Cholecalciferol

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) is a naturally occurring secosteroid and a key precursor in the vitamin D metabolic pathway. This inactive precursor to calcitriol (Vitamin D) is converted to active metabolites in vivo. Following hydroxylation in vivo, cholecalciferol is converted to biologically active Vitamin D metabolites that interact with the vitamin D receptor (VDR) to regulate gene expression. Cholecalciferol is widely used in biochemical, cell culture, and metabolic research to study Vitamin D signaling, calcium homeostasis, and endocrine regulation. Formulations containing Vitamin D3 have been used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) appears to stimulate the body's interferon type I signaling system that protects against bacteria and viruses.