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Vitamin D

Basic Information

Vitamin D is also called cholecalciferol.
Brand names:
Calcifediol Capsules
Calderol(R)
Calcitriol Capsules
Rocaltrol(R)
Dihydrotachysterol Capsules
Hytakerol(R)
Dihydrotachysterol Oral Solution
DHT(R)
DHT Intensol(R)
Hytakerol(R)
Dihydrotachysterol Tablets
DHT(R)
Ergocalciferol Capsules
Deltalin(R)
Drisdol(R)
Ostoforte(R)
Radiostol(R)
Ergocalciferol Oral Solution
Calciferol(R)
Drisdol(R)
Radiostol(R)
Radiostol Forte(R)
Ergocalciferol Tablets
Calciferol(R)
Available from natural sources? Yes
Available from synthetic sources? Yes
Prescription required? No
Fat-soluble or water-soluble: Fat-soluble

NATURAL SOURCES

Cod-liver oil
Halibut-liver oil
Herring
Mackerel
Salmon
Sardines
Sunlight
Vitamin-D-fortified milk

REASONS TO USE

  • Regulates growth, hardening and repair of bone by controlling absorption of calcium and phosphorus from small intestine.
  • Prevents rickets.
  • Treats hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) in kidney disease.
  • Treats post-operative muscle contractions.
  • Works with calcium to control bone formation.
  • Promotes normal growth and development of infants and children, particularly bones and teeth.

    UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

  • Cures arthritis.
  • Prevents colon cancer.
  • Treats aging symptoms.
  • Treats acne.
  • Treats alcoholism.
  • Treats herpes simplex and herpes zoster.
  • Treats cystic fibrosis.

    WHO NEEDS ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS?

  • Children who live in sunshine-deficient areas.
  • Anyone with inadequate caloric or nutritional dietary intake or increased nutritional requirements.
  • Older people (over 55 years), especially women after menopause.
  • Pregnant or breast-feeding women.
  • Those who abuse alcohol or other drugs.
  • People with a chronic wasting illness, excess stress for long periods or who have recently undergone surgery.
  • Those with a portion of the gastrointestinal tract surgically removed.
  • People with recent severe burns or injuries.

    DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

  • Rickets (a childhood deficiency disease): bent, bowed legs, malformations of joints or bones, late tooth development, weak muscles, listlessness.
  • Osteomalacia (adult rickets): pain in ribs, lower spine, pelvis and legs, muscle weakness and spasm, brittle, easily broken bones.

    UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS

  • Muscle diseases (myopathies)

    LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY

  • Reduced levels of vitamin D forms in blood.
  • Decreased serum phosphate, decreased calcium, increased alkaline phosphatase, urinary hydroxyproline, PTH levels.
  • Bone X-ray.

    DOSAGE AND USAGE INFORMATION

    Age RDA
    0-6 months 10mcg
    6-12 months 10mcg
    1-10 years 10mcg
    MALES
    11-18 years 10mcg
    19-22 years 7.5mcg
    23+ years 5mcg
    FEMALES
    11-18 years 10mcg
    19-22 years 7.5mcg
    23+ years 5mcg
    Pregnant +5mcg
    Lactating +5mcg
    What this vitamin does:

  • Absorbs and uses calcium and phosphorous to make bone.
  • Essential for normal growth and development.

    Miscellaneous information:

  • Take at the same time every day.
  • Put liquid vitamin D directly into mouth or mix with cereal, fruit juice or food.

    Available as:

  • Extended-release capsules or tablets: Swallow whole with full glass of liquid. Don't chew or crush. Take with or immediately after food to decrease stomach irritation.
  • Oral solution: Dilute in at least 1/2 glass water or other liquid. Take with meals or 1 to 1-1/2 hours after meals unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
  • A constituent of many multivitamin/mineral preparations.
  • Some forms available by generic name.

    WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    Don't take if you:

  • Are allergic to vitamin D, ergocalciferol or any vitamin-D derivative.

    Consult your doctor if you have:

  • Any plans to become pregnant while taking vitamin D.
  • Epilepsy.
  • Heart or blood-vessel disease.
  • Kidney, liver, pancreatic disease.
  • Chronic diarrhea.
  • Intestinal problems.
  • Sarcoidosis.

    Over age 55:

  • Adverse reactions and side effects are more likely. Supplements are often necessary.

    Pregnancy:

  • Taking too much during pregnancy may cause abnormalities in fetus. Consult doctor before taking supplement to ensure correct dosage.
  • Don't take megadoses.

    Breast-feeding:

  • Important for you to receive correct amount so enough vitamin D is available for normal growth and development of baby. Consult doctor about supplements.
  • Don't take megadoses.

    Effect on lab tests:

  • May decrease serum alkaline phosphatase.
  • May increase levels of calcium, cholesterol and phosphate in test results.
  • May increase level of magnesium in test results.
  • May increase amounts of calcium and phosphorous in urine.

    Storage:

  • Store in cool, dry place away from direct light, but don't freeze. Avoid overexposure to air.
  • Store safely out of reach of children.
  • Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change action of vitamin.

    Others:

  • Absence of sunlight prevents natural formation of vitamin D by skin. Sunshine provides sufficient amounts of vitamin D for people who live in sunny climates. Those who live in northern areas with fewer days of sunshine and extended periods of cloud cover and darkness must depend on dietary sources for vitamin D.
  • Avoid megadoses.

    OVERDOSE/TOXICITY

    Signs and symptoms:
    High blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, nausea, weight loss,
    seizures, abdominal pain, appetite loss, mental and physical-
    growth retardation, premature hardening of arteries, kidney
    damage.

    What to do:

  • For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue vitamin, and consult doctor. Also see ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS section below.
  • For accidental overdosage (such as child taking entire bottle): Dial 911 (emergency), 0 for operator or your nearest Poison Control Center.
  • For toxic symptoms: Discontinue vitamin and seek immediate medical help. Hospitalization may be necessary.

    ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS

    Reaction or effect What to do
    Appetite loss Discontinue. Call doctor when
    convenient.
    Constipation Discontinue. Call doctor when
    convenient.
    Diarrhea Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Dry mouth Discontinue. Call doctor when
    convenient.
    Headache Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Increased thirst Discontinue. Call doctor when
    convenient.
    Mental confusion Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Metallic taste Discontinue. Call doctor when
    convenient.
    Nausea Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Unusual tiredness Discontinue. Call doctor when
    convenient.
    Vomiting Discontinue. Call doctor
    immediately.

    INTERACTION WITH MEDICINE, VITAMINS OR MINERALS

    Interacts with Combined effect
    Antacids with aluminum Decreases absorption of
    vitamin D and fat-soluble
    vitamins A, D, E, K.
    Antacids with magnesium May cause too much magnesium
    in blood, especially for
    people with kidney failure.
    Anti-convulsants May reduce effect of vitamin
    D from natural sources and
    require supplements to prevent
    loss of strength in bones.
    Barbiturates May reduce effect of vitamin
    D from natural sources and
    require supplements to prevent
    loss of strength in bones.
    Calcitonin Reduces effect of calcitonin
    when treating hypercalcemia.
    Calcium (high doses) Increases risk of
    hypercalcemia.
    Cholestyramine Impairs absorption of vitamin
    D. May need supplements.
    Colestipol Impairs absorption of vitamin
    D. May need supplements.
    Digitalis preparations Increases risk of heartbeat
    irregularities.
    Diuretics, thiazide Increases risk of
    hypercalcemia.
    Hydantoin May reduce effect of vitamin D
    from natural sources and
    require supplements to prevent
    loss of strength in bones.
    Mineral oil Increases absorption of vitamin
    D. May need supplements.
    Phosphorous-containing medicines Increases risk of too much
    phosphorous in blood.
    Primidone May reduce effect of vitamin D
    from natural sources and
    require supplements to prevent
    loss of strength in bones.
    Vitamin-D derivatives, such as Additive effects may increase
    calciferol, calcitrol, potential for toxicity.
    dihydrotachysterol,
    ergocalciferol

    INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES

  • Chronic alcoholism depletes liver stores of vitamin D.

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