nutrient
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
A vitamin D form made in skin after UVB exposure and found in some foods and fortified products.
Cholecalciferol is converted through liver and kidney steps to active vitamin D metabolites; skin synthesis and dietary intake are separate sources.
What the form means
Cholecalciferol is the form produced in skin and used in many foods and supplements. Skin synthesis and dietary intake are separate sources.
Forms
D3 is one of the two main forms of vitamin D.
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a named chemical form within its parent vitamin family.
Worth knowing
The skin and animal-food form. Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is made in skin after UVB exposure and is also found in some animal foods and fortified products. Skin production and dietary intake are separate sources of the same vitamin family.
A closer look
D2 and D3 can raise blood levels differently
Randomized studies have sometimes found D3 more effective than D2 at raising or maintaining serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, especially over longer intervals. The result depends on dose, duration and population; it does not make every D3 product interchangeable with every D2 product.
References
Source-checked local draft.
Human editorial review pending.