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What is vitamin D, and why is it important?
Most people when they hear of vitamin D think of calcium and bone health. While vitamin D has long been known to help the body absorb calcium, recent studies have revealed other benefits to vitamin D. The latest studies report that adequate vitamin D intake may not only help prevent and treat osteoporosis, but also aids in preventing cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, high blood pressure, and the development of diabetes. It may also assist in preventing falls by improving muscle strength, especially in the elderly population.
What is an appropriate vitamin D level?
The best marker for an accurate vitamin D level is 25-hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D-OH). This is an inactive form of vitamin D, but the measurement of the level correlates accurately with low vitamin D in the body. The normal range for this marker is between 30 and 60 nanograms/milliliter (ng/mL). If you do not know if you have had your vitamin D level checked, you may want to ask your physician if that is a lab you should have done.
What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?
Some of the most common symptoms reported in people with low levels include unexplained chronic bone and muscle pain, muscle weakness, chronic fatigue or low energy, and light sleeping.
How do you treat vitamin D deficiency?
The current method for treating low vitamin D levels is to supplement with 50,000 International Units (I.U.) every week for 8 weeks. The levels should be rechecked at 8 weeks, and if the lab value has risen to a therapeutic level a maintenance dose of 1,000 I.U. every day is initiated. If the vitamin D-OH is still low, supplementation with the 50,000 I.U.
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every week continues for an additional 8 weeks with the levels being rechecked at the 2-month conclusion.
It is important to note that increasing sun exposure and consumption of vitamin D-fortified foods may assist in raising vitamin D levels, however it is unlikely to significantly elevate levels to a therapeutic range.
What are the side effects of vitamin D supplementation?
The most common side effects experienced with dietary supplementation include nausea, anorexia, and constipation. Taking the supplement with food may help decrease the nausea.
Can you overdose on vitamin D?
It is possible to overdose on vitamin D, however it is very uncommon. Dosages greater than 2,000 I.U. per day have been proven to be safe for supplementation. Be sure your physician is monitoring you while under vitamin D treatment. Considering that the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 400 I.U. per day, this leaves adequate room for safe supplementation. It is important to note the symptoms for hypervitaminosis D include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, confusion, constipation, weakness, and weight loss.
*Please talk to your physician or pharmacist if you have any further questions regarding vitamin D supplemenation. For additional information on this topic, you may also visit www.mattapanchc.org/vitamin_d.htm or www.vitamindcouncil.org/.
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