Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol): Specifications and Applications
🔬 Quick Facts
- Chemical Formula: C₂₇H₄₄O
- Molecular Weight: 384.64 g/mol
- Appearance: White crystalline solid
- Solubility: Organic solvents (insoluble in water)
- Measurement: International Units (IU)
Technical Overview
Vitamin D3, scientifically known as cholecalciferol, is a fat-soluble secosteroid that represents the natural form of vitamin D produced in human skin when exposed to ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
Chemical Properties
In its pure form, Vitamin D3 appears as a white crystalline solid that exhibits excellent solubility in organic solvents while remaining completely insoluble in water. This lipophilic nature is crucial for its biological function and formulation considerations.
💡 Key Insight: The biological significance of Vitamin D3 stems from its role as a precursor to calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol), the physiologically active form of vitamin D.
Biological Conversion Process
The conversion to the active form occurs through a carefully regulated hydroxylation process:
- First hydroxylation: Occurs in the liver, producing 25-hydroxyvitamin D3
- Second hydroxylation: Takes place in the kidneys, creating the active calcitriol
- Regulation: Controlled by parathyroid hormone and serum calcium levels
Applications & Advantages
Vitamin D3 finds extensive applications across multiple industries due to its crucial biological functions and proven health benefits.
✅ Market Growth: The global Vitamin D3 market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing awareness of vitamin D deficiency and its health implications.
🏥 Nutritional Supplements
The supplement industry represents the largest application segment for Vitamin D3:
- Deficiency Treatment: Dietary supplements addressing widespread vitamin D deficiency
- Food Fortification: Enhancement of dairy products, cereals, and juices
- Targeted Demographics: Specialized formulations for infants, elderly, and at-risk populations
- Bioavailability: Oil-based formulations for enhanced absorption
💊 Pharmaceutical Applications
Medical applications leverage Vitamin D3's therapeutic properties:
- Bone Health: Treatment of osteoporosis, rickets, and osteomalacia
- Calcium Regulation: Management of hypocalcemia and related disorders
- Immune Support: Therapeutic applications in immune system modulation
- Chronic Conditions: Adjuvant therapy for various metabolic disorders
🐄 Animal Nutrition
The animal feed industry utilizes Vitamin D3 for optimal livestock health:
- Poultry Industry: Feed additives enhancing egg production and bone development
- Livestock Nutrition: Supplements improving calcium metabolism and growth rates
- Pet Food: Fortification supporting overall companion animal health
- Aquaculture: Essential nutrient for fish and shellfish farming
⚠️ Regulatory Note: Vitamin D3 applications must comply with regional food safety and pharmaceutical regulations, with specific dosage limits varying by jurisdiction.
Commercial Development
The commercial journey of Vitamin D3 began with its isolation in the 1930s, following the discovery of vitamin D's role in preventing rickets. Industrial production commenced in the 1950s, primarily utilizing lanolin (wool grease) as the starting material for UV irradiation to produce cholecalciferol.
The global market has been dominated by established manufacturers including DSM (Quali-D® brand, Netherland), BASF(Germany), Zhejiang Garden Biochemical High-Tech(China), Jiangxi Tianxin Pharmaceutical(China), Taizhou Hisound Pharmaceutical(China), Fermenta Biotech Limited(India). These companies have continuously refined production methods, improving purity, stability, and formulation technologies to meet evolving industry requirements.
Recent decades have witnessed significant advancements in biotechnological approaches to Vitamin D3 production, alongside innovations in stabilization techniques that enhance product shelf-life and efficacy.
Current Offering
Shenzhen Bohr Chemical Co., Ltd currently distributes premium-quality Vitamin D3 in four key specifications from reliable manufacturers:
| Product | Specification | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin D3 Crystalline | 40M IU/G | Highest potency form ideal for pharmaceutical formulations or food/feed premixes requiring concentrated input |
| Vitamin D3 Oil | 1M IU/G | Enhanced bioavailability suitable for liquid supplements and soft gel capsules |
| Vitamin D3 Dry Powder | 100,000 IU/G | Excellent stability and ease of handling for food premix manufacturing and dry blending |
| Vitamin D3 Coated | 100,000 IU/G | Superior protection against environmental degradation with controlled release properties |
| Vegan sourced Vitamin D3 | 100,000 IU/G | Ideal for vegan-based products and dietary supplements |
Bohr Chemical serves both domestic and international clients with these specialized Vitamin D3 formulations, maintaining rigorous quality control standards and reliable supply chain management to ensure consistent product excellence.
For inquiries regarding Vitamin D3 specifications, applications, or procurement, contact Shenzhen Bohr Chemical Co., Ltd—your trusted partner in chemical distribution.