Vitamin D

Vitamin D Basics

Vitamin D is necessary for normal growth and development of bones and teeth. Calcium cannot be absorbed into the body without Vitamin D.

A deficiency in Vitamin D can cause osteoporosis (thin bone mass), osteomalacia (soft bones), osteopenia (subnormal mineralized bone), rickets in children (abnormal bone formation), and hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in the blood).

Vitamin D regulates heartbeat and blood sugar, prevents muscle weakness, and may lower the risk of certain cancers (prostate and colorectal). Additionally, this vitamin may prevent multiple sclerosis (MS), arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, and diabetes. Further, deterioration of cartilage may be effectively reduced decreasing the severity of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Dosage Guidelines

Vitamin D is available in several forms - tablets, liquid, soft gel capsules, and in multivitamin formulas from 50 to 1,000 IU. Injections of Vitamin D are available by prescription for people who have difficulty digesting fat (Vitamin D is fat soluble). Often, these injections provide higher doses of Vitamin D.

Adults 200 IU to 400 IU daily*

*The amount needed may be dependent on exposure to sunlight, a natural source of Vitamin D. Consult a medical professional for guidelines to suit individual needs, especially prior to giving Vitamin D to a child.

Sources

Although sunlight is a natural source for Vitamin D, it can be found in many foods such as fish liver oils (salmon, tuna, cod liver), fortified dairy products, mushrooms, egg yolks, and fortified cereals.

Cautions

High doses of Vitamin D (in excess of 1,000 IU per day) can cause the following symptoms: bone pain, fatigue, sore eyes, itchy skin, vomiting, diarrhea, and a metallic taste in the mouth, excessive thirst, and frequent urination.

Check with a medical professional prior to taking Vitamin D if any of the following conditions exist: kidney disease, cardiac disease, high blood calcium or phosphorus levels.

Also, some medications affect the absorption of Vitamin D. Some of these medications include digitalis glycosides, thiazide diuretics, magnesium-containing antacids, Verapamil, and some anticonvulsant therapies. Alcohol and mineral oil also impede the absorption of Vitamin D.