Ergosterol (Noun)
Meaning
A plant sterol that is converted into vitamin D by ultraviolet radiation.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Ergosterol is found in various types of fungi and is converted to vitamin D2 upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight.
- In humans who follow a diet devoid of animal products, exposure of skin to sunlight causes the conversion of ergosterol in fungi to vitamin D2.
- Some species of fungi naturally have high levels of ergosterol that is readily converted into vitamin D2 when exposed to UV light.
- Yeast and fungi are often used as dietary supplements since they contain ergosterol that is converted into vitamin D2 when exposed to UV light.
- Research has shown that mushrooms are rich in ergosterol, which is converted into vitamin D2 after exposure to UV radiation.