Ergocalciferol

/ˌɜrɡoʊˌkælsɪˈfɛrəl/ noun

Definition

Vitamin D2, a form of vitamin D produced by plants and fungi, often used in dietary supplements and food fortification.

Etymology

From 'ergon' (work, or referring to ergot fungus) and Latin 'calciferum' (calcium-bearing), this technical term names a crucial nutrient discovered in the early 20th century.

Kelly Says

Ergocalciferol is the plant world's answer to vitamin D—while animals make D3 from sunlight, mushrooms and fungi make D2, which is why vegans can get their vitamin D from fortified foods without ever seeing a cow.

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