What is "calcitriol"

n. (context biochemistry English) The active metabolite ''1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol'' of vitamin D3 that is involved in the absorption of calcium

Calcitriol ( INN), also called 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, is the hormonally active metabolite of vitamin D with three hydroxyl groups (abbreviated 1,25-(OH)D or simply 1,25(OH)D), It was first identified by Michael F. Holick in work published in 1971. Calcitriol increases the level of calcium (Ca) in the blood by increasing the uptake of calcium from the gut into the blood, and possibly increasing the release of calcium into the blood from bone.