Chemical formula: C₂₇H₄₄O.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

vitamin D - a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets calciferol, cholecalciferol, D, ergocalciferol, viosterol ergosterol - a plant sterol that is converted into vitamin D by ultraviolet radiation fat-soluble vitamin - any vitamin that is soluble in fats