Product Overview

Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol, INCI: Ergocalciferol, CAS 50-14-6, C₂₈H₄₄O, MW 396.65 g/mol, Synonyms: Calciferol, Viosterol, (3β,5Z,7E,22E)-9,10-Secoergosta-5,7,10(19),22-tetraen-3-ol, Ergosterol irradiated, Oleovitamin D2, Activated Ergosterol) is a fermentation-derived secosteroid pro-hormone produced through a sophisticated two-stage biotechnological process. Stage 1: Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast fermentation — yeast naturally synthesizes ergosterol (provitamin D2, a 5,7-diene sterol) as its primary cell membrane sterol, analogous to cholesterol in mammalian cells. The ergosterol is extracted and purified from the yeast biomass. Stage 2: UV-B photochemical conversion — purified ergosterol dissolved in a suitable solvent (typically diethyl ether or ethanol) is irradiated with UV-B light at 280-320 nm (peak conversion efficiency at 295-300 nm). The UV-B photon triggers a conrotatory 6π-electron electrocyclic ring-opening of the cyclohexadiene B-ring in ergosterol, breaking the C9-C10 bond to form the cis-triene chromophore (5,7,10(19)-triene system) — the characteristic vitamin D secosteroid structure. This produces pre-vitamin D2 (previtamin D2, tachysterol-like intermediate), which then undergoes a spontaneous thermal 1,7-sigmatropic hydrogen shift to form the stable ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) product. Post-irradiation purification via chromatography and crystallization yields the final high-purity ergocalciferol. Once ingested, D2 follows the same metabolic activation pathway as D3: hepatic 25-hydroxylation by CYP2R1 (and to a lesser extent CYP27A1) in the liver endoplasmic reticulum produces 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 [25(OH)D2] — the major circulating form and clinical biomarker of vitamin D status. Renal 1α-hydroxylation by CYP27B1 in the proximal tubule mitochondria converts 25(OH)D2 to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 [1,25(OH)₂D2] — the biologically active hormone (calcitriol analog). 1,25(OH)₂D2 binds the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a nuclear receptor that heterodimerizes with the retinoid X receptor (RXR). The VDR-RXR complex binds vitamin D response elements (VDREs) in promoter regions of target genes, recruiting coactivators (SRC-1, DRIP/TRAP complex) to regulate transcription of genes controlling intestinal calcium absorption (TRPV6, calbindin-D9k), bone mineralization (osteocalcin, RANKL, FGF23), immune modulation (cathelicidin, CYP24A1), and cell proliferation/differentiation (p21, p27). Structural distinction from D3: Vitamin D2 carries a C22-C23 double bond and a C24 methyl group in its side chain — features absent in D3 (cholecalciferol). The C22-C23 double bond extends conjugation into the side chain, giving D2 slightly different UV absorption characteristics (λmax 265 nm for the cis-triene chromophore) and the C24 methyl group introduces steric effects that reduce DBP (vitamin D binding protein) affinity by approximately 2-3 fold compared to 25(OH)D3, contributing to the ~30% shorter serum half-life at supra-physiological bolus doses. Historical significance: Vitamin D2 was the first vitamin D discovered — in 1924, Alfred Hess and Harry Steenbock independently demonstrated that UV irradiation of foods (including yeast and plant oils) conferred antirachitic activity, leading to the identification of ergocalciferol as the active principle. This discovery virtually eradicated nutritional rickets in the developed world and earned Windaus the 1928 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for sterol and vitamin research.

As a leading ergocalciferol manufacturer and bulk supplier, UPOR Biotech provides high-purity vitamin D2 for B2B nutraceutical brands, pharmaceutical companies, food and beverage manufacturers, contract manufacturers, and private-label formulators worldwide. The global shift toward plant-based nutrition — with the vegan supplement market projected to exceed $31 billion by 2030 — makes vegan-certified vitamin D2 a strategic ingredient for forward-looking brands. D2 is the only vitamin D approved for plant-based food fortification (USP/FCC monographs) in products such as soy milk, oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, cereals, breads, orange juice, and margarine — applications where animal-derived D3 is incompatible with vegan product claims and labeling. UPOR Biotech offers five distinct product forms: crystalline powder ≥97% HPLC (nutraceutical grade for capsules/tablets), crystalline ≥99% HPLC (pharma grade/USP for Rx and premium supplements), oil concentrate 1,000,000 IU/g (for softgels and oil-based delivery), powder 100,000 IU/g on carrier (for pre-mixes and direct compression), and microencapsulated beadlets with water-dispersible variants (for food fortification and aqueous systems). OEM and private label formulations available with flexible MOQ starting at 1 kg for crystalline/powder and 5 kg for oil/beadlets. Free sample available for qualified B2B buyers. Every shipment includes full documentation: COA, MSDS, HPLC chromatogram with UV λmax 265 nm confirmation, USP/EP monograph compliance certificate, and comprehensive stability data.

Vitamin D2 vs Vitamin D3 — The Vegan vs Animal-Derived Vitamin D Comparison: Why Ergocalciferol From Yeast Is the ONLY Plant-Based Vitamin D for Global Food Fortification

Comparing vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) reveals critical differences in source, structure, stability, and market positioning. Source: D2 is fermentation-derived from yeast ergosterol — a completely vegan, plant-based, sustainable bioprocess requiring no animal inputs. D3 is overwhelmingly derived from lanolin (sheep wool grease) — an animal byproduct of the wool industry — with only a tiny fraction produced from lichen at 10-20× the cost. Structure & Stability: D2’s side chain contains a C22-C23 double bond and C24 methyl group that D3 lacks; this extended conjugation provides D2 with superior photostability and thermostability — a critical advantage in food processing, UV-exposed packaging, and long-shelf-life formulations. Clinical Efficacy: At physiological doses (600-2000 IU/day) — the range used in virtually all dietary supplements and fortified foods — D2 and D3 are equally effective at raising and maintaining serum 25(OH)D concentrations. D3’s ~30% longer half-life is only observed at supra-physiological bolus doses (>50,000 IU), attributable to stronger DBP affinity from the D3 side chain lacking the C22-C23 double bond and C24 methyl steric hindrance. Regulatory & Market: D2 is the only vitamin D approved for vegan/plant-based food fortification under USP/FCC monographs — soy, oat, almond, and coconut milks, cereals, breads, orange juice, and margarine all require D2 for vegan labeling compliance. D2 dominates the $31B+ plant-based nutrition market. Both forms are essential therapeutic agents — prescription ergocalciferol 50,000 IU capsules remain a standard of care for vitamin D deficiency. The optimal portfolio strategy: D2 for vegan/plant-based and food fortification products + D3 for animal-derived supplement lines — covering the full market with the right vitamin D for each consumer segment.

Technical Specifications

PropertySpecification
Product NameVitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) — Nutraceutical Grade (≥97% HPLC) / Pharma Grade (≥99% USP/EP)
INCI NameErgocalciferol
Common Name / SynonymsErgocalciferol; Vitamin D2; Calciferol; Viosterol; (3β,5Z,7E,22E)-9,10-Secoergosta-5,7,10(19),22-tetraen-3-ol; Ergosterol irradiated; Oleovitamin D2; Activated Ergosterol
CAS Number50-14-6
Molecular FormulaC₂₈H₄₄O
Molecular Weight396.65 g/mol
SourceFermentation-derived — ergosterol from Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast → UV-B irradiation (280-320 nm) → photochemical ring-opening → ergocalciferol. VEGAN, plant-based, bioidentical.
Key DifferentiatorThe ONLY vegan vitamin D source — from yeast ergosterol, not animal lanolin (D3/cholecalciferol source). Vitamin D2 was the FIRST vitamin D discovered (1924, Hess/Steenbock).
Vitamin D ClassType C — Non-HA Bioactive (no molecular weight comparison required)
AppearanceWhite to slightly yellowish crystalline powder (crystalline grade); clear pale yellow viscous oil (oil concentrate); off-white to cream free-flowing powder (powder/beadlet grades)
Assay (Nutraceutical Grade)≥97.0% (HPLC, anhydrous basis)
Assay (Pharma Grade)≥99.0% (HPLC, anhydrous basis) — USP/EP monograph compliant
IdentificationIR spectrum conforms to USP/EP Ergocalciferol RS; HPLC retention time matches reference standard; UV λmax at 265 nm (conjugated cis-triene chromophore, 5,7,10(19)-triene system)
UV Absorption Maximum (λmax)265 nm — characteristic of the vitamin D cis-triene (5,7,10(19)-triene) chromophore system. A¹%₁cm ≈ 460 (ethanol)
Specific Optical Rotation[α]²⁰D = +102.5° to +107.5° (c = 1.0, ethanol)
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) Content≤1.0% (HPLC) — critical quality parameter confirming vegan/plant-based origin; absence of animal-derived D3
Ergosterol Content≤1.0% (HPLC) — residual provitamin D2, confirms complete photochemical conversion
Oil Concentrate Potency1,000,000 IU/g (equivalent to 25 mg ergocalciferol per gram) — medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) or sunflower oil carrier
Dry Powder Potency100,000 IU/g (equivalent to 2.5 mg ergocalciferol per gram) — on modified starch or maltodextrin carrier with antioxidant (dl-α-tocopherol)
Microencapsulated Beadlets100,000 IU/g; cold-water-dispersible form also available. Gelatin (bovine/porcine-free options) or plant-based (modified starch/alginate) matrix. Particle size: 180-250 μm (40-80 mesh).
Loss on Drying≤1.0% (crystalline; 60°C vacuum, 3 hours); ≤0.5% (powder/beadlets; 105°C, 2 hours)
Melting Point115 – 118°C (crystalline ergocalciferol)
SolubilityPractically insoluble in water; freely soluble in ethanol (96%), acetone, chloroform, diethyl ether, and fatty oils (MCT, sunflower, olive oil)
Heavy Metals (Total)≤10 ppm (as Pb)
Elemental ImpuritiesPb ≤2 ppm; As ≤1 ppm; Hg ≤1 ppm; Cd ≤1 ppm (USP <232> / ICH Q3D compliant)
Microbial LimitsTAMC ≤100 CFU/g; TYMC ≤10 CFU/g (USP <61> / EP <2.6.12>); Pathogens (E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa) — Absent in 10 g (USP <62> / EP <2.6.13>)
Residual SolventsUSP <467> / EP <5.4> / ICH Q3C Class 3 compliant
Grade / StandardsNutraceutical Grade (≥97% HPLC) / Pharma Grade (≥99% HPLC, USP/EP monograph compliant)
CertificationsISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000, HACCP, FDA Facility Registration, HALAL, KOSHER, Non-GMO, Vegan Certified
Packaging100 g / 500 g / 1 kg sealed aluminum foil bags with PE liner (crystalline); 1 kg / 5 kg HDPE bottles under nitrogen blanket (oil); 5 kg / 25 kg fiber drums with double PE liner and vacuum-sealed aluminum barrier bag (powder/beadlets)
Storage2 – 8°C, tightly sealed in original container, protect from light and oxygen. Store under inert gas (nitrogen/argon) headspace after opening. Do not freeze.
Shelf Life3 years from date of manufacture under recommended storage conditions (2-8°C, protected from light, sealed under inert atmosphere)

Key Benefits — Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)

The ONLY Vegan Vitamin D — Yeast Fermentation, Zero Animal Inputs

D2 is the sole 100% plant-based vitamin D available — produced from Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast ergosterol via UV-B photochemistry. No lanolin, no animal byproducts. Essential for vegan supplements, plant-based food fortification, and brands serving the $31B+ global plant-based nutrition market.

Vegan Certified

Clinically Equivalent at Physiological Doses — 600-2000 IU/Day

D2 and D3 are equally effective at raising and maintaining serum 25(OH)D at physiological doses (600-2000 IU/day) — the range used in virtually all dietary supplements and fortified foods. Full metabolic activation via CYP2R1 → 25(OH)D2 → CYP27B1 → 1,25(OH)₂D2 → VDR-RXR gene transcription.

Clinically Equivalent

Superior Photostability & Thermostability vs D3 — Extended Shelf Life

The C22-C23 double bond and C24 methyl group in the D2 side chain provide extended conjugation and steric protection — making ergocalciferol more resistant to UV photodegradation and thermal isomerization than D3. Critical advantage for food processing, transparent packaging, and long-shelf-life formulations.

Enhanced Stability

Multiple Forms for Every Application — Crystalline to Water-Dispersible

Five product forms: crystalline ≥97% (nutraceutical), crystalline ≥99% (pharma/USP), oil 1,000,000 IU/g, powder 100,000 IU/g, microencapsulated beadlets with water-dispersible option. Covers capsules, tablets, softgels, sachets, food fortification, and aqueous beverage systems.

5 Product Forms

Applications

Vegan & Plant-Based Dietary Supplements — Capsules, Tablets, Softgels, Gummies

D2 at 400-2000 IU per dose in vegan-certified supplement formats. The only vitamin D compatible with Vegan Society, Vegan Action, and plant-based certifications. Crystalline, oil, and powder forms for all delivery formats. OEM and private label formulations available with flexible MOQ starting at 1 kg.

Plant-Based Milk & Beverage Fortification — Soy, Oat, Almond, Coconut

Water-dispersible microencapsulated D2 beadlets for plant-based milk fortification at 40-140 IU/100g (US FDA standard) or per local regulations. Cold-water-dispersible grade designed specifically for UHT and HTST pasteurized beverage systems — no flocculation, no ring formation.

Food Fortification — Cereals, Breads, Orange Juice, Margarine

D2 powder 100,000 IU/g and microencapsulated beadlets for dry and liquid food fortification per USP/FCC monographs. Stable through baking, extrusion, and thermal processing. The only vitamin D approved for vegan/plant-based food labeling under international food regulations.

Pharmaceutical Vitamin D Deficiency Treatment — Rx Ergocalciferol 50,000 IU

Pharma grade ≥99% HPLC (USP/EP monograph) for prescription ergocalciferol 50,000 IU capsules — standard of care for vitamin D deficiency, malabsorption syndromes, hypoparathyroidism, and renal osteodystrophy. Full DMF and regulatory support available.

Infant & Pediatric Nutrition — Formula and Pediatric Drops

High-purity pharma grade D2 in oil concentrate (1,000,000 IU/g) for infant formula fortification and pediatric vitamin D drops (400 IU/day AAP recommendation). Stringent quality specifications with complete elemental impurity and microbial panel per USP/EP pediatric standards.

Cosmetic & Personal Care — Vitamin D Fortified Skincare

D2 in oil and microencapsulated forms for vitamin D-fortified creams, lotions, balms, and sun care after-sun products. Anti-inflammatory, keratinocyte differentiation, and skin barrier support properties via VDR-mediated gene transcription in epidermal keratinocytes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol, CAS 50-14-6, C₂₈H₄₄O, MW 396.65 g/mol) is a secosteroid pro-hormone produced by a two-stage biotechnological process. Stage 1 — Yeast Fermentation: Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast is fermented under controlled conditions to maximize ergosterol biosynthesis. Ergosterol is the yeast’s primary membrane sterol (analogous to cholesterol in mammalian cells) and accumulates in the yeast cell membrane during the stationary phase of fermentation. The ergosterol is solvent-extracted and purified from the yeast biomass. Stage 2 — UV-B Photochemistry: Purified ergosterol in solution is irradiated with UV-B light at 280-320 nm (peak conversion at 295-300 nm). The UV-B photon triggers a conrotatory 6π-electron electrocyclic ring-opening of the cyclohexadiene B-ring (5,7-diene system), breaking the C9-C10 bond to form the cis-triene (5,7,10(19)-triene) chromophore characteristic of vitamin D. This produces pre-vitamin D2, which undergoes a spontaneous thermal 1,7-sigmatropic hydrogen shift to form the stable ergocalciferol. The entire process is vegan — no animal-derived materials are used at any stage. UPOR Biotech provides fermentation-derived, bioidentical ergocalciferol in crystalline, oil, powder, and microencapsulated forms for global supplement, food fortification, and pharmaceutical markets.

Vitamin D2 is the sole 100% plant-based vitamin D — produced from yeast ergosterol with zero animal inputs, making it irreplaceable for: (1) Vegan and plant-based dietary supplements — the only vitamin D compatible with Vegan Society, Vegan Action, and plant-based certifications for the global vegan market projected at $31+ billion by 2030. (2) Food fortification of plant-based milks (soy, oat, almond, coconut), cereals, breads, orange juice, and margarine — where animal-derived D3 (from lanolin) is incompatible with vegan product claims and labeling regulations. (3) Pharmaceutical vitamin D deficiency treatment — prescription ergocalciferol 50,000 IU capsules are a standard of care worldwide, with decades of clinical use and pharmacopeial monographs (USP/EP/BP/JP). (4) Superior stability — D2’s C22-C23 double bond and C24 methyl group in the side chain provide enhanced photostability and thermostability versus D3, reducing degradation during food processing and extending product shelf life. (5) Historical precedence and regulatory acceptance — D2 was the first vitamin D discovered (1924, Hess/Steenbock) and has the longest track record of safe use in food fortification and supplementation. UPOR Biotech’s ergocalciferol is Vegan Certified, Non-GMO, HALAL, and KOSHER — meeting the most stringent global dietary, ethical, and religious requirements.

The differences between D2 and D3 span structure, source, stability, and clinical pharmacology. Structure: D2 has a C22-C23 double bond and a C24 methyl group in its side chain; D3 lacks both — this structural distinction is the basis for all functional differences. Source: D2 is fermentation-derived from yeast ergosterol (vegan, plant-based); D3 is derived from lanolin (sheep wool grease — an animal byproduct) or, at much higher cost, from lichen. Stability: D2’s extended conjugation (C22-C23 double bond) and steric protection (C24 methyl) make it more photostable and thermostable than D3 — a critical advantage in food processing and shelf life. Metabolism: Both follow the identical activation pathway — hepatic 25-hydroxylation (CYP2R1) → renal 1α-hydroxylation (CYP27B1) → VDR-RXR binding → gene transcription. Clinical Efficacy: At physiological doses (600-2000 IU/day), D2 and D3 are equally effective at raising and maintaining serum 25(OH)D concentrations. At supra-physiological bolus doses (>50,000 IU), D3 shows a ~30% longer serum half-life due to stronger DBP (vitamin D binding protein) affinity — the D3 side chain (lacking the C22-C23 double bond and C24 methyl) fits more tightly into the DBP binding pocket. This difference is clinically relevant only for high-dose bolus regimens, not daily supplementation. Market Position: D2 dominates vegan supplements and plant-based food fortification; D3 dominates conventional animal-derived supplements. A comprehensive vitamin D portfolio includes both forms to serve all consumer segments.

UPOR Biotech offers ergocalciferol in five distinct product forms: (1) Crystalline powder ≥97% HPLC (Nutraceutical Grade) — the standard form for capsules, tablets, and dry powder formulations. (2) Crystalline powder ≥99% HPLC (Pharma Grade/USP/EP monograph) — for pharmaceutical products, premium supplements, and applications requiring full pharmacopeial compliance. (3) Oil concentrate 1,000,000 IU/g (25 mg/g) — ergocalciferol dissolved in MCT or sunflower oil with antioxidant (dl-α-tocopherol) for softgels, liquid drops, and oil-based delivery systems. (4) Dry powder 100,000 IU/g (2.5 mg/g) — spray-dried on modified starch or maltodextrin carrier for pre-mixes, direct compression, sachets, and powdered beverages. (5) Microencapsulated beadlets 100,000 IU/g with cold-water-dispersible option — for food fortification (plant milks, cereals, beverages), aqueous formulations, and applications requiring protection from oxidation and light. Recommended dosage by application: Dietary supplements: 400-2000 IU/day per capsule/tablet/softgel (the most common supplement dose range). Food fortification: per local regulatory guidelines — typical ranges 40-140 IU/100g for milk and milk alternatives (US FDA), 40-200 IU/100g for cereals and grain products. Pediatric drops: 400 IU/day (AAP recommendation for breastfed and partially breastfed infants). Pharmaceutical deficiency treatment: 50,000 IU ergocalciferol once weekly for 8 weeks (standard Rx regimen for vitamin D deficiency), or per prescribing physician guidelines.

Every shipment includes: COA (HPLC purity ≥97.0% or ≥99.0% per grade, full impurity profile including ergosterol content ≤1.0% and vitamin D3 content ≤1.0%, heavy metals ≤10 ppm with Pb ≤2 ppm / As ≤1 ppm / Hg ≤1 ppm / Cd ≤1 ppm, residual solvents per USP <467> / EP <5.4> / ICH Q3C, microbial panel per USP <61>/<62> and EP <2.6.12>/<2.6.13>, UV λmax 265 nm confirmation, specific optical rotation), MSDS, HPLC Chromatogram (signed and dated with UV detection at 265 nm), USP/EP Monograph Compliance Certificate (pharma grade), BSE/TSE-Free Statement, Non-GMO Statement, Vegan Certified Statement, Allergen Statement, HALAL Certificate, KOSHER Certificate, ISO 22000 + HACCP, ISO 9001:2015, FDA Facility Registration, Stability Data (25°C/60%RH real-time 36-month and 40°C/75%RH accelerated 6-month, with potency assay at each time point), and Complete Lot Traceability from yeast fermentation batch through ergosterol extraction, UV-B irradiation, purification, and final packaging. Free sample available for qualified B2B buyers. MOQ: 1 kg for crystalline/powder; 5 kg for oil/beadlets. All documents provided in English.