What is "dihydrotachysterol"

n. A synthetic vitamin D analogue, activated in the liver, that does not require renal hydroxylation like vitamins D₂ and D₃.

Dihydrotachysterol (DHT) is a synthetic vitamin D analog activated in the liver that does not require renal hydroxylation like vitamin D ( ergocalciferol) and vitamin D ( cholecalciferol). DHT has a rapid onset of action (2 hours), a shorter half-life, and a greater effect on mineralization of bone salts than does vitamin D.