Vitamin D3
[CAS# 67-97-0]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Vitamins and minerals >> Vitamin AD drugs
• Name: Vitamin D3
• Synonyms: 9,10-Secocholesta-5,7,10(19)-trien-3beta-ol; Cholecalciferol
• Molecular Formula: C₂₇H₄₄O
• Molecular Weight: 384.64
• CAS Registry Number: 67-97-0 (8050-67-7 / 8024-19-9)
• EC Number: 200-673-2
• SMILES: C[C@H](CCCC(C)C)[C@H]1CC[C@@H]2[C@@]1(CCC/C2=CC=C/3C[C@H](CCC3=C)O)C

Properties

• Melting point: 82-87 °C
• alpha: 105 ° (c=0.8, EtOH 25 °C)
• Water solubility: <0.1 g/L (20 °C)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS06;GHS08 Danger
• Risk Statements: H330-H310-H300-H372
• Safety Statements: S28A;S36/37;S45

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	2	H330
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	1	H372
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H311
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	2	H300
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	2	H310
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	4	H413
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317

• Transport Information: UN 2811

Discovery and Applications

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, was first discovered in the early 20th century while studying rickets, a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency. In 1922, Elmer McCollum and his colleagues discovered that vitamin D is essential for bone health. The discovery of vitamin D3 was greatly advanced by Harry Steenbock's work in the 1920s, who demonstrated that ultraviolet (UV) light could increase the vitamin D content of food, thereby preventing rickets. Vitamin D3 is synthesized when the skin is exposed to UV light, and can also be obtained from dietary sources and supplements.

Vitamin D3 plays a vital role in maintaining bone health. It helps the intestine absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for the formation and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. A lack of vitamin D3 can lead to bone diseases such as osteoporosis in adults and rickets in children.

Vitamin D3 is important for the immune system. It regulates immune responses and enhances the body's ability to fight infection. Research suggests that adequate vitamin D3 levels may reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases and improve overall immune function.

Emerging research suggests that vitamin D3 may have a protective effect on cardiovascular health. It is thought to promote heart health by influencing blood pressure regulation and reducing inflammation, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.

Vitamin D3 is widely used in dietary supplements to prevent and treat deficiency. It is often included in multivitamins and specialized formulas designed to improve bone health, support immune function, and address specific health issues associated with vitamin D deficiency.

In many countries, vitamin D3 is added to staple foods such as milk, cereal, and orange juice. This fortification helps ensure that people get enough vitamin D, especially in areas with limited sunlight exposure where natural synthesis of vitamin D3 in the skin is reduced.

References

1966. Absorption of Calcium in Man: Effect of Disease, Hormones and Vitamin D. Calcified Tissues 1965.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-85841-3_40

2022. Effects of Vitamin D3 Supplementation and Resistance Training on 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Status and Functional Performance of Older Adults: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 14(1).
DOI: 10.3390/nu14010086

2022. Affinity-based protein profiling identifies vitamin D3 as a heat shock protein 70 antagonist that regulates hedgehog transduction in murine basal cell carcinoma. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 228.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114005