Vitamin D has two forms, namely ergocalciferol which is derived from ergosterol in plants, usually yeast, by irradiation, and cholecalciferol which is usually derived from fish, or from the irradiation of 7-dehydrocholesterol from lanolin, or by chemically converting cholesterol.
Some research shows that vitamin D3 is somewhat more effective at higher doses in boosting the concentrations of vitamin D prohormone in the body, and it is usually used nowadays to fortify milk and milk products, as well as to prepare supplements.
The normal supplementation dosage ranges from 400 IU/ mL to 400 IU/drop. Care must be enjoined and demonstrated to avoid overdosage, especially with the higher concentration, in infants. However, some current research indicates that 800-5000 IU/day improves musculoskeletal health in the elderly, preventing up to 50% of falls.
In those who have vitamin D deficiency, up to 600000 IU administered in several divided doses over a few weeks, such as 50000 IU/week for 8 weeks. This is sufficient to bring the tissue and serum levels back to normal. Following this, 800-1000 IU may be taken daily, either from dietary sources or as a supplement.
Most people maintain a normal vitamin D concentration provided they get 10-15 minutes of sunlight a day on exposed skin. In such a case, supplements are not usually necessary. Indications for vitamin D supplements should be based on measurement of 25-hydroxy-D levels.
Vitamin D supplements may interact with various medications. These include:
- Steroids – corticosteroids like prednisone, which are widely prescribed for their anti-inflammatory actions, also reduce calcium absorption as well as reduce the metabolism of vitamin D, exacerbating bone loss and speeding up the development of osteoporosis with long-term use.
- Cholesterol-lowering agents such as cholestyramine can impair the absorption of vitamin D as well as other fat-soluble vitamins by interfering with fat absorption.
- Anticonvulsants – phenytoin and phenobarbital both induce the hepatic metabolism of vitamin D, leading to increased inactivation, which leads to lower calcium absorption.
References
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
- http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/sites/default/files/dietary_guidelines_for_americans/Vitamins-AAPVitaminDReport.
- https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/vitamin-d
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22461123
- Vasudevan, D. M., Sreekumari, S., & Vaidyanathan, K. (2013). Textbook of biochemistry for medical students (7th ed.). New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Pvt Ltd.
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22274617
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19835345
Further Reading
- All Vitamin D Content
- What is Vitamin D?
- Vitamin D Biochemistry
- Vitamin D Deficiency
- Vitamin D Overdose
Last Updated: Aug 23, 2018
Written by
Dr. Liji Thomas
Dr. Liji Thomas is an OB-GYN, who graduated from the Government Medical College, University of Calicut, Kerala, in 2001. Liji practiced as a full-time consultant in obstetrics/gynecology in a private hospital for a few years following her graduation. She has counseled hundreds of patients facing issues from pregnancy-related problems and infertility, and has been in charge of over 2,000 deliveries, striving always to achieve a normal delivery rather than operative.
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