Novel cyclic ether vitamin D3 compounds having a cyclic ether side chain are disclosed. These compounds were first identified as metabolites of 3-epi vitamin D3 produced via a tissue-specific metabolic pathway which catalyzes the formation of a cyclic ether structure. Also disclosed are 1 alpha (OH) 3-epi vitamin D3 compounds, which are produced via the epimerization of a 3- beta -hydroxyl group of 1 alpha (OH) vitamin D3 precursor in vivo. The vitamin D3 compounds of the present invention can be used as substitutes for natural and synthetic vitamin D3 compounds.
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