Is Vitamin D3 The Same As Cholifercol?

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol or calciol, is the form of vitamin D produced naturally by the body and available in several food sources. Cholecalciferol is also available in many vitamin supplements, and is considered the form of vitamin D that is most potent and best absorbed by the body. Vitamin D3 is not the same as "cholifercol," which appears simply to be a misspelling of cholecalciferol.

Types of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is available in two primary forms. The first is vitamin D3, chemically known as cholecalciferol. Vitamin D3 is naturally synthesized by the human body when exposed to sunlight, and can also be produced in laboratories.

Another form of vitamin D is ergocalciferol, the chemical name of vitamin D2. This form of vitamin D is produced by some plants and can also be chemically synthesized.

Research published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" suggests that vitamin D2 is likely an inferior form of vitamin D compared to cholecalciferol.

Vitamin D's Role in the Body

Vitamin D is the most crucial biochemical enabling the body to properly manage calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D starts by promoting the absorption of calcium in food sources from the digestive tract into the blood. Once calcium reaches the blood, vitamin D enables bone building and remineralization, enabling the body to build initial bone and tooth structure during critical early childhood years, and constantly renewing bone and tooth strength throughout adulthood.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis and its precursor osteopenia, as well as rickets, a disease of bone weakening and deformation.

Vitamin D3 Sources

The human body can naturally synthesize its own vitamin D requirements with adequate sun exposure. The National Institutes of Health estimates that less than 30 minutes of skin exposure to midday sun, twice weekly, stimulates adequate natural cholecalciferol production.

Due to work schedule, climate and other factors, many people do not consistently attain this level of sun exposure.

Pasteurized milk is the single most important food source of vitamin D3 in the United States, particularly for children. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the fortification of pasteurized milk with vitamin D3 has virtually eradicated rickets. Certain fish, such as mackerel and sockeye salmon, also contain significant vitamin D3.

Vitamin D3 Recommended and Maximum Intakes

The Institute of Medicine, a division of the National Academies, advises a daily intake of 400 international units, or IU, of vitamin D for newborn infants, 600 IU for people age 1 to 70, and 800 daily IU from age 70 and above. The maximum tolerable "upper intake level" starts at 1,000 IU for newborns, and gradually moves upward until reaching 4,000 daily IU from age 9 through adulthood.

There remains some controversy about both the recommended and maximum daily intakes. Research indicates that acute toxic effects of vitamin D are unlikely below 10,000 IU, though long-term negative effects may be a risk. Treatment of vitamin D deficiency may rely on "megadoses" of vitamin D administered under medical supervision.

Before starting any vitamin D supplement, speak with your physician or a dietary specialist about your health needs.