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**Chemical name:** Ergocalciferol **Molecular formula:** C₂₈H₄₄O **Molar mass:** 396.63 g/mol **Description:** Vitamin D₂ (ergocalciferol), together with vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol) are the primary forms of vitamin D. Both are lipid-soluble compounds. **Effects:** Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating the body's mineral balance, particularly calcium and phosphate ions, which are essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Prolonged vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, a condition characterized by bone softening and decalcification. **Resource:** Vitamin D is rarely found in its active form in nature and is often present as a provitamin, which is converted to vitamin D through exposure to UV radiation. Natural sources of vitamin D include mushrooms, fish, beef liver, fish oil and chicken eggs.
