Indications
- Prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency, which is common in people who get little sunlight, cover most of their skin, have darker skin, are older, are overweight, or have gut or liver problems.
- Rickets in children and osteomalacia (soft bones) in adults.
- Together with Calcium, to help prevent and treat osteoporosis (thin, weak bones).
- Routine supplements for breastfed babies, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How It Works
Vitamin D helps the gut absorb calcium and phosphate from food, which the body needs to build and keep strong bones and teeth. It also supports normal muscle function and the immune system. The body makes vitamin D in the skin with sunlight, and turns it into its active form in the liver and kidneys.
Dosage and Administration
- Prevention (adults): usually 400 to 1000 IU (10 to 25 micrograms) a day.
- Babies and young children: usually 400 IU a day.
- Treatment of deficiency: higher daily or weekly doses for a set period, followed by a lower maintenance dose, as prescribed after a blood test.
Take with a meal that contains some fat to help absorption. Some products are taken once a week or once a month; check the label carefully and never take a weekly or monthly dose every day.
Interactions
- Thiazide diuretics such as Hydrochlorothiazide, and Calcium supplements, increase the risk of high blood calcium.
- High calcium increases the risk of side effects from Digoxin.
- Orlistat, Colestyramine and liquid paraffin reduce absorption of vitamin D.
- Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Rifampicin and corticosteroids can lower vitamin D levels, so higher doses may be needed.
- Avoid taking several vitamin D products at the same time.
Contraindications
- High blood calcium or vitamin D toxicity.
- Calcium-containing kidney stones with high calcium in the urine, unless the doctor advises otherwise.
- Allergy to any ingredient of the product.
Side Effects
Side effects are uncommon at normal doses. Taking too much over time can raise blood calcium, causing nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, thirst, passing urine often, tiredness and weakness.
Get urgent medical help for confusion, severe vomiting or weakness, an irregular heartbeat, severe pain in the side or back (possible kidney stone), or a severe allergic reaction.
Pregnancy and Lactation
A daily supplement of about 400 IU is commonly recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Higher doses should be taken only if prescribed. Breastfed babies usually need their own vitamin D drops.
Precautions and Warnings
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, kidney stones, sarcoidosis, heart disease or high calcium.
- Blood tests for vitamin D and calcium may be needed with high doses or long-term use.
- People with severe kidney disease may need a different, active form of vitamin D, as prescribed.
Overdose
Vitamin D overdose usually comes from taking high doses for a long time, or a weekly or monthly dose by mistake each day. It causes high blood calcium, which can damage the kidneys and heart. Stop taking it and seek medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Vitamin (fat-soluble vitamin).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.