Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin required by the body to maintain appropriate levels of calcium in the bloodstream. Vitamin D deficiency can occur as a result of intestinal disease that impairs fat absorption, kidney failure or insufficient exposure to sunlight. Ergocalciferol is a form of vitamin D that's available as an over-the-counter supplement or in higher doses as a prescription medication to treat vitamin D deficiencies, according to the Vitamin D Council.
Ergocalciferol
The active form in the human body, calcitriol, is converted in the kidneys from cholecalciferol, known as vitamin D3, following the skin's exposure to sunlight, or ergocalciferol, known as vitamin D2, which is a synthetic form of vitamin D used to fortify milk. Ergocalciferol is derived from the irradiation of sterols in fungus and added to fortify foods with vitamin D, the Vitamin D Council says.
Vitamin D Deficiency
As a result of vitamin D deficiency, impaired calcium absorption reduces the amount of calcium in the bloodstream, a condition known as hypocalcemia. During bone development, low calcium levels lead to a condition of soft bones known as rickets in children, or osteomalacia in adults. Hypocalcemia can also cause nausea, fatigue and muscle weakness. Patients at risk for vitamin D deficiency include people with kidney disease, impaired fat absorption or infrequent sunlight exposure, the Cleveland Clinic says.
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Because the body works to keep calcium levels fairly stable in the bloodstream, parathyroid hormone is secreted by the parathyroid gland in response to low calcium levels. Parathyroid hormone initiates the breakdown of bones to replace calcium absent in the bloodstream. Osteoporosis is a loss of bone density that can occur as a result of secondary hyperparathyroidism, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
Ergocalciferol Supplements
In order to treat vitamin D deficiencies, many patients are instructed to take supplements. Although ergocalciferol, known as vitamin D2, can be found as the active ingredient in numerous vitamin D products, research has shown that the body is more efficient in utilizing cholecalciferol, or vitamin D3, which is the more popular form of vitamin D supplementation. However, treatment of vitamin D deficiency initially may require a high dose of vitamin D. Because the risk of toxicity exists, especially with high doses of cholecalciferol, prescription high-dose ergocalciferol is available as 50,000IU capsules.
Ergocalciferol Safety
Patients using prescription high-dose ergocalciferol often have blood levels of vitamin D routinely checked by their physicians. Often, prescription-strength ergocalciferol is used temporarily to restore vitamin D levels. Supplements containing lower amounts of vitamin D are then used for maintenance following the initial repletion. Excess calcium levels, known as hypercalcemia, have been associated with vitamin D toxicity and can lead to kidney failure, cognitive impairment and the formation of kidney stones.
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