Is Ergosterol Found in Humans?

In human nutrition, ergosterol is a provitamin form of vitamin D2; exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light causes a chemical reaction that produces vitamin D2.

Where can ergosterol be found?

Ergosterol is a sterol that resides on the cell membranes of fungi and acts to maintain cell membrane integrity, similar to mammalian cholesterol. Polyene antimycotic agents (amphotericin B, nystatin) are a subset of macrolide antibiotics that bind to ergosterol on the cell membranes of fungi.

What is the source of ergosterol?

Commercially, ergosterol is produced from yeast and then converted into vitamin D2, which is used as a food supplement.

Marcus Vance

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.