Cholecalciferol

/ˌkoʊliˌkælsɪˈfɛrɔl/ noun

Definition

Vitamin D3, a fat-soluble vitamin that your body produces when skin is exposed to sunlight and that helps you absorb calcium for strong bones.

Etymology

From Greek 'chole' (bile) + Latin 'calci-' (calcium) + '-fer' (bearing) + '-ol' (chemical alcohol). Named because it was first discovered in bile and carries calcium.

Kelly Says

Your skin is basically a vitamin factory—sunlight triggers a chemical reaction that creates cholecalciferol, which is why people in dark, cloudy climates historically developed rickets (weak bones). This single nutrient connects sunshine, bone health, and ancient migration patterns!

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