Cholecalciferol

Definition:

Cholecalciferol is the general chemical name for vitamin D₃. The two terms are interchangeable. Cholecalciferol has three forms:

1. Calcitol: Inactive form (made in the skin by UV light from the sun)
2. Calcidiol: Partially active form (circulates in the blood; made in the liver from calcitol)
3. Calcitriol: Active Vitamin D₃ (made in the kidneys from calcidiol)

Cholecalciferol is the type of vitamin D that is added to “enriched” or “fortified” foods.

In Depth: Vitamin D and High Blood Pressure

Also Known As: Vitamin D, Vitamin D₃