Function

Ergocalciferol is fat-soluble. This means that excess amounts of it are stored in the body tissues. Long-term high doses may be deposited in the soft tissues, irreversibly damage the kidneys and cardiovascular system. Like other fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin D can be toxic. Symptoms of too much vitamin D include nausea, weakness, constipation, irregular heartbeat, weight loss, seizures, and irritability.

Ergocalciferol is one of those vitamins for which a deficiency can cause severe effects. Children that do not get enough vitamin D in their diets are at increased risk of developing rickets, a disease that causes malformations of bones and teeth in children. Adults with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to develop osteomalacia (similar to rickets) and to suffer from osteoporosis, a bone-weakening disease.

Ergocalciferol also regulates the nervous system, aiding in the treatment of insomnia. A glass of warm milk before bed may indeed help you sleep soundly! Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to the development of other illnesses, including type I diabetes, muscle and bone pain, and cancer.

Application

As a food fortifier. Vitamin D2 can be used: milk and, margarine, dairy products, infant food, but also can be added to solid beverages, ice cream, soy milk powder, soy flour, ready-to-eat breakfast cereals.

Vitamin D2 /Ergocalciferol is one major form of vitamin D which can prevent and treat osteoporosis and rickets.It also has a part in cancer prevention,at least for colon cancer.