What are the benefits of vitamin D supplements? How should they be taken? Get the answers to these questions and more in this informative article.

The Importance of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient for maintaining overall health and well-being. It plays a vital role in the absorption of calcium, which is essential for building and preserving strong bones. Without adequate vitamin D, your body cannot effectively utilize the calcium you consume through your diet or supplements. This can lead to a range of health problems, including an increased risk of osteoporosis, fractures, and other bone-related issues.

In addition to its importance for bone health, vitamin D has been linked to a variety of other health benefits. It may help to support immune function, reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, and even improve mood and cognitive function. However, many people, especially those living in areas with limited sunlight exposure, struggle to maintain optimal vitamin D levels through natural means alone.

Understanding Vitamin D Supplements

Vitamin D supplements can be a convenient and effective way to ensure you’re getting the recommended daily intake of this essential nutrient. There are two main forms of vitamin D supplements: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). While both forms can be effective, vitamin D3 is generally considered the more potent and bioavailable option, as it is the form of vitamin D that is naturally produced by the human body when the skin is exposed to sunlight.

When it comes to dosing, the recommended daily intake of vitamin D can vary depending on factors such as age, health status, and geographic location. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends the following daily vitamin D intakes:

• Infants (0-12 months): 400 IU
• Children and adolescents (1-18 years): 600 IU
• Adults (19-70 years): 600 IU
• Adults (71 years and older): 800 IU

However, many healthcare professionals believe that these recommended doses may be too low, particularly for individuals at risk of vitamin D deficiency. In such cases, higher doses of 1,000-5,000 IU per day may be necessary to achieve and maintain optimal vitamin D levels.

Taking Vitamin D Supplements Properly

To maximize the benefits of vitamin D supplements, it’s important to take them correctly. Vitamin D is best absorbed when taken with a meal that contains healthy fats, as the nutrient is fat-soluble and requires dietary fat for optimal absorption. Additionally, certain medications and supplements, such as bile acid sequestrants, mineral oil, and orlistat, can interfere with vitamin D absorption. If you’re taking these or other medications, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best timing and dosing for your vitamin D supplement.

It’s also worth noting that the body can only absorb a limited amount of vitamin D at one time. For this reason, it’s generally recommended to take smaller, more frequent doses rather than a single, large dose. This can help to ensure a more consistent and effective delivery of the nutrient throughout the day.

Potential Side Effects and Interactions

While vitamin D supplements are generally considered safe when taken as directed, there are some potential side effects and interactions to be aware of. Excessive intake of vitamin D can lead to a condition called hypercalcemia, which is characterized by an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood. Symptoms of hypercalcemia can include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and kidney problems.

To minimize the risk of side effects, it’s important to follow the recommended dosage guidelines and to consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have your vitamin D levels tested periodically to ensure that you’re maintaining a healthy balance.

Choosing the Right Vitamin D Supplement

When selecting a vitamin D supplement, it’s important to choose a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer. Look for supplements that contain vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) rather than vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), as the former is generally more bioavailable and effective. Additionally, be wary of supplements that contain unnecessary fillers, binders, or artificial ingredients, as these can potentially interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of the vitamin D.

It’s also worth considering the specific form of the supplement, such as capsules, softgels, or liquids. Liquid and softgel formulations may be easier for some individuals to digest and absorb, particularly those with digestive issues or who have difficulty swallowing pills.

Optimizing Your Vitamin D Intake

In addition to taking supplements, there are other ways to optimize your vitamin D intake. Spending time in the sun, particularly during the midday hours, can help your body naturally produce vitamin D. However, the amount of vitamin D your skin can produce can vary widely depending on factors such as latitude, season, skin pigmentation, and sunscreen use.

Incorporating vitamin D-rich foods into your diet can also help to boost your intake. Some excellent sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, as well as egg yolks and fortified dairy products. By combining a well-balanced diet, regular sun exposure, and targeted supplementation, you can help to ensure that your body is getting the vitamin D it needs to function at its best.

Vitamin D3 Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Take vitamin D by mouth as directed. Vitamin D is best absorbed when taken after a meal but may be taken with or without food. Alfacalcidol is usually taken with food. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take as directed by your doctor. Your dosage is based on your medical condition, amount of sun exposure, diet, age, and response to treatment.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

If you are taking the chewable tablet or wafers, chew the medication thoroughly before swallowing. Do not swallow whole wafers.

If you are taking the rapidly-dissolving tablets, dry your hands before handling the medication. Place each dose on the tongue, allow it to dissolve completely, and then swallow it with saliva or water. You do not need to take this medication with water.

Certain medications (bile acid sequestrants such as cholestyramine/colestipol, mineral oil, orlistat) can decrease the absorption of vitamin D. Take your doses of these medications as far as possible from your doses of vitamin D (at least 2 hours apart, longer if possible). It may be easiest to take vitamin D at bedtime if you are also taking these other medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how long you should wait between doses and for help finding a dosing schedule that will work with all your medications.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day if you are taking it once a day. If you are taking this medication only once a week, remember to take it on the same day each week. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.

If your doctor has recommended that you follow a special diet (such as a diet high in calcium), it is very important to follow the diet to get the most benefit from this medication and to prevent serious side effects. Do not take other supplements/vitamins unless ordered by your doctor.

If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Take vitamin D by mouth as directed. Vitamin D is best absorbed when taken after a meal but may be taken with or without food. Alfacalcidol is usually taken with food. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take as directed by your doctor. Your dosage is based on your medical condition, amount of sun exposure, diet, age, and response to treatment.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

If you are taking the chewable tablet or wafers, chew the medication thoroughly before swallowing. Do not swallow whole wafers.

If you are taking the rapidly-dissolving tablets, dry your hands before handling the medication. Place each dose on the tongue, allow it to dissolve completely, and then swallow it with saliva or water. You do not need to take this medication with water.

Certain medications (bile acid sequestrants such as cholestyramine/colestipol, mineral oil, orlistat) can decrease the absorption of vitamin D. Take your doses of these medications as far as possible from your doses of vitamin D (at least 2 hours apart, longer if possible). It may be easiest to take vitamin D at bedtime if you are also taking these other medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how long you should wait between doses and for help finding a dosing schedule that will work with all your medications.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day if you are taking it once a day. If you are taking this medication only once a week, remember to take it on the same day each week. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.

If your doctor has recommended that you follow a special diet (such as a diet high in calcium), it is very important to follow the diet to get the most benefit from this medication and to prevent serious side effects. Do not take other supplements/vitamins unless ordered by your doctor.

If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Vitamin D – Mayo Clinic

Overview

Vitamin D is a nutrient your body needs for building and maintaining healthy bones. That’s because your body can only absorb calcium, the primary component of bone, when vitamin D is present. Vitamin D also regulates many other cellular functions in your body. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties support immune health, muscle function and brain cell activity.

Vitamin D isn’t naturally found in many foods, but you can get it from fortified milk, fortified cereal, and fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. Your body also makes vitamin D when direct sunlight converts a chemical in your skin into an active form of the vitamin (calciferol).

The amount of vitamin D your skin makes depends on many factors, including the time of day, season, latitude and your skin pigmentation. Depending on where you live and your lifestyle, vitamin D production might decrease or be completely absent during the winter months. Sunscreen, while important to prevent skin cancer, also can decrease vitamin D production.

Many older adults don’t get regular exposure to sunlight and have trouble absorbing vitamin D. If your doctor suspects you’re not getting enough vitamin D, a simple blood test can check the levels of this vitamin in your blood.

Taking a multivitamin with vitamin D may help improve bone health. The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 400 international units (IU) for children up to age 12 months, 600 IU for people ages 1 to 70 years, and 800 IU for people over 70 years.

Evidence

Research on vitamin D use for specific conditions shows:

• Cancer. Findings on the benefits of vitamin D for cancer prevention are mixed. More studies are needed to determine whether vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
• Cognitive health. Research shows that low levels of vitamin D in the blood are associated with cognitive decline. However, more studies are needed to determine the benefits of vitamin D supplementation for cognitive health.
• Inherited bone disorders. Vitamin D supplements can be used to help treat inherited disorders resulting from an inability to absorb or process vitamin D, such as familial hypophosphatemia.
• Multiple sclerosis. Research suggests that long-term vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of multiple sclerosis.
• Osteomalacia. Vitamin D supplements are used to treat adults with severe vitamin D deficiency, resulting in loss of bone mineral content, bone pain, muscle weakness and soft bones (osteomalacia).
• Osteoporosis. Studies suggest that people who get enough vitamin D and calcium in their diets can slow bone mineral loss, help prevent osteoporosis and reduce bone fractures. Ask your doctor if you need a calcium and vitamin D supplement to prevent or treat osteoporosis.
• Psoriasis. Applying vitamin D or a topical preparation that contains a vitamin D compound called calcipotriene to the skin can treat plaque-type psoriasis in some people.
• Rickets. This rare condition develops in children with vitamin D deficiency. Supplementing with vitamin D can prevent and treat the problem.

Our take

Generally safe

Without vitamin D your bones can become soft, thin and brittle. Insufficient vitamin D is also connected to osteoporosis. If you don’t get enough vitamin D through sunlight or dietary sources, you might need vitamin D supplements.

Safety and side effects

Taken in appropriate doses, vitamin D is generally considered safe.

However, taking too much vitamin D in the form of supplements can be harmful. Children age 9 years and older, adults, and pregnant and breastfeeding women who take more than 4,000 IU a day of vitamin D might experience:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Poor appetite and weight loss
• Constipation
• Weakness
• Confusion and disorientation
• Heart rhythm problems
• Kidney stones and kidney damage

Interactions

Possible interactions include:

• Aluminum. Taking vitamin D and aluminum-containing phosphate binders, which may be used to treat high serum phosphate levels in people with chronic kidney disease, might cause harmful levels of aluminum in people with kidney failure in the long term.
• Anticonvulsants. The anticonvulsants phenobarbital and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) increase the breakdown of vitamin D and reduce calcium absorption.
• Atorvastatin (Lipitor). Taking vitamin D might affect the way your body processes this cholesterol drug.
• Calcipotriene (Dovonex, Sorilux). Don’t take vitamin D with this psoriasis drug. The combination might increase the risk of too much calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia).
• Cholestyramine (Prevalite). Taking vitamin D with this cholesterol-lowering drug can reduce your absorption of vitamin D.
• Cytochrome P-450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates. Use vitamin D cautiously if you’re taking drugs processed by these enzymes.
• Digoxin (Lanoxin). Avoid taking high doses of vitamin D with this heart medication. High doses of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia, which increases the risk of fatal heart problems with digoxin.
• Diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac, others). Avoid taking high doses of vitamin D with this blood pressure drug. High doses of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia, which might reduce the drug’s effectiveness.
• Orlistat (Xenical, Alli). Taking this weight-loss drug can reduce your absorption of vitamin D.
• Thiazide diuretics. Taking these blood pressure drugs with vitamin D increases your risk of hypercalcemia.
• Steroids. Taking steroid mediations such as prednisone can reduce calcium absorption and impair your body’s processing of vitamin D.
• Stimulant laxatives. Long-term use of high doses of stimulant laxatives can reduce vitamin D and calcium absorption.
• Verapamil (Verelan, Calan SR). Taking high doses of vitamin D with this blood pressure drug can cause hypercalcemia, and might also reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.

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Show references

1. Vitamin D: Fact sheet for health professionals. Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/. Accessed Dec. 6, 2020.
2. Vitamin D: Fact sheet for consumers. Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/. Accessed Dec. 6, 2020.
3. Vitamin D. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Dec. 6, 2020.
4. AskMayoExpert. Vitamin D deficiency. Mayo Clinic; 2017.
5. Cholecalciferol. IBM Microdemex. https://www.microdemexsolutions.com. Accessed Dec. 11, 2020.
6. Gold J, et al. The role of vitamin D in cognitive disorders in older adults. US Neurology. 2018; doi:10.17925/USN.2018.14.1.41.
7. Sultan S, et al. Low vitamin D and its association with cognitive impairment and dementia. Journal of Aging Research. 2020; doi:10.1155/2020/6097820.
8. Pazirandeh S, et al. Overview of vitamin D. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 13, 2020.
9. Hassan-Smith ZK, et al. 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 exerct distinct effects on human skeletal muscle function and gene expression. PLOS One. 2017; doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0170665.

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Amazon.com: Nature Made Extra Strength Vitamin D3 5000 IU (125 mcg), Dietary Supplement for Immune Support, 180 Softgels, 180 Day Supply : Health & Household

What are the Benefits

Vitamin D has emerged as a superstar nutrient because of its many health benefits for men and women of all ages. There are Vitamin D receptors found throughout the body, including in your muscles, skin, bone, and immune system. Maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin D in your body throughout the entire year, has been shown to be an important part of your overall health. Nature Made Extra Strength Vitamin D3 contains 5000 IU (125 mcg) of Vitamin D3, the body’s preferred form of Vitamin D.

Who Should Take it

Over 95% of Americans fall short in Vitamin D from their diets alone.[1] Nature Made Vitamin D3 Extra Strength 5000 IU is formulated for use daily to help raise Vitamin D levels if you’re deficient. This is a high dose Vitamin D product for those with higher Vitamin D needs and/or deficiency, as determined by a healthcare professional. Consult with your healthcare professional before use.

Disclaimers

1. NHANES 2005-2016 Nutrients 2020, 12, 1735.

USP has tested and verified ingredients, potency and manufacturing process. USP sets official standards for dietary supplements. Visit the USP verified website for more information.

*Based on a survey of pharmacists who recommend branded vitamins and supplements.

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ

The D vitamins are fat-soluble vitamins that play an important role in calcium absorption and bone health, as well as immune function. Our skin produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, but due to the skin cancer risk, many people avoid sun exposure or use sunscreen, which prevents the body from producing vitamin D. Many types of milk and dairy products, along with orange juice, are also fortified with vitamin D. Still, many of us do not get enough vitamin D and need to take a supplement. There are two forms of vitamin D dietary supplements: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), and it is important to understand their differences when choosing which vitamin D supplement to take.

What are the main differences between vitamin D and D3?

The term vitamin D is kind of a misnomer because you will not find anything labeled simply as “vitamin D” in a pharmacy vitamin aisle. Rather, your choices will be vitamin D2 (What is vitamin D2?) or vitamin D3 (What is vitamin D3?). Generally, when one mentions vitamin D, the implied selection is vitamin D2. For the purpose of this article, when vitamin D is mentioned, it will refer to vitamin D2. The names can be confusing, because many times, patients go into the pharmacy looking for vitamin D and are surprised that there is a D2 and a D3.

Vitamin D (D2) comes from plant sources, such as wild mushrooms, as well as fortified foods, such as milk or cereal products. Its strength is typically measured in international units, which is abbreviated as “IU” on labeling. The 50,000 IU capsules are prescription only, while lower strengths are available over-the-counter. Vitamin D is less expensive to produce and therefore is the form most commonly found in fortified food products.

Vitamin D3 mainly comes from animal sources such as fish oil, fatty fish, liver, and egg yolks. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces vitamin D3. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as the sunshine vitamin. Its strength is also measured in international units. All forms of vitamin D3 are available over-the-counter.

Conditions treated by vitamin D and D3

Vitamin D2 as a prescription is used to treat hypoparathyroidism (decreased parathyroid hormone secretion), vitamin D resistant rickets, and hypophosphatemia (low levels of phosphorus in the blood). It is commonly used for vitamin D insufficiency in both its prescription and over-the-counter formulations. The FDA does not approve treatment claims for over-the-counter vitamin supplements, therefore, even though this use is very common, it is considered off-label.

All forms of vitamin D3 supplements are available over-the-counter, and therefore are not FDA approved to make treatment claims. However, vitamin D3 is commonly used off-label to treat hypoparathyroidism and vitamin D deficiency, as well as for osteoporosis prevention.

October 2021 Update

In March of 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic in the wake of the spread of SARS-CoV-2, more commonly known as COVID-19. Due to a lack of clear treatment guidelines and a waiting period for the vaccine to be available, the focus shifted to boosting our natural immune system. Vitamin D became a key player in our fight against COVID-19. 

The COVID-19 virus promotes the release of inflammatory cytokines. This process is what causes some of the most severe respiratory symptoms, which for some have been fatal. Vitamin D is a natural defense against this process as it partially shuts down the cytokine release caused by the presence of the COVID-19 virus. Unfortunately, many Americans are vitamin D deficient, and supplementation was necessary to achieve therapeutic levels. Regimens that included vitamin D and C, as well as zinc, became commonly recommended in order to boost our ability to fight COVID-19. 

Preliminary studies have shown that Vitamin D reduced ICU admissions in COVID-19 patients and improved overall outcomes.

Various uses of vitamin D supplementation are listed in the table below. You should always seek medical advice before beginning vitamin D supplementation.

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Is vitamin D or D3 more effective?

Vitamin D2 and D3 are absorbed into the bloodstream where they are metabolized by the liver into 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, otherwise collectively known as 25D or calcifediol. Calcifediol is the vitamin D complex circulating in your blood, and its levels directly reflect your body’s stores of vitamin D. Calcifediol is commonly referred to as the active form of vitamin D. When your doctor orders lab tests to check your vitamin D levels, they are measuring your calcifediol (25D) levels.

There have been several studies comparing whether supplementation with vitamin D2 or D3 produces a higher blood level of calcifediol. A study published by the National Institutes of Health was conducted in elderly, post-menopausal women who had been identified as vitamin D deficient. It compared the effects of receiving a single high dose of vitamin D2 or vitamin D3 on calcifediol levels. The study concluded that vitamin D3 produced about twice the amount of circulating calcifediol in this patient population versus that of vitamin D2.

In a separate clinical trial comparing a 10-week regimen of twice weekly 50,000 IU dosing of both vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 in demographically matched groups, vitamin D3 was also found to be superior in producing higher levels of 25D, or calcifediol.

In terms of the lab tests which measure vitamin D levels, your doctor may evaluate total 25D or free 25D, or both. Controversy remains on which lab test is the best measure of your body’s vitamin D stores, but these studies showed that vitamin D3 was superior in raising both levels.

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Coverage and cost comparison of vitamin D vs. D3

Vitamin D2 in prescription form is commonly covered by most commercial and Medicare insurance plans. The over-the-counter formulations are typically not covered by commercial or Medicare insurance plans. The price can vary greatly depending on dosage. The average cost of the 50,000 IU dose for 12 weeks of therapy is $47.99. With a coupon from SingleCare, this price drops to as low as $11.

Vitamin D3 is over-the-counter, and therefore is typically not covered by insurance plans. The price varies depending on dose. D3 can cost as $40 but if your doctor prescribes the medication you can get it for as low as $20 with a SingleCare discount coupon.

Common side effects of vitamin D vs. D3

There are no common side effects to therapy with either vitamin D2 or D3. Side effects related to vitamin D are the result of hypervitaminosis D, an extremely rare condition that occurs when you intake too much vitamin D. This is sometimes seen in patients who take megadoses of vitamin D, leading to vitamin D toxicity. The result is a build up of dangerously high levels of calcium in the blood which can lead to nausea, vomiting, constipation, and frequent urination. If left untreated, irreversible renal failure can occur along with calcification of organs and soft tissues.

The following table lists side effects related to hypervitaminosis D, not normal vitamin D supplementation. More information on vitamin D toxicity may be obtained from your doctor or pharmacist, as this may not be a complete list.

Source: DailyMed.

Drug interactions of vitamin D2 vs. D3

Vitamin D2 and D3 each are metabolized by the liver to 25D, and therefore the potential drug interactions are similar for both forms. Vitamin D may increase the serum levels of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide, a common antacid, and therefore the combination should be avoided. Thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, may increase the chance of vitamin D raising calcium levels in the blood to a dangerously high level. Patients on both thiazide diuretics and vitamin D supplementation should be monitored for this effect by their healthcare provider. Some drugs may decrease the absorption and effectiveness of your vitamin D supplement. Bile-acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine, are an example of a drug which will impair vitamin D absorption. Vitamin D and cholestyramine should not be administered at the same time.

The following table may not be a complete list of drug interactions. Please consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider for more information and a complete list of interactions.

Warnings of vitamin D and D3

Vitamin D toxicity may occur with excessively high doses. Symptoms could include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, dehydration, fatigue, and confusion. Due to the fact that vitamin D is a fat-soluble drug, the effects of vitamin D therapy can last 2 months or more after therapy is discontinued. It is also important to know the vitamin D content of other supplements you may be taking, such as a daily multivitamin. You should not take high doses of vitamin D supplements without your doctor’s instruction.

Frequently asked questions about vitamin D vs. D3

What is vitamin D (D2)?

Vitamin D (D2—ergocalciferol) is a vitamin D supplement available in both prescription and over-the-counter formulations. It is available in oral tablets and capsules, as well as an oral solution. Vitamin D2 comes from plant sources and is the most common form of vitamin D found in fortified foods.

What is vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is an over-the-counter vitamin D supplement available in a variety of strengths. It is available in oral tablets and capsules, as well as oral and sublingual solutions.

Vitamin D3 comes from animal sources such as fish oil, fatty fish, liver, or egg yolks.

Are vitamin D or D3 the same?

When we refer to vitamin D, we are talking about Vitamin D2. Vitamin D2 and D3 are both widely used vitamin D supplements but are not the same. Vitamin D2 is ergocalciferol and comes from plant-based sources. Vitamin D3 is cholecalciferol and comes from animal-based sources. Both supplements are processed in the body by the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D, though vitamin D3 is thought to provide higher levels of 25D. Some formulations of vitamin D2 are prescription only, while all formulations of vitamin D3 are over-the-counter.

Is vitamin D or D3 better?

Vitamin D and D3 are each processed in the body by the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 respectively. Studies have shown that taking vitamin D3 leads to higher 25D levels, which in turn leads to a higher contribution to the body’s vitamin D stores.

Can I use vitamin D or D3 while pregnant?

Vitamin D and vitamin D3 are safe to take when pregnant and monitored by a doctor. Your doctor may recommend a daily supplement dose and should monitor for signs of a rare vitamin D toxicity.

Can I use vitamin D or D3 with alcohol?

Vitamin D and vitamin D3 are safe to take if you consume alcohol. Both substances are metabolized primarily by the liver, so liver function should be monitored by a healthcare professional.

Should I take vitamin D or D3?

Vitamin D (D2) and vitamin D3 are each effective vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D2 is approved in the treatment of hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D resistant rickets, and hypophosphatemia. Both supplements are commonly used for vitamin D supplementation.

Studies have shown that vitamin D3 supplements may be superior in raising the body’s vitamin D stores. There are many health benefits to vitamin D supplementation, but your doctor should use lab tests to recommend the amount of vitamin D you should take and which form.

What is vitamin D3 good for?

Vitamin D3 is most commonly used as a dietary supplement of vitamin D. It aids in the absorption of calcium and may be helpful in the prevention of osteoporosis and osteomalacia.

Why do doctors prescribe vitamin D2 instead of D3?

Your doctor may determine your vitamin D recommendation based on lab work. Among some health professionals, there may be a perception that vitamin D2 is more effective because it is available by prescription only, even though studies have shown this is not necessarily true. Vitamin D2 may also be a lower cost to the patient, especially when covered in part or full by their insurance.

Does vitamin D3 give you energy?

Increasing vitamin D intake is thought to improve energy. A clinical trial was done examining fatigue levels in patients who were identified as vitamin D deficient. These patients were given vitamin D3 supplementation to increase blood levels of vitamin D, and the results showed a significant improvement in fatigue levels. Scientists have shown this may be due to vitamin D’s effect at the cellular level where it augments mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in skeletal muscle. This decreases muscle fatigue.

Vitamin D (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth

What Is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps the body take in calcium from the foods that we eat. Together, calcium and vitamin D build bones and keep them strong. Vitamin D also plays a part in heart health and fighting infection.

Why Do Kids Need Vitamin D?

Kids need vitamin D to build strong bones. Vitamin D also helps bones heal after an injury or surgery.

Where Does Vitamin D Come From?

The Sun

Our bodies make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to the sun. It’s hard to get enough vitamin D from the sun, though. Most kids and adults spend lots of time indoors at school and work. When outdoors, it’s important to protect skin to prevent skin cancer and skin damage from too much sun exposure.

Food

Very few foods have vitamin D naturally. The foods with the most are fatty fish (like salmon and tuna), liver, eggs and fish oils. Kids don’t eat these foods a lot. That’s why food companies add vitamin D to milk, yogurt, baby formula, juice, cereal, and other foods.

Adding vitamin D to foods is called “fortifying.” It’s helpful, but it still may not be enough.

Supplements

To get enough vitamin D, children often need to take a multivitamin with vitamin D or a vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D is sometimes labeled as vitamin D3.

You can buy vitamin D pills, gummies, chewables, liquids, and sprays in stores without a prescription. Ask your child’s health care provider for advice on choosing the right one.

How Much Vitamin D Does My Child Need?

Vitamin D is measured in international units (IU).

• Babies younger than 1 year old need 400 IU of vitamin D a day. Baby formula has 400 IU per liter, so babies who drink at least 32 ounces of formula each day get enough. If your baby drinks only breast milk or gets less than 32 ounces of formula each day, ask your health care provider about giving your baby a vitamin D supplement.
• Kids older than 1 year need 600 IU or more of vitamin D a day. Health care providers often want healthy kids to take 600 to 1,000 IU daily.

Some kids might need more vitamin D, such as those who:

Your health care provider can talk to you about whether your child needs a vitamin D supplement.

How Can I Help My Child Get Enough Vitamin D?

Because vitamin D is so important, you’ll want to be sure your child gets enough. Giving your child a daily supplement or a multivitamin with vitamin D is the easiest way to do this.

Health care providers might order a blood test if they think a health problem is keeping a child from getting enough vitamin D. If doctors don’t think your child has a health problem, there’s no need for a blood test.

What About Calcium?

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, a building block for strong bones. Unlike with vitamin D, kids usually can get enough calcium from food. High-calcium foods include milk, cheese, and yogurt. Food makers often fortify foods like cereal, bread, or juice with calcium.

Drisdol, Calciferol (vitamin D) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more

Dietary supplement Vitamir Kvadrat-S Vitamin D3 500 60 tablets

Vitamins play a particularly important role in maintaining the well-coordinated work of all organs and systems of our body. Vitamin D3, cholecalciferol, “sunshine vitamin” are all names of one vitamin. It is produced in the skin by exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. However, the peculiarities of the climate affect the fact that most of the year residents do not receive the necessary amount of sunlight and there is a widespread deficiency of vitamin D3.In addition, even in sunny weather, many people spend very little time in the sun, for example, those who work night shifts and sleep during the day; office workers who spend almost all daylight hours indoors; elderly people who find it difficult to go out, or who are unable to move around on their own. It is important to take into account that active transport of vitamin D3 from the skin into the bloodstream occurs during exercise, therefore, a lack of this vitamin can occur in people leading a sedentary lifestyle.As a result, the level of vitamin D3 in such people may be at the lower limit of the norm or decreased.

Biologically active food supplement “Vitamin D3 500” – an additional source of vitamin D3, contributing to the maintenance of the vitamin balance of the body and good health.

Composition: microcrystalline cellulose (carrier), cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), magnesium stearate (anti-caking agent), DL-alpha-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E).

Information on biologically active substances and their properties:

• Vitamin D3 is important for the normal functioning of the nervous system, since it is required for the conversion of the amino acid tryptophan from food into serotonin (“the hormone of happiness”), responsible for a good mood.Vitamin D3 is also necessary for the synthesis of biologically active substances in the brain, due to which the interaction between nerve cells is carried out. Thanks to this, such processes as attention, performance, sleep, memory, mood are provided.
• Vitamin D3 is involved in supporting the functions of the immune system, contributing to the maintenance of immunity.
• Vitamin D3 plays a key role in maintaining calcium-phosphorus balance in the blood. Thus, vitamin D3 is important for the normal absorption of calcium in the intestines and ensuring the strength of teeth and bones.
• Vitamin D3 has a beneficial effect on blood coagulation processes, the cardiovascular system, on the condition of the walls of blood vessels.
• Vitamin D3 plays an important role in the correction of excess weight, as well as in maintaining reproductive function, promoting the synthesis of sex hormones.
• Vitamin D3 contributes to the normalization of lung function in case of disruption of their work, to improve the condition of the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract.

Applications: as a biologically active food supplement – an additional source of vitamin D3.

BAA, is not a drug.

Contraindications: individual intolerance to the components, pregnancy, breastfeeding.

It is recommended to consult a doctor before use.

Method of administration and dosage: adults 1 tablet 1 time per day with meals. Duration of admission is 1-2 months. If necessary, the reception can be repeated.

Storage conditions: in a place protected from direct sunlight, out of reach of children, at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C.

Expiry date: 3 years.

Should I take vitamin D supplements

Is the deficiency of vitamin D dangerous, is it worth trusting the doctors who prescribe it in the form of dietary supplements and what threatens the excessive enthusiasm for taking vitamins, Gazeta.Ru figured out with the help of experts.

In 1914, the American biochemist Elmer McCollum discovered vitamin A in fish oil. After that, the English veterinarian Edward Mellenby noticed that dogs fed with fish oil do not suffer from rickets. During experiments, during which dogs were fed fish oil with neutralized vitamin A, and vitamin D was discovered – a previously unknown group of biologically active substances (including cholecalciferol, which is synthesized in the body under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and enters it with food, and ergocalciferol which cannot be synthesized).

The main function of vitamin D is to ensure the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from food in the small intestine. Countries with low insolation (exposure to direct sunlight), including Russia, are considered by doctors and scientists to be at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

In Russia, doctors are increasingly prescribing vitamin D in the form of drugs and dietary supplements for children and adults. However, how relevant are such recommendations?

“There is such a trend, I periodically hear from people that they are prescribed vitamin D and it seems to me that this is just a fashion, – told“ Gazeta.Ru ”member of the RAS Commission on Counteracting the Falsification of Science Petr Talantov. – Previously, there was a fashion for multivitamins, now – for vitamin D. The scale cannot be accurately estimated, because we do not have a register of prescriptions. In most cases, I think this is unjustified. But I constantly hear how doctors prescribe vitamin D, guided by something incomprehensible. ”

“Vitamin D is more difficult to obtain from food than others: it is found in only a few foods,” Talents writes in his book 0.05 Evidence-Based Medicine from Magic to the Search for Immortality.- Since observational studies have shown a link between low vitamin D and a number of diseases, it has been suggested that vitamin D deficiency may be the cause. The results of RCTs (randomized clinical trials – Gazeta.Ru) were contradictory. Although a systematic review of Cochrane showed a modest reduction in all-cause mortality, the authors did not recommend the drug: many studies not included in the review were interrupted before completion, which usually indicates no result or a negative effect.As a consequence, the conclusion of the meta-analysis could be too optimistic. ”

Taking vitamin D as part of a multivitamin can be harmful to your health.

“Multivitamins are not only useless, but also potentially harmful,” Talantov says. “Many multivitamins contain antioxidants that can shorten life expectancy. ”

“Supplements of some vitamins are needed only in isolated cases – for pregnant women, lactating women, newborns and, as prescribed by a doctor, the elderly,” he writes.”Most people don’t get any benefit from taking them.”

Excessive preoccupation of doctors with vitamin D supplements and other experts confirm.

“There are tons of pediatricians who continue to ignore the prevention of rickets in infants. Another part of doctors misuses even not prophylactic, but therapeutic doses of vitamin D, without any control (even without the outdated Sulkovich test). Among “adult” doctors, this tendency is especially noticeable, there is a certain fashion for vitamin D, although there is still not a lot of evidence of the effectiveness of such prevention, “he told Gazeta.Ru ”pediatrician Sergei Butriy.

“There is a certain“ hobby ”for such appointments.

Here you still need to understand that there are two fundamentally different practices – pediatric and adult, and if in the first case even some “hobby” can be considered rational and more or less justified, then in the second case there are more questions than answers, “the doctor adds. – therapist of the highest qualification category Alexey Vodovozov.

At the same time, appointments are often made even without appropriate tests, just for prophylaxis.

“Such prescriptions are incorrect, especially since such a laboratory indicator as 25-hydroxycalciferol is extremely informative and is indeed recommended throughout the world as a guideline for prescribing vitamin D therapy and, more importantly, for monitoring its effectiveness. On the other hand, a single laboratory test result is not enough, “treating an analysis” is not the most correct approach in medicine, that is, to prescribe a drug, there must be both clinical and laboratory data, ”explains Vodovozov.

The total prophylactic prescription of vitamin D is fully justified in children under 3 years of age, although even here Russian and international recommendations cannot yet agree on what dosage is needed.

“Both Russian and international clinical guidelines prescribe daily prophylactic doses of vitamin D to be administered to them on a daily basis. But in most cases, a universal strategy has not been developed, the doctor should focus on the appropriateness and level of vitamin D in the peripheral blood.Moreover, it appears that different blood levels of vitamin D are normal for different people, so the doctor should definitely only correct the lowest numbers, ”he says.

Experts confirm that according to official data, both children and adults have some vitamin D deficiency. However, whether it is worth fighting with it so zealously is a debatable question.

“There is no good quality evidence that adults need to compensate for vitamin D deficiencies, even when laboratory-diagnosed.

In this matter, the lobby of manufacturers, first of all, combination preparations containing both vitamin D and calcium, intended for the prevention and (or) treatment of osteoporosis, greatly distorts the situation, ”says Vodovozov.

One of the most severe consequences of vitamin D deficiency is rickets in children. Lack of vitamin D leads to impaired bone formation, and skeletal deformities that have arisen during the disease remain in adulthood.

“Vitamin D deficiency is very common among children, but moderate – we see few clinical rickets now,” notes Butriy.

However, after the all-Russian study of vitamin D deficiency in young children “Spring” , a national program was developed that prescribes vitamin D intake as prevention in doses 2-4 times higher than recommends World consensus on prevention and treatment nutritive rickets.

In cases where the prescription of vitamin D is nevertheless justified, it is not worth taking supplements, but medicines – the control of the qualitative and quantitative composition of medicines is stricter, including after the release of a batch of the drug on the market, Vodovozov notes.Supplements are much less regulated and have to rely only on the integrity of the manufacturer.

“Any adequate doctor is alarmed by dietary supplements,” says Butriy. – We in Russia have serious problems with the quality of real medicines, and the quality of dietary supplements is a mystery at all.

I actively use vitamin D medications, I rarely see side effects ”.

The form of the preparation (capsules, water and oil solutions) does not play a special role in this.

“As far as I know, the water-soluble form of vitamin D was invented for the treatment of people who have impaired absorption of fat in the intestine, for example, patients with cystic fibrosis – for all other people, the choice of the drug does not really matter,” says Butriy.

“Modern pharmaceutical technologies make it possible to make almost any dosage form that is approximately the same in their characteristics, but can be better tolerated by certain categories of patients.Forcing a child to swallow an oil solution is not for the faint of heart, ”adds Vodovozov.

Vitamin D supplements are credited by marketers with almost miraculous properties – it stimulates immunity, relieves fatigue, improves mood and performance, improves lung function and reproductive function. However, clinical studies of such an effect of supplements, of course, do not reveal.

Vitamin D supplements do not even protect against fractures. Chinese researchers analyzed 33 clinical trials involving more than 50 thousand people.person over 50 years old. Some of them took supplements with vitamin D, calcium or both, some did not take any supplements or received a placebo.

At the same time, the frequency of fractures in the groups remained approximately the same, there was no significant statistical difference.

In study , conducted by American specialists, almost 400 people over 70 years old received dietary supplements with vitamin D throughout the year. While this had a positive effect on bone metabolism, bone mineral density – an indicator of how strong a bone is – did not change.The authors of the paper recommend that older people eat a balanced diet, remember to be in the sun and take time to exercise, and not rely on supplements.

What’s more, overconsumption of vitamin D supplements in people who are not medically indicated increases the risk of all-cause death, researchers from Tufts University found . The smartest solution is to control your vitamin D content through a well-thought-out diet and sun exposure.

“You can’t turn bad food into good food with a handful of pills,” scientists remind.

When exposed to the sun, however, it is worth remembering about the risk of developing melanoma – excessive sunbathing is especially dangerous for people who are quickly sunburned and those who have many moles on their skin (more than a hundred) and have dysplastic nevi – large moles with uneven edges and uneven color. It is generally better to avoid trips to solariums – among their visitors, melanoma is 75% more common.

When in the sun, do not forget about sunscreen. As shown by work of specialists from King’s College London, it does not interfere with the synthesis of vitamin D in the body as much as is commonly believed – after observing vacationers on the beaches of Tenerife for a week, the researchers found that their body produces vitamin D quite actively. At the same time, it was better developed in people who used products with a high degree of protection against UVA rays (long wavelength range).Apparently, the authors of the work explain, such products are more conducive to the effects of UVB rays (medium wavelength range) than products with a low degree of UVA protection.

Vitamin D3 600 ME dietary supplement

Product code
# 53341-001

Vitamin D3 600 ME is a dietary supplement that is recommended as an additional source of vitamin D.1 capsule contains: vitamin D 3 – 15 μg (600 IU).

Vitamin D ₃ supports important processes in the body: the work of immune cells, the formation of bone tissue cells of osteoblasts, conduction of excitation impulses through nerve and muscle fibers, the functioning of skeletal muscles, heart muscle, metabolism in skin cells.

Control of calcium metabolism is one of the most important functions of vitamin D ₃ . A change in the concentration of calcium in the blood, even by 1%, causes serious changes in the body: the excitability of nerve endings changes, muscle conduction is disturbed, the penetration of minerals into cells worsens, the activity of many enzymes decreases, hormonal regulation of metabolism is disrupted.

Biologically active food supplement “Vitamin D ₃ (cholecalciferol) 600 ME” is registered by the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare.

Release form:

Oval capsules weighing 410 mg in consumer packaging. Expiration date: 2 years.

Application Note:

Adults take 1 capsule daily with meals. Duration of admission is 2-3 months.It is recommended to consult a doctor before use. Biologically active food additive. It is not a medicine.

Contraindications:

Individual intolerance to the components.

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DR.JACOBS DR.JACOB’S food supplement with vitamin D3 ÖL, 20 ml

Nutritional Supplements and Diet Nutrition

Vitamin of the sun in the form of drops – vitamin D3 in oil.The package is enough for about 600 servings – enough for the whole family. Suitable for vegetarians.

Until recently, it was believed that vitamin D is needed only for children from the first month of life to 2 years of age, when the skeleton is intensively formed. It is now clear that vitamin D is essential at all ages – expectant mothers, breastfeeding mothers, children, adolescents and adults, as well as the elderly, as the body’s natural ability to develop it decreases with age.

Vitamin D has been scientifically proven to support body functions:

– contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system,

– contributes to the normal absorption and use of calcium and phosphorus,

– helps maintain healthy bones and teeth,

– helps maintain normal muscle function,

– helps maintain normal blood calcium levels

– Required for cell division.

Most of our vitamin D is produced by our bodies in the skin when there is sufficient sunlight. In cases where solar radiation is low, vitamin D production is generally hindered. The German Dietetic Association (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung) recommends an intake of 20 mcg (800 IU) of vitamin D per day, which corresponds to 400% of the nutrient reference value – exactly as much as 1 drop of Dr. Jacob’s with vitamin D3.

Product benefits:

– Made in Germany using pharmaceutical grade Vitamin D3 made in Germany

– high bioavailability: fat-soluble vitamin D3 in coconut oil made in Germany with a high content of medium chain triglycerides,

– high stability due to natural tocopherols,

– with practical pipette – for convenient dispensing.

DR.JACOB’S food supplement with vitamin D3 ÖL, 20 ml

€ 6. 96

9.95 € *

6.96
9.95
EUR

€ 6.96

9.95 € *

6.96
9.95
EUR

Recommended daily dose: 1 drop per day (1 serving) for adults and children from 1 year old.

Babies – 1 drop every other day.

Recommended daily dose (1 drop, approximately 0.033 ml) contains:

Vitamin D3 … 20 μg .. 800 IU * … 400% NRV ** … 100% DGE ***

* international units; **% of the reference value of nutrients; *** of the daily dose recommended by the German Food Association (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung).

kokosriekstu eļļa ar augstu vidēja garuma ķēžu triglicerīdu (MCT) saturu (95%), antioksidants: tokoferola ekstrakts (dabīgas izcelsmes E vitamīns), holekalciferols (D3 vitamīns).

90,000 Which cancer should I avoid taking vitamin D3 supplements?

Highlights

Nutritional supplements such as vitamin D3 have many health benefits and are widely used by cancer patients and people with a genetic cancer risk. But is it safe to take vitamin D3 supplements for all types of cancer without considering any current therapies and other lifestyle conditions? The widespread opinion, but only a myth, is that everything natural can only benefit me or not harm me. For example, it is not recommended to use grapefruit with certain medications. Another example: Consuming spinach with certain blood-thinning medications can cause unwanted interactions and should be avoided. In cancer, nutrition that includes foods and natural supplements has been shown to influence outcomes. Therefore, cancer patients often ask nutritionists and doctors the question: “What should I eat and what should I avoid?”

Vitamin D3 supplementation may benefit cancer patients with Merkel cell carcinoma treated with thalidomide.But avoid vitamin D3 supplements if you are being treated with ifosfamide for testicular sperm cell tumors. Likewise, taking a vitamin D3 dietary supplement may benefit healthy people who are at genetic risk for cancer due to the CDK4 gene mutation. But avoid taking vitamin D3 supplements if there is a genetic risk of cancer due to the TERT gene mutation.

Bottom Line – Your individual context will influence your decision whether a vitamin D3 supplement is safe. And also the fact that this decision needs to be constantly reviewed as conditions change.Conditions such as the type of cancer, current treatment and supplementation, age, gender, weight, height, lifestyle, and any genetic mutations identified are relevant. So you have a legitimate question to ask for any recommendation about food and natural supplements: how do they fit into your individual context.

Short overview

Nutritional supplements – vitamins, herbs, minerals, probiotics and other special categories are growing. Supplements are high concentrations of active ingredients that are also found in various foods.The difference is that the products contain more than one active ingredient at lower diffusion concentrations. Remember that each of these ingredients has its own scientific and biological mechanism at the molecular level – so choose the right combination of supplements, such as vitamin D3, depending on the individual context and conditions.

So the question is, should you take vitamin D3? Should you take it if you have a genetic risk of cancer due to a TERT gene mutation? Should you take it if you have a genetic risk of cancer due to a CDK4 gene mutation? Should I take it when diagnosing testicular germ cell tumors? Should You Take Vitamin D3 Supplements When Diagnosing Merkel Cell Carcinoma? Should I take it during treatment with Ifosfamide? Should you continue to take a vitamin D3 supplement if you change your treatment from ifosfamide to thalidomide? Thus, a general explanation like “is it natural or increases immunity” may not be acceptable and sufficient for the choice of vitamin D3.

cancer

Cancer remains an unresolved problem. Increased availability of individualized treatment and cancer monitoring with blood and saliva have become important factors for improving outcomes. The earlier the intervention, the better it will affect the result. Genetic testing can provide an early assessment of cancer risk and susceptibility. But apart from regular follow-up, in most cases there are no therapeutic options available. Once a cancer is diagnosed, such as testicular germ cell tumors or Merkel cell carcinoma, treatment is adapted to the genomics of the tumor and factors such as stage of the disease, age, and gender.During cancer remission (after completion of the treatment cycle) – monitoring is used to assess any recurrence and, accordingly, decide on further steps. The vast majority of cancer patients and those at risk are taking dietary supplements such as vitamin D3.

So the question is, should all the risks of genetic mutations and types of cancer be considered as a whole when deciding whether to use vitamin D3? Are the biochemical pathways of the genetic risk of cancer due to a TERT gene mutation the same as those due to a CDK4 gene mutation? Are the consequences of testicular sperm cell tumors the same as those of Merkel cell carcinomas? Is it the same if you are taking Ifosfamide or Thalidomide?

Vitamin D3 – food supplement

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol or sunshine vitamin, is a fat-soluble vitamin that is normally produced in the skin when exposed to the sun. It is obtained from a variety of food sources as well as nutritional supplements. It is known to have many health benefits including the following:

1. May help strengthen bones by absorbing calcium and phosphorus, which helps keep bones strong (Paul Lips and Natasha M. van Schur, Best Practices Clin Endocrinol Metab., 2011)
2. May promote heart health (Suzanne E. Judd and Vin Tangpritsch , Am J Med., 2009.)
3. May improve mood (Sue Penkofer et al., Issues Ment Health Nurs., 2010)
4. May promote a healthy immune system (Peter-Jan Martens et al., Nutrients. 2020)
5. May aid weight loss (Caitlin Mason et al., Am J Clin Nutr., 2014)

However, taking high doses of vitamin D3 over long periods of time can be harmful. Below are some of the side effects of excess vitamin D3 intake.

• Elevated blood calcium levels
• Nausea
• vomiting
• Kidney failure
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Lack of appetite

Vitamin D3 is an active ingredient found in various foods. Eggs, oily fish, fish liver oil and buttermilk contain vitamin D3 in various concentrations along with other active ingredients. Molecular pathways that are regulated by vitamin D3 include oxidative stress, hypoxia, MYC signaling, stem cell signaling, and DNA repair. These cellular pathways directly or indirectly regulate certain molecular endpoints of cancer, such as growth, spread, and death. Because of this biological regulation – for cancer nutrition, choosing the right supplements, such as vitamin D3, alone or in combination, is an important decision.When deciding to use a vitamin D3 supplement for cancer treatment, be sure to consider all of these factors and explanations. Because, as with cancer treatments, vitamin D3 use may not be a one-size-fits-all solution for all types of cancer.

Choice of Vitamin D3 Supplements for Cancer

The reason there is no easy way to answer the question “When should I avoid taking vitamin D3 for cancer” is because “it depends!”Just as the same treatment does not work for every cancer patient, depending on your individual context, vitamin D3 may be harmful or safe. Along with what kind of cancer and associated genetics – current treatments, supplements, lifestyle, BMI, and allergies – are all factors that determine whether vitamin D3 should be avoided and why.

1. Will Vitamin D3 Supplementation Benefit Cancer Patients With Testicular Sperm Cell Tumors Treated With Ifosfamide?

Testicular sperm cell tumors are characterized and driven by specific genetic mutations such as KIT and KRAS, resulting in changes in biochemical pathways in oxidative stress, DNA repair, PI3K-AKT-MTOR signaling, RAS-RAF signaling, and MAPK signaling.Cancer treatments such as ifosfamide work by a specific mechanism of action. The goal is to ensure good alignment between treatment and cancer pathways for an effective personalized approach. In this condition, any food or nutritional supplements that have the opposite effect of treatment or reduce overlap should be avoided. For example, vitamin D3 should be avoided for testicular germ cell tumors along with ifosfamide treatment. Vitamin D3 interferes with pathways / processes such as oxidative stress and DNA repair, which either contribute to the development of disease factors or negate the healing effect. In addition, vitamin D3 supplements interact with CYP3A4 with ifosfamide treatment and should therefore be avoided in patients undergoing this treatment. (Pius S. Fasinu et al., Front Oncol., 2019; Xuan Qin et al., Acta Pharm Sin B., 2019) Some of the factors to consider when choosing a diet are the type of cancer, treatments, and supplements currently being taken (if any), age, gender, BMI, lifestyle, and any information on genetic mutations (if any).

2. Will Vitamin D3 Supplementation Benefit Cancer Patients With Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treated With Thalidomide?

Merkel cell carcinoma is characterized and driven by specific genetic mutations such as TP53 and RB1, resulting in changes in biochemical pathways in hypoxia, P53 signaling, RAS-RAF signaling, PI3K-AKT-MTOR signaling and cell cycle. Cancer treatments like thalidomide work through specific mechanisms.The goal is to ensure a good match between treatments and cancer management for a personalized approach. In this condition, any food or nutritional supplement should be considered that has an effect consistent with treatment or reducing overlap. For example, vitamin D3 supplementation should be considered in the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma in conjunction with thalidomide treatment. Vitamin D3 supplementation affects pathways / processes such as hypoxia and P53 signaling that either inhibit the driving forces of Merkel carcinoma or improve the effect of thalidomide treatment.

Foods to Eat After Cancer Diagnosis!

No two cancers are the same. Go beyond general dietary guidelines for everyone and make individual decisions about food and supplements with confidence.

3. Are Vitamin D3 Supplements Safe for Healthy People with a Genetic Risk of TERT Mutation?

Various companies offer gene panels for testing to assess the genetic risk of various types of cancer. These panels cover genes associated with cancers of the breast, ovary, uterus, prostate, gastrointestinal tract, and others. Genetic testing of these genes can confirm the diagnosis and aid in treatment and management decisions. Identifying the variant causing the disease can also serve as a guideline for testing and diagnosing at-risk relatives. TERT is one of the genes commonly available in cancer risk testing panels.

The TERT mutation causes disruption of biochemical pathways / processes such as MYC signaling, TGFB signaling, nucleotide metabolism, stem cell signaling, and hypoxia.These pathways are direct or indirect driving forces of the molecular endpoints of cancer. Vitamin D3 should be avoided when the genetic panel detects the TERT mutation for hematologic cancer. Vitamin D3 interferes with pathways / processes such as MYC and TGFB signaling and creates adverse effects when using TERT and related conditions.

4. Are vitamin D3 supplements safe for healthy people with a genetic risk of CDK4 mutation?

CDK4 is one of the genes available in cancer risk testing panels. The CDK4 mutation causes disruption of biochemical pathways / processes such as stem cell signaling, MAPK signaling, cell cycle, cell cycle checkpoints, and DNA repair. These pathways are direct or indirect driving forces of the molecular endpoints of cancer. Consider taking vitamin D3 supplements when a genetic panel detects a mutation in CDK4 for skin cancer. Vitamin D3 affects pathways / processes such as stem cell signaling and MAPK signaling, and has a supportive effect in people with CDK4 mutation and related conditions.

* Other Factors such as BMI are also included. , Treatment, Lifestyle

In conclusion

The two most important things to remember is that cancer treatment and nutrition are never the same for everyone. A diet that includes foods and nutritional supplements such as vitamin D3 is an effective remedy that you can manage when facing cancer.

What food you eat and what supplements you take is your decision. Your decision should include consideration of cancer gene mutations, type of cancer, ongoing treatments and supplements, any allergies, lifestyle information, weight, height, and habits.

Cancer nutritional planning from add-on is not based on Internet searches. It automates the molecular science decision-making process implemented by our scientists and software developers. Whether you want to understand the underlying biochemical molecular pathways or not, this understanding is essential for cancer nutrition planning.

Get started NOW with meal planning by answering questions about cancer name, genetic mutations, current treatments and supplements, any allergies, habits, lifestyle, age group and gender.

Foods to Eat After Cancer Diagnosis!

No two cancers are the same. Go beyond general dietary guidelines for everyone and make individual decisions about food and supplements with confidence.

Cancer patients often have to deal with different side effects of chemotherapy that affect their quality of life and seek alternative cancer treatments. Taking the right diet and science-based supplements (avoiding guesswork and random selection) is the best natural remedy for cancer and treatment-related side effects.

90,000 How much vitamin D does a person need? | Scientific discoveries and technical innovations from Germany | DW

Sellers of various kinds of biologically active food additives spare no effort and money for catchy advertising, promising consumers indestructible health and almost eternal youth.Serious experts are skeptical about the mass consumption of these supplements. There is not the slightest doubt that, say, vitamins are necessary for the normal functioning of the human body, and since most vitamins are not synthesized by the body itself, they must come from outside.

However, it is preferred that they are sourced from natural foods rather than tablets, pills, capsules, dragees and powders. If you cannot do without taking such a drug, then it is desirable that it was not a universal multivitamin-mineral complex, but a specific vitamin, the same one that this patient lacks, if only because an excess of vitamins is not so harmless and can cause no less serious negative health effects than hypo- or even vitamin deficiency. Now, however, we will talk about a vitamin that is synthesized – or, at least, under certain conditions, can be synthesized in sufficient quantities – by the body itself. This is vitamin D.

The value of vitamin D is difficult to overestimate

The German Society for Nutrition has made very significant changes in its recommendations regarding the content of this vitamin in the body. In order to assess the degree of supply of the body with vitamin D, it is customary to measure the concentration of one of the products of its decay – 25-hydroxy-vitamin D – in the blood serum.Angela Bechthold, Research Fellow at the German Society for Nutrition, says: “The optimal concentration is now 50 nanomoles per liter. At this level, the risk of bone fractures and other diseases associated with vitamin D deficiency is significantly reduced. Our research this was unambiguously confirmed. ”

For a long time it was believed that the function of vitamin D is reduced mainly to its participation in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus by the body, and therefore in the formation of bones and teeth. But recently, the view on his role has been changing. University of Bonn professor Peter Stehle, an expert in nutritional physiology and until recently president of the German Nutrition Society, explains: “Much has been done in the study of vitamin D metabolism and related processes over the past 10-15 years. In particular, the view on how much of this vitamin the body needs for normal life has also changed. ”

Long overdue measure

This is why a number of prominent American experts – for example, Anthony Norman, professor of biochemistry at the University of California at Riverside – are actively advocating an increase in the recommended daily intake of vitamin D.They emphasize that current regulations are based on the assumption that vitamin D is only needed for bone formation, which is not known to be the case today.

And now, finally, the German Nutrition Society has heeded these arguments. It doubled the daily intake for infants (up to 10 micrograms), and four times for everyone else (up to 20 micrograms). This is a long overdue measure, especially since, according to the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin, 60 percent of the German population has a vitamin D content in the blood serum that does not even reach the former, underestimated norm.The explanation is simple, says Angela Bechthold: “Very few foods contain vitamin D in any significant amount. These are mainly fatty fish like herring or mackerel. products are completely unrealistic. ”

Not therapy, but prevention

According to today’s views, nutrition covers the body’s need for vitamin D by no more than 20 percent.Fortunately, the body is able to synthesize this vitamin itself in skin cells under the influence of sunlight and thereby compensate for the deficiency – at least under certain conditions. Professor Stele explains: “For our own synthesis, we need ultraviolet” B “- this is the middle part of the ultraviolet range. If a quarter of the body’s skin area is exposed to sunlight every day for 10-15-20 minutes, this, in principle, should be enough for synthesis of the required amount of vitamin D “.

In principle, it should be enough. But in practice, as a rule, there is not enough – at least in mid-latitudes, especially since ultraviolet “B” is almost completely absorbed by the atmosphere, so that no more than 10 percent of it reaches the earth’s surface. And frying in the sun, without knowing the measure, is harmful: it increases the risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers. So it turns out that in many cases one cannot do without those notorious vitamin tablets, capsules and pills. However, one should not forget that the use of such drugs serves not to treat specific pathological conditions, but to purely preventive purposes.

Author: Vladimir Fradkin
Editor: Efim Shuman

90,000 How to prevent vitamin D deficiency? How to keep it at the optimal level?

The darkest season of the year has arrived. In the evenings it gets dark faster, at night raindrops knock on the window comfortably, and it becomes more and more difficult to wake up. The cheerfulness that appeared in the summer gradually disappears, and we begin to feel more and more depressed. But this fatigue and loss of strength is justified by the fact that the load has increased and we do not get enough sleep.The real reason for such changes should be sought not only in the changing seasons, but also in the fact that with more rare sunny moments, vitamin D, a serious basis for the functioning of the body, is not synthesized in our skin.

How vital is vitamin D for our body?

To answer this question, let us familiarize ourselves with various findings of scientific research:

To protect respiratory health

The National Health Service of Great Britain conducted a study in which specialists from more than 20 countries took part, involving more than 10 thousand people.One of the findings from this large-scale study is that with daily intake of vitamin D in the form of a dietary supplement and in the prescribed dose, more than 12% of the study participants did not develop respiratory diseases. Adrian Maritne, a professor at Clinical University of London, concluded that the sunshine vitamin may help reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections, including colds and flu, especially for people who don’t get much sun or rarely eat foods rich in vitamin D.

In order to delay the flu

In February 2017, a study of 10,000 people was published in the UK, which once again confirmed the pattern established 10 years ago by the consul of vitamin D, John Canel, that sufficient levels of vitamin D can protect the body’s immunity more strongly. than the flu vaccine. During the study, the participants were given a specific daily dose of vitamin D. The results clearly showed that when using the flu vaccine, 1 person in 40 did not get sick, on the contrary, among those who used vitamin D3, 1 in 33 people did not get sick with the flu.This proves that a sufficient level of vitamin D3 in the blood can be stronger than the effect of a vaccine.

To protect against viruses

To eliminate the deficiency of vitamin D in the body and to ensure that it is at a sufficient level, the researcher of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Cantabria and physician Victor Manuel Martinez-Taboada confirmed that modern man should take it additionally in the form of a dietary supplement of vitamin D3 . ..
A study led by him analyzed how vitamin D levels are linked to our immune defenses and how our defenses against infections are affected.To conduct a specific study, the changes in vitamin D were compared in three different age groups – among participants from 20 to 30 years old, from 31 to 59 years old, and from 60 to 86 years old. The researchers found that the receptor responsible for immunity becomes significantly weaker if vitamin D is not supplied in sufficient quantities. Therefore, a person is more susceptible to viruses and can get various infections.

To create a muscular body shape

A study was completed at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom that analyzed the effect of vitamin D on muscle strength.A team of scientists monitored the amount of vitamin D in the body of 116 healthy participants aged 20 to 74 years. The researchers noted that participants with lower fat, high “non-fat”, and lean mass had a higher vitamin D ratio in their blood than those who were overweight and less lean.

To achieve a perfect body

In February 2015, a team from the University of Milan conducted a study to prove that with the additional daily intake of a specific dose of vitamin D, you can achieve a slimmer body shape.The study was based on the hypothesis that a lack of vitamin D in the body can threaten obesity and the associated risk of complications. For 400 participants with overweight and insufficient levels of vitamin D, a special diet was formulated based on a strictly defined daily dose of vitamin D – 25,000 IU or 100,000 IU per month. The participants were divided into 3 groups. Two groups were supplemented with vitamin D3. In turn, the third group took regular foods, without food additives. After 6 months, the results were incontrovertible – both groups supplemented with vitamin D lost weight, in contrast to the third group.

For a day without headaches

A study at the Eastern University of Finland has shown that sufficient vitamin D levels in the body can reduce chronic headaches. In a study of 2,600 participants aged 42 to 60 years with low levels of vitamin D in their blood, chronic headaches disappeared in the group that took a certain amount of vitamin D daily.

To increase the joy of life

There is more 5,000 studies, in which, based on the fact that vitamin D receptors are found in many places in the brain, it has been proven that the amount of vitamin D in the blood is directly related to the development of depression.In a 13-country study with 31,000 participants, a study found that the lower the amount of vitamin D in the blood, the more pronounced the mood swings and the more pronounced the symptoms of depression.

Get your heart to beat rhythmically

A study was conducted at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom that showed that adequate vitamin D levels play a significant role in heart and vascular health. 160 people with heart failure were divided into two groups – one was given a specific dose of vitamin D3 for a year, the other was given a placebo. Those who took vitamin D3 experienced improvements in heart function. A similar study was conducted at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, which found that taking vitamin D regularly can lower blood pressure.

In order not to succumb to insomnia

After two years of working with 1500 patients complaining of sleep problems, Professor S.C. Gominak and W.E. Stumpf hypothesized that such widespread sleep disturbances in the world are associated with a global vitamin D deficiency in the body of the inhabitants.A similar conclusion was reached two years later by a team of four other researchers, who even confirmed that persistent vitamin D deficiency may not only be associated with the development of symptoms of lack of sleep, but may also increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. In 2015, a US study looked at vitamin D levels and sleep quality in 3,048 men under the age of 68. In a study that measured sleep habits and duration, wake frequency, sleep efficiency, taking into account the time spent awake and asleep, it was found that low vitamin D levels were associated with poor sleep quality, lower efficiency and less sleep. 5 hours a night.

Set your vitamin D level

It is recommended that the level of vitamin 25 (OH) D in the body be determined by laboratory tests at least once a year.

Critical vitamin D deficiency occurs if its level is below 10 ng / ml; insufficient vitamin D level is 10 – 30 ng / ml. In turn, the optimal vitamin D level is between 30 and 100 ng / ml.

Next step

You can be welcome if the tests have shown that the amount of vitamin in the blood is within the normal range.Your next task is to maintain this level by regularly taking your daily dose of vitamin D.
In case the tests indicate a deficiency, or, even more seriously, a deficiency, we suggest that you consider taking a larger dose of vitamin D until the optimal norm.

In the European Union there is no recommendation for a single daily intake of vitamin D, it ranges from 600 IU (international units) to 4000 IU for persons over one year of age.

The synthesis of vitamin D in the body begins under the influence of sunlight, however, provided that the angle of incidence of the sun’s rays exceeds 50 degrees above the horizon, and the body is open to the sun without a protective cream.

Vitamin D can also be taken with food. Vitamin D2 is found in mushrooms, and vitamin D 3 is found in animal products, mainly in such fish products as salmon, tuna, sardines, fish oil obtained from fish liver, beef liver, egg yolk and other products.To ensure the minimum required daily intake (50 µg), you should eat 250 g of fresh salmon, 40 eggs or drink 10 cups of milk daily.

An innovative, effective and natural solution

The latest scientific advancement is Vitamin D in spray form. This type of vitamin intake is up to 95% more effective than tablets, capsules and drops, because, firstly, there is no oxidation of vitamin D and, secondly, the sprayed form through the oral mucosa enters the circulation into the system and then spreads throughout the body bypassing the gastrointestinal tract (acid hydrolysis) and the effects of the liver.

An important factor that enhances the effectiveness of the nebulized vitamin is the way the vitamin is prepared to enter the bloodstream. The atomized vitamin D based on the microemulsion guarantees immediate absorption of the liquid in the spray, thus increasing the amount of vitamin D entering the circulation.

The microemulsion spray products containing vitamin D3 offered by the local pharmaceutical brand LYL love your life®, offered by the local pharmaceutical brand LYL love your life®, meet the listed requirements – to maintain the optimal level of vitamin D in the body LYLsunD3 2000 SV and to prevent vitamin D deficiency in the body – LYLsunD3 4000 SV.

LYLsunD3 is a naturally occurring vitamin D3 derived from lanolin. The composition contains a natural sweetener – xylitol, friendly to the health of teeth and mouth, and a natural orange flavor, which makes vitamin D3 intake pleasant not only for adults, but also for children.
The product does not contain gluten, colors, artificial sweeteners, GMOs, and does not contain essential oil or palm oil, which can oxidize quickly enough. The spray bottles of both LYLsunD3 products are easy to use and are rated for 125 uses or 4 months.