The key difference between calciferol and cholecalciferol is that calciferol is a form of vitamin D formed from the exposure of ergosterol found in yeast to ultraviolet light, while cholecalciferol is a form of vitamin D formed from the exposure of lanolin found in sheep to ultraviolet light.
Calciferol (vitamin D 2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) are two forms of vitamin D. They are slightly different in chemical structures. They are both absorbed well from the small intestine. Moreover, both forms raise the vitamin D level in the blood. Calciferol is derived from plant sources, while cholecalciferol is derived from animal sources.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Calciferol
3. What is Cholecalciferol
4. Similarities – Calciferol and Cholecalciferol
5. Calciferol vs Cholecalciferol in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Calciferol vs Cholecalciferol
What is Calciferol?
Calciferol is a form of vitamin D that is derived from exposing ergosterol found in yeast to ultraviolet light. It is also known as ergocalciferol or vitamin D2. It was discovered in 1931. It is a type of vitamin D and is normally used as a dietary supplement. Therefore, it can be used to prevent vitamin D deficiency. Calciferol is used to treat hypoparathyroidism (decreased function of parathyroid glands), rickets, or hypophosphatemia (low level of phosphate in the blood). It can be used by mouth or injection into a muscle.
The side effects of calciferol include thinking problems, changes in behaviour, irritability, urinating more than normal, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, metallic taste in the mouth, weight loss, muscle or bone pain, kidney stones, kidney failure, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Moreover, if high doses are taken for a long period of time, it causes tissue calcification. Normal doses are typically safe during pregnancy. Calciferol works by increasing the amount of calcium absorbed by the intestine and kidneys. The foods that are high in calciferol include some mushrooms, lichens, and Alfalfa. Furthermore, it is also found in the list of the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines.
What is Cholecalciferol?
Cholecalciferol is a form of vitamin D derived from exposing lanolin found in sheep to ultraviolet light. Cholecalciferol is also known as vitamin D3 or colecalciferol. Cholecalciferol was first synthesized in 1935. It is normally made by the skin when exposed to sunlight. It can be found in some food, such as some types of fish, beef liver, eggs, or cheese, and even can be taken as a dietary supplement. Cholecalciferol increases calcium uptake by the intestine. It can be taken as an oral dietary supplement to treat rickets, familial hypophosphatemia, hypoparathyroidism, Fanconi syndrome, and kidney diseases.
The side effects of cholecalciferol in humans include vomiting, constipation, weakness, confusion, and kidney stones. It is usually safe to consume in pregnancy as well. Furthermore, cholecalciferol is also found in the list of the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic medication and over-the-counter purchasing.
What are the Similarities Between Calciferol and Cholecalciferol?
- Calciferol and cholecalciferol are two forms of vitamin D.
- Both forms can be found in food.
- Both forms are absorbed well by the small intestine.
- They work by increasing the amount of calcium absorbed by the intestine and kidneys.
- Both forms are safe to consume in pregnancy.
- They are in the list of the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines.
- They are used as supplements to treat diseases.
- Both cause side effects when taken as supplements due to overdoses.
What is the Difference Between Calciferol and Cholecalciferol?
Calciferol is a form of vitamin D that is derived from exposing ergosterol found in yeast to ultraviolet light, while cholecalciferol is a form of vitamin D that is derived from exposing lanolin found in sheep to ultraviolet light. Thus, this is the key difference between calciferol and cholecalciferol.
The below infographic presents the differences between calciferol and cholecalciferol in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Calciferol vs Cholecalciferol
Calciferol and cholecalciferol are two forms of vitamin D. They are absorbed by the small intestine and work by increasing the amount of calcium absorbed by the intestine and kidneys. Moreover, they are taken in oral form to treat numerous diseases. Calciferol is derived from exposing ergosterol found in yeast to ultraviolet light, while cholecalciferol is derived from exposing lanolin found in sheep to ultraviolet light. So, this summarizes the difference between calciferol and cholecalciferol.
Reference:
1. “Side Effects of Calciferol (Ergocalciferol), Warnings, Uses.” RxList.
2. “Cholecalciferol.” An Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Vitamin D pills” By Mx. Granger – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Cholecalciferol” By Calvero – Own work (made with ChemDraw) (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia