Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)

Ergocalciferol is the D2 form of vitamin D, CAS 50-14-6, molecular formula C28H44O, molecular weight 396.65. It differs from cholecalciferol by an extra methyl group and a double bond in the side chain, and it is produced by ultraviolet irradiation of ergosterol recovered from yeast, typically Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or from fungal biomass. Because the precursor is fungal rather than animal, ergocalciferol is inherently non-animal and is the usual choice where a vegetarian or vegan declaration is required without recourse to lichen-derived D3. Pharmacopoeial crystalline material assays 97.0 to 103.0 per cent C28H44O under USP, Ph. Eur. and BP, and like D3 it is rated at 1 IU per 0.025 µg, giving 40,000,000 IU per gram for the pure substance. Vitamin D in either form contributes to normal absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus and to the maintenance of normal bone. Ergocalciferol is offered as pharmacopoeial crystals at 40 MIU/g and as a diluted free-flowing powder at 100,000 IU/g, equivalent to 0.25 per cent D2, carried on a starch and acacia matrix with an added antioxidant. The crystalline grade is used by softgel and oral-solution manufacturers and by houses that prepare their own dilutions; the 100,000 IU/g powder is intended for direct blending into tablets, capsules, premixes, bakery and cereal systems and plant-based drinks, where the low active load and controlled particle behaviour give reliable content uniformity. Ergocalciferol is markedly sensitive to air, light, heat and moisture, degrading in dry air at elevated temperature, so all grades are packed in airtight light-resistant containers under nitrogen and are best held refrigerated; formulators normally pair it with a tocopherol or ascorbyl antioxidant system in the finished blend. Each batch is released with a certificate of analysis covering assay or potency by HPLC, identification by ultraviolet and infrared absorption, specific optical rotation, melting range, appearance, residual solvents, elemental impurities to ICH Q3D and microbiological limits on the diluted powder. Supporting documents include MSDS, certificate of origin, allergen, GMO and BSE/TSE statements, vegan and halal or kosher certificates where required, and stability data. Material is produced in GMP and FSSC 22000 certified facilities and exported with cold-chain handling for the crystalline grade.