What are the potential side effects of vitamin D3 supplementation. How much vitamin D3 is safe to take daily. Can excessive vitamin D3 intake lead to health complications. What are the symptoms of vitamin D toxicity.

Understanding Vitamin D3: Benefits and Recommended Intake

Vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including calcium absorption, bone health, and immune system support. While many people obtain sufficient vitamin D through sunlight exposure and diet, some individuals opt for supplements to meet their daily requirements.

The Office of Dietary Supplements suggests that toxicity is unlikely with a daily dose of 250 micrograms (mcg) or less. However, it’s important to note that even lower doses may have adverse effects if taken long-term.

Key Functions of Vitamin D in the Body

• Absorption and regulation of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate
• Bone hardening, growth, and remodeling
• Immune function support
• Nerve and muscle function maintenance

Determining Adequate Vitamin D Levels

Doctors generally consider vitamin D levels adequate when a person has at least 20 nanograms (ng) of the vitamin per milliliter (mL) of blood. However, levels exceeding 50 ng/mL may lead to adverse side effects.

Hypercalcemia: A Major Concern with Vitamin D Toxicity

One of the most significant risks associated with excessive vitamin D intake is hypercalcemia, a condition characterized by abnormally high calcium levels in the blood. The threshold for hypercalcemia is often cited as 10.4 mg of calcium per deciliter (dL) of blood, or 0.104 mg/mL.

Stages of Hypercalcemia

Vitamin D increases calcium absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially leading to various complications and symptoms when calcium levels become excessive.

Common Symptoms of Hypercalcemia

• Loss of appetite and increased thirst
• Digestive issues (diarrhea or constipation)
• Nausea
• Confusion and disorientation
• Joint and muscle pain or weakness
• Persistent headache
• High blood pressure

Kidney Complications: Nephrocalcinosis and Kidney Stones

Excess calcium in the body due to vitamin D toxicity can increase the risk of kidney stones, particularly in individuals predisposed to this condition. When calcium binds with phosphate, it forms crystals that can deposit in soft body tissues, potentially causing damage to organs.

Nephrocalcinosis, or kidney stones, occurs when these crystals become lodged in kidney tissues. In severe cases, this condition can lead to permanent kidney damage and even kidney failure.

Symptoms of Nephrocalcinosis

• Blood in urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Severe pain in the stomach, sides of the back, or groin area

Cardiovascular Risks Associated with Vitamin D Toxicity

Research has shown links between vitamin D levels and heart disease risk. Extreme hypercalcemia can impair the functionality of heart cells and potentially lead to irregularities in heartbeat.

In cases of severe hypercalcemia or high phosphate levels, individuals may develop calcium deposits or plaques in their arteries or heart valves.

Signs of Heart Complications from Vitamin D Toxicity

• Irregular heartbeat (temporary or continuous)
• Drowsiness
• High blood pressure

Bone Health Implications of Excessive Vitamin D

While vitamin D is crucial for bone health, toxicity can paradoxically lead to bone-related problems, including a loss of bone density. This can result in various symptoms and complications.

Bone-related Symptoms of Vitamin D Toxicity

• Aching or painful bones
• Increased susceptibility to fractures
• Bone cysts
• Gait abnormalities

Dehydration and Polyuria: Lesser-Known Side Effects

Elevated calcium levels in the blood can impair the kidneys’ ability to concentrate urine, leading to a condition known as polyuria. This results in the production and passage of unusually large quantities of urine, which can rapidly lead to dehydration.

Symptoms of Moderate Dehydration

• Dry mouth and tongue
• Increased thirst
• Dark-colored urine
• Headache
• Fatigue

Severe dehydration can be life-threatening and may present with additional symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and breathing, confusion, fainting, lack of urination, low blood pressure, and unexplained exhaustion.

Pancreatitis: A Rare but Serious Complication

Hypercalcemia resulting from vitamin D toxicity can, in rare cases, lead to acute pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. A 2017 review found that 2 out of 19 people with vitamin D toxicity experienced acute pancreatitis as a complication. These individuals had taken an average of 6,000,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D over a period of 1-3 months.

Signs of Pancreatitis

• Upper stomach pain that extends to the back
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat

Preventing Vitamin D Toxicity: Safe Supplementation Practices

To avoid the potential side effects of vitamin D toxicity, it’s crucial to follow recommended dosage guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation regimen.

Tips for Safe Vitamin D Supplementation

1. Have your vitamin D levels tested before starting supplements
2. Follow dosage recommendations provided by your healthcare provider
3. Be aware of potential interactions with other medications
4. Monitor for any unusual symptoms and report them to your doctor
5. Consider obtaining vitamin D through natural sources when possible

Are there any natural sources of vitamin D that can help maintain adequate levels without the risk of toxicity? Indeed, several food sources can contribute to healthy vitamin D levels:

• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna)
• Egg yolks
• Fortified dairy products
• Mushrooms exposed to UV light
• Cod liver oil

Additionally, moderate sun exposure can help the body produce vitamin D naturally. However, it’s important to balance sun exposure with skin cancer risk and always use appropriate sun protection.

Recognizing Vitamin D Toxicity: When to Seek Medical Attention

While vitamin D toxicity is relatively rare, it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate excessive intake. Prompt medical attention can help prevent serious complications.

Warning Signs of Potential Vitamin D Toxicity

• Persistent nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Unusual fatigue or weakness
• Frequent urination and increased thirst
• Bone pain or muscle aches
• Confusion or disorientation
• Kidney stones or symptoms of kidney problems

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you’ve been taking vitamin D supplements, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider immediately. They may recommend blood tests to check your vitamin D and calcium levels and adjust your supplementation regimen accordingly.

Special Considerations for At-Risk Populations

Certain groups may be at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency or may require special consideration when it comes to supplementation. These populations include:

• Older adults
• People with limited sun exposure
• Individuals with dark skin
• People with certain medical conditions (e.g., Crohn’s disease, celiac disease)
• Obese individuals
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women

For these groups, what are the best approaches to maintaining adequate vitamin D levels while minimizing the risk of toxicity? Healthcare providers may recommend:

1. Regular monitoring of vitamin D levels
2. Tailored supplementation regimens
3. Dietary modifications to increase natural vitamin D intake
4. Safe sun exposure practices
5. Consideration of potential interactions with other medications or health conditions

It’s important for individuals in these at-risk groups to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a personalized approach to vitamin D supplementation and monitoring.

The Future of Vitamin D Research and Supplementation

As our understanding of vitamin D’s role in health continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for optimizing supplementation and preventing toxicity. Some areas of ongoing research include:

• Development of more precise dosing guidelines based on individual factors
• Investigation of vitamin D’s role in various health conditions beyond bone health
• Exploration of potential synergistic effects with other nutrients
• Improvement of vitamin D testing methods for more accurate assessment of levels
• Study of long-term effects of various supplementation strategies

How might these advancements impact future recommendations for vitamin D supplementation? As research progresses, we may see:

1. More personalized supplementation protocols
2. Enhanced understanding of optimal vitamin D levels for different health outcomes
3. Improved strategies for preventing and treating vitamin D toxicity
4. Development of new supplement formulations with better safety profiles
5. Integration of vitamin D assessment into routine healthcare screenings

Staying informed about the latest research and recommendations can help individuals make more informed decisions about their vitamin D intake and overall health.

Balancing the Benefits and Risks of Vitamin D Supplementation

While the potential side effects of excessive vitamin D intake are significant, it’s important to remember that vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. The key lies in striking a balance between obtaining sufficient vitamin D and avoiding the risks associated with toxicity.

Strategies for Safe and Effective Vitamin D Supplementation

1. Regular monitoring: Work with your healthcare provider to periodically check your vitamin D levels.
2. Individualized approach: Consider factors such as age, weight, skin color, and overall health when determining your vitamin D needs.
3. Combine sources: Aim to get vitamin D from a mix of sunlight, diet, and supplements as appropriate.
4. Start low and go slow: If supplementation is necessary, begin with a lower dose and gradually increase as needed under medical supervision.
5. Be aware of interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you’re taking to avoid potential interactions.

By following these strategies and staying informed about the latest research and recommendations, individuals can maximize the benefits of vitamin D while minimizing the risk of adverse effects. Remember, vitamin D supplementation is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and working closely with healthcare professionals is crucial for optimal health outcomes.

Benefits, deficiency, sources and risks

Long-term use of high dose vitamin D supplements may cause adverse side effects, such as dehydration, nausea, vomiting, cardiovascular problems, and confusion.

The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that toxicity is unlikely on a daily dose of 250 microgram (mcg) or less. However, they point out that even these levels or lower may have adverse effects in the long term.

This article details the role of vitamin D in the body and the potential side effects of overexposure.

Vitamin D is a fundamental nutrient that supports several bodily processes, including:

• the absorption and regulation of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate
• the hardening, growth, and remodeling of bones
• immune function
• nerve and muscle function

Many people get enough vitamin D from sun exposure and their diet. Some choose to take supplements.

How much vitamin D should a person take?

A person’s daily vitamin D requirement depends on several individual factors, such as age, sex, and health status.

Doctors consider vitamin D levels adequate if a person has at least 20 nanograms (ng) of the vitamin per milliliter (mL) of blood. If levels rise above 50 ng/mL, a person may experience adverse side effects.

Below are some of the most serious side effects of over-supplementing vitamin D.

Many of the significant side effects of vitamin D toxicity are related to hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia refers to having excess calcium in the blood.

Researchers often cite this threshold as 10.4 mg of calcium per deciliter (dL) of blood, or as 0.104 mg/mL.

Hypercalcemia has three stages:

There is a strong relationship between vitamin D and calcium. Vitamin D increases calcium absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Having too much calcium can lead to a wide range of complications and symptoms.

Some of the most serious include:

• a loss of appetite and increased thirst
• diarrhea or constipation
• nausea
• confusion, disorientation, or trouble thinking
• joint and muscle pain or weakness
• continuous headache
• high blood pressure

Excess calcium in the body due to vitamin D toxicity may promote the development of kidney stones in people who are predisposed to the condition.

Excess calcium in the bloodstream binds with phosphate, forming crystals that deposit in soft body tissues. These crystals can cause tissue damage and eventually organ damage, depending on their location, number, and size.

When the crystals get stuck in kidney tissues, nephrocalcinosis (kidney stones) can occur. If this condition is severe, it can cause permanent kidney damage and kidney failure.

Symptoms of nephrocalcinosis include:

• blood in urine
• nausea and vomiting
• fever and chills
• severe pain in the stomach, the sides of the back, or the groin area

Vitamin D levels have links to heart disease and a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease.

Extreme hypercalcemia can reduce the functionality of cells in the heart. People with severe hypercalcemia may also experience irregularities in their heartbeat.

A person with severely high levels of calcium or phosphate in the blood may also develop calcium deposits, or plaques, in the arteries or valves of the heart.

Some signs of heart complications associated with vitamin D toxicity include:

• an irregular heartbeat, which may be temporary or continual
• drowsiness
• high blood pressure

Vitamin D toxicity can cause hypercalcemia and subsequent problems with the bones, including a loss of bone density.

Some symptoms include:

• aching or painful bones
• bones that are prone to fractures or breaks
• bone cysts
• gait abnormalities

Elevated calcium levels in the blood can harm the kidneys’ ability to concentrate urine. This may result in a person producing and passing unusually large quantities of urine, known as polyuria.

When a person passes diluted urine, they lose large quantities of water and electrolytes. For this reason, a person with vitamin D toxicity may be prone to dehydration.

Symptoms of moderate dehydration include:

• a dry mouth and tongue
• increased thirst
• dark-colored urine
• headache
• feeling tired

Severe dehydration can result in life threatening conditions. Other signs and symptoms of this condition include:

• rapid heartbeat and breathing
• confusion
• fainting
• lack of urination
• low blood pressure
• unexplained exhaustion

Hypercalcemia can cause acute pancreatitis, which is the term for inflammation of the pancreas.

A 2017 review found that 2 of 19 people with vitamin D toxicity experienced acute pancreatitis as a complication. Each had taken an average of 6,000,000 international units (IU) of the vitamin over 1–3 months.

Signs of pancreatitis include:

• upper stomach pain that extends to the back
• nausea and vomiting
• a rapid pulse
• swollen or tender abdomen
• fever

A 2018 study found there has been an increase in the incidence of vitamin D toxicity due to more people supplementing vitamin D without a doctor’s supervision. However, symptomatic vitamin D toxicity remains rare.

High vitamin D levels typically result from consuming excessive amounts of high dose dietary supplements. A person cannot get too much vitamin D from the sun.

The 2018 study also found that certain high dose vitamin D formulations (50,000 IU doses) were common in people with elevated vitamin D levels.

The body stores vitamin D in fat tissues, and it can take weeks or months for the effects of vitamin D toxicity to fully wear off.

Dietary vitamin D supplements are useful when it is not possible to otherwise meet the recommended vitamin D requirements. However, vitamin D supplements are not suitable for everyone.

People with the following conditions are at a higher risk of vitamin D toxicity and should consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements:

• granulomatous disorders, such as sarcoidosis or tuberculosis
• some lymphomas
• idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia
• Crohn’s disease

Vitamin D drug interactions

Vitamin D supplements can interact with some medications.

For example, high dose vitamin D supplements can reduce the efficacy of cholesterol-lowering statins such as atorvastatin. A doctor will assess a person’s health status before prescribing statins. It is essential to follow medical guidance when taking any medications.

Other medications can affect a person’s vitamin D levels.

• Steroids: Steroids such as prednisone can lower vitamin D levels.
• Orlistat: This weight loss medication can decrease vitamin D absorption rates.
• Thiazide diuretics: These medications can raise a person’s blood calcium levels if they take them alongside vitamin D supplements.

While these outcomes are not the direct result of drug interactions, it is important to be aware of them. A person should always consult with a healthcare professional before taking supplements.

Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include:

• unexplained exhaustion
• dry mouth
• increased thirst and frequency of urination
• nausea and vomiting
• confusion, disorientation, or trouble thinking
• irregular heartbeat

Health risks of too much vitamin D

People with severe or chronic vitamin D toxicity may develop life threatening symptoms, including:

• extreme dehydration
• high blood pressure
• slowed growth
• trouble breathing
• temporary losses of consciousness
• heart failure or heart attack
• kidney stones or kidney failure
• hearing loss
• tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• gastric ulcers
• coma

Vitamin D toxicity can cause a wide range of symptoms, and each individual may respond differently.

A person may have a higher risk of experiencing toxicity if they take high dose supplements over an extended period. Doing this can cause vitamin D to build up in the blood.

The risk of experiencing adverse side effects from vitamin D in the diet or through exposure to the sun is very low.

Vitamin D – Consumer

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What is vitamin D and what does it do?

Vitamin D is a nutrient you need for good health. It helps your body absorb calcium, one of the main building blocks for strong bones. Together with calcium, vitamin D helps protect you from developing osteoporosis, a disease that thins and weakens the bones and makes them more likely to break. Your body needs vitamin D for other functions too. Your muscles need it to move, and your nerves need it to carry messages between your brain and your body. Your immune system needs vitamin D to fight off invading bacteria and viruses.

How much vitamin D do I need?

The amount of vitamin D you need each day depends on your age. Average daily recommended amounts are listed below in micrograms (mcg) and International Units (IU):

What foods provide vitamin D?

Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D. Fortified foods provide most of the vitamin D in the diets of people in the United States. Check the Nutrition Facts label for the amount of vitamin D in a food or beverage.

• Almost all of the U.S. milk supply is fortified with about 3 mcg (120 IU) vitamin D per cup. Many plant-based alternatives such as soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk are similarly fortified. But foods made from milk, like cheese and ice cream, are usually not fortified.
• Vitamin D is added to many breakfast cereals and to some brands of orange juice, yogurt, margarine, and other food products.
• Fatty fish (like trout, salmon, tuna, and mackerel) and fish liver oils are among the best natural sources of vitamin D.
• Beef liver, egg yolks, and cheese have small amounts of vitamin D.
• Mushrooms provide a little vitamin D. Some mushrooms have been exposed to ultraviolet light to increase their vitamin D content.

Can I get vitamin D from the sun?

Your body makes vitamin D when your bare skin is exposed to the sun. Most people get at least some vitamin D this way. However, clouds, smog, old age, and having dark-colored skin reduce the amount of vitamin D your skin makes. Also, your skin does not make vitamin D from sunlight through a window.

Ultraviolet radiation from sunshine can cause skin cancer, so it’s important to limit how much time you spend in the sun. Although sunscreen limits vitamin D production, health experts recommend using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more when you’re out in the sun for more than a few minutes.

What kinds of vitamin D dietary supplements are available?

Vitamin D is found in multivitamin/multimineral supplements. It is also available in dietary supplements containing only vitamin D or vitamin D combined with a few other nutrients. The two forms of vitamin D in supplements are D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Both forms increase vitamin D in your blood, but D3 might raise it higher and for longer than D2. Because vitamin D is fat-soluble, it is best absorbed when taken with a meal or snack that includes some fat.

Am I getting enough vitamin D?

Because you get vitamin D from food, sunshine, and dietary supplements, one way to know if you’re getting enough is a blood test that measures the amount of vitamin D in your blood. In the blood, a form of vitamin D known as 25-hydroxyvitamin D is measured in either nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) or nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). One nmol/L is equal to 0.4 ng/mL. So, for example, 50 nmol/L is the same as 20 ng/mL.

• Levels of 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL) or above are adequate for most people for bone and overall health.
• Levels below 30 nmol/L (12 ng/mL) are too low and might weaken your bones and affect your health.
• Levels above 125 nmol/L (50 ng/mL) are too high and might cause health problems.

In the United States, most people have adequate blood levels of vitamin D. However, almost one out of four people have vitamin D blood levels that are too low or inadequate for bone and overall health.

Some people are more likely than others to have trouble getting enough vitamin D:

• Breastfed infants. Breast milk alone does not provide infants with an adequate amount of vitamin D. Breastfed infants should be given a supplement of 10 mcg (400 IU) of vitamin D each day.
• Older adults. As you age, your skin’s ability to make vitamin D when exposed to sunlight declines.
• People who seldom expose their skin to sunshine because they do not go outside or because they keep their body and head covered. Sunscreen also limits the amount of vitamin D your skin produces.
• People with dark skin. The darker your skin, the less vitamin D you make from sunlight exposure.
• People with conditions that limit fat absorption, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or ulcerative colitis. This is because the vitamin D you consume is absorbed in the gut along with fat, so if your body has trouble absorbing fat, it will also have trouble absorbing vitamin D.
• People with obesity or who have undergone gastric bypass surgery. They may need more vitamin D than other people.

What happens if I don’t get enough vitamin D?

In children, vitamin D deficiency causes rickets, a disease in which the bones become soft, weak, deformed, and painful. In teens and adults, vitamin D deficiency causes osteomalacia, a disorder that causes bone pain and muscle weakness.

What are some effects of vitamin D on health?

Scientists are studying vitamin D to better understand how it affects health. Here are several examples of what this research has shown:

Bone health and osteoporosis

Long-term shortages of vitamin D and calcium cause your bones to become fragile and break more easily. This condition is called osteoporosis. Millions of older women and men have osteoporosis or are at risk of developing this condition. Muscles are also important for healthy bones because they help maintain balance and prevent falls. A shortage of vitamin D may lead to weak, painful muscles.

Getting recommended amounts of vitamin D and calcium from foods (and supplements, if needed) will help maintain healthy bones and prevent osteoporosis. Taking vitamin D and calcium supplements slightly increases bone strength in older adults, but it’s not clear whether they reduce the risk of falling or breaking a bone.

Cancer

Vitamin D does not seem to reduce the risk of developing cancer of the breast, colon, rectum, or lung. It is not clear whether vitamin D affects the risk of prostate cancer or chance of surviving this cancer. Very high blood levels of vitamin D may even increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Clinical trials suggest that while vitamin D supplements (with or without calcium) may not affect your risk of getting cancer, they might slightly reduce your risk of dying from this disease. More research is needed to better understand the role that vitamin D plays in cancer prevention and cancer-related death.

Heart disease

Vitamin D is important for a healthy heart and blood vessels and for normal blood pressure. Some studies show that vitamin D supplements might help reduce blood cholesterol levels and high blood pressure—two of the main risk factors for heart disease. Other studies show no benefits. If you are overweight or have obesity, taking vitamin D at doses above 20 mcg (800 IU) per day plus calcium might actually raise your blood pressure. Overall, clinical trials find that vitamin D supplements do not reduce the risk of developing heart disease or dying from it, even if you have low blood levels of the vitamin.

Depression

Vitamin D is needed for your brain to function properly. Some studies have found links between low blood levels of vitamin D and an increased risk of depression. However, clinical trials show that taking vitamin D supplements does not prevent or ease symptoms of depression.

Multiple sclerosis

People who live near the equator have more sun exposure and higher vitamin D levels. They also rarely develop multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease that affects the nerves that carry messages from the brain to the rest of the body. Many studies find a link between low blood vitamin D levels and the risk of developing MS. However, scientists have not actually studied whether vitamin D supplements can prevent MS. In people who have MS, clinical trials show that taking vitamin D supplements does not keep symptoms from getting worse or coming back.

Type 2 diabetes

Vitamin D helps your body regulate blood sugar levels. However, clinical trials in people with and without diabetes show that supplemental vitamin D does not improve blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, or hemoglobin A1c levels (the average level of blood sugar over the past 3 months). Other studies show that vitamin D supplements don’t stop most people with prediabetes from developing diabetes.

Weight loss

Taking vitamin D supplements or eating foods that are rich in vitamin D does not help you lose weight.

Can vitamin D be harmful?

Yes, getting too much vitamin D can be harmful. Very high levels of vitamin D in your blood (greater than 375 nmol/L or 150 ng/mL) can cause nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, confusion, pain, loss of appetite, dehydration, excessive urination and thirst, and kidney stones. Extremely high levels of vitamin D can cause kidney failure, irregular heartbeat, and even death. High levels of vitamin D are almost always caused by consuming excessive amounts of vitamin D from dietary supplements. You cannot get too much vitamin D from sunshine because your skin limits the amount of vitamin D it makes.

The daily upper limits for vitamin D include intakes from all sources—food, beverages, and supplements—and are listed below in micrograms (mcg) and international units (IU). However, your health care provider might recommend doses above these upper limits for a period of time to treat a vitamin D deficiency.

Does vitamin D interact with medications or other dietary supplements?

Yes, vitamin D supplements may interact with some medicines. Here are several examples:

• Orlistat (Xenical® and alli®) is a weight-loss drug. It can reduce the amount of vitamin D your body absorbs from food and supplements.
• Cholesterol-lowering statins might not work as well if you take high-dose vitamin D supplements. This includes atorvastatin (Lipitor®), lovastatin (Altoprev® and Mevacor®), and simvastatin (FloLipid™ and Zocor®)
• Steroids such as prednisone (Deltasone®, Rayos®, and Sterapred®) can lower your blood levels of vitamin D.
• Thiazide diuretics (such as Hygroton®, Lozol®, and Microzide®) could raise your blood calcium level too high if you take vitamin D supplements.

Tell your doctor, pharmacist, and other health care providers about any dietary supplements and prescription or over-the-counter medicines you take. They can tell you if the dietary supplements might interact with your medicines. They can also explain whether the medicines you take might interfere with how your body absorbs or uses other nutrients.

Vitamin D and healthful eating

People should get most of their nutrients from food and beverages, according to the federal government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Foods contain vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and other components that benefit health. In some cases, fortified foods and dietary supplements are useful when it is not possible otherwise to meet needs for one or more nutrients (for example, during specific life stages such as pregnancy). For more information about building a healthy dietary pattern, see the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate.

Where can I find out more about vitamin D?

• For more information on vitamin D:
  • Office of Dietary Supplements, Health Professional Fact Sheet on Vitamin D
  • MedlinePlus®, Vitamin D

• For more information on food sources of vitamin D:
  • Office of Dietary Supplements, Health Professional Fact Sheet on Vitamin D
  • U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), FoodData Central
  • Nutrient List for vitamin D (listed by food or by vitamin D content), USDA

• For more advice on choosing dietary supplements:
  • Office of Dietary Supplements, Frequently Asked Questions: Which brand(s) of dietary supplements should I purchase?

• For information about building a healthy dietary pattern:
  • Dietary Guidelines for Americans
  • MyPlate

Disclaimer

This fact sheet by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) provides information that should not take the place of medical advice. We encourage you to talk to your health care providers (doctor, registered dietitian, pharmacist, etc.) about your interest in, questions about, or use of dietary supplements and what may be best for your overall health. Any mention in this publication of a specific product or service, or recommendation from an organization or professional society, does not represent an endorsement by ODS of that product, service, or expert advice.

Updated:
November 8, 2022
History of changes to this fact sheet

Vitamin D3 instructions for use: indications, contraindications, side effects – description Vitamin D3 drops for oral administration 15000 IU/ml: fl. 10 ml, 15 ml or 20 ml (62616)

💊 Composition of the preparation Vitamin D 3 ✅ Use of the preparation Vitamin D 3 Keep for yourself Search for analogues Interaction Description of the active ingredients of the preparation Vitamin D 3 (Vitamin D 3 ) The scientific information provided is general and cannot be used to make decisions. decisions about the use of a particular drug. Update date: 2020.04.24 Marketing authorization holder: MARBIOPHARM JSC (Russia) ATX code: A11CC05 (Cholecalciferol) Active substance: cholecalciferol (colecalciferol) Rec.INN registered by WHO Dosage form Vitamin D 3 Drops for oral administration 15000 IU/ml: vial. 10 ml, 15 ml or 20 ml reg. No.: LP-008253 dated 10. 06.22 – Current Release form, packaging and composition preparation Vitamin D 3 Drops for oral administration in the form of a clear or slightly opalescent colorless or slightly yellowish solution with a characteristic odor. *1 mg cholecalciferol corresponds to 40000 IU of vitamin D activity 3 Excipients : macrogol glyceryl ricinoleate – 75 mg, sucrose – 250 mg, disodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate – 7 mg, citric acid monohydrate – 0.43 mg, benzyl alcohol – 15 mg, purified water – up to 1 ml. 10 ml – orange glass dropper bottles (1) – packs of cardboard. 15 ml – orange glass dropper bottles (1) – packs of cardboard. 20 ml – orange glass dropper bottles (1) – packs of cardboard. 10 ml – brown glass bottles (1) with dropper caps – packs of cardboard. 15 ml – brown glass bottles (1) with droppers – packs of cardboard. 20 ml – brown glass bottles (1) with droppers – cardboard packs. Clinical and pharmacological group: A drug that regulates the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus Pharmacotherapeutic group: Vitamin, regulator of calcium-phosphorus metabolism Pharmacological action Vitamin D 3 , regulator of calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Enhances calcium absorption in the intestine and phosphorus reabsorption in the renal tubules. Promotes the formation of the bone skeleton and teeth in children, maintaining the structure of bones. Necessary for the normal functioning of the parathyroid glands. Participates in the synthesis of lymphokines and ATP. Pharmacokinetics After oral administration, colecalciferol is absorbed from the small intestine. T 1/2 is a few days. Excreted with urine and feces. In case of malfunction T 1/2 may increase. Crosses the placental barrier. It is allocated with breast milk. Indications of the active substances of the drug Vitamin D 3 Prevention and treatment of rickets, spasmophilia, osteomalacia of various origins, metabolic osteopathies (hypoparathyroidism, pseudohypoparathyroidism), hypocalcemic tetany. Open list of ICD-10 codes E20 Hypoparathyroidism E20.1 Pseudohypoparathyroidism E55 Vitamin D deficiency E55.0 Rickets active M83 Osteomalacia in adults M90 Osteopathy in diseases classified elsewhere R29. 0 Tetanya Dosing regimen The method of administration and dosing regimen of a particular drug depends on its form of release and other factors. The optimal dosage regimen is determined by the doctor. Compliance of the dosage form of a particular drug with indications for use and dosing regimen should be strictly observed. Individual, depending on the indication, the dosage form used and the age of the patient. Side effects Symptoms due to hypercalcemia and / or hypercalciuria are most likely with hypersensitivity to colecalciferol and overdose: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, headache, cardiac disturbances, muscle and joint pain, weakness, irritability, depression, weight loss, intense thirst, polyuria, kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis, soft tissue calcification. Contraindications Hypervitaminosis D, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, urolithiasis with calcium stones, sarcoidosis, renal failure, hypersensitivity to cholecalciferol. Use in pregnancy and lactation Should not be used in high doses during pregnancy. When used in high doses in a nursing mother, overdose symptoms may develop in the child. Renal dysfunction Contraindicated in renal failure. Use in children When used in children, it is not recommended to exceed a dose of 400,000-600,000 IU per year. For children in conditions of increased insolation, a single and, accordingly, a course dose should be reduced. Use in elderly patients Use with caution in elderly patients. Special instructions May be used in combination with calcium carbonate. Use with caution in elderly patients, as well as in patients with prolonged immobilization. When used in children, it is not recommended to exceed a dose of 400,000-600,000 IU per year. For children in conditions of increased insolation, a single and, accordingly, a course dose should be reduced. When used simultaneously with thiazide diuretics, the level of calcium in the blood and urine should be monitored every 3-6 months. Drug interactions With simultaneous use with anticonvulsants, rifampicin, cholestyramine, the absorption of cholecalciferol decreases. When used simultaneously with cardiac glycosides, it is possible to increase the toxic effect of cardiac glycosides (increased risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias). When used simultaneously with thiazide diuretics, the risk of developing hypercalcemia increases. Keep If you want to place a link to the description of this drug – use this code Vitamin D 3 . Description of the drug in the reference book Vidal.

instructions for use, composition, dosage, side effects

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