cholecalciferol (vitamin D3):overview
Cholecalciferol is vitamin D3. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium from food. Calcium builds strong bones and teeth.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it can be stored in the body for later use. Your body can make vitamin D when you’re exposed to ultraviolet rays (UV) from sunlight or a lamp that emits UV light called a sunlamp or tanning bed. You also get vitamin D through dietary sources such as fatty fish like salmon, dairy products, clothing treated with UV light, eggs made with UV light, and certain foods made using UV light at the manufacturing facility.
Getting enough vitamin D helps keep your bones as well as muscles and nerves healthy...
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four vitamin D3 products:
1) Cholecalciferol,
2) Ergocalciferol,
3) Doxercalciferol.
All four were approved in the 1990s for prevention of nutritional rickets in infants. In 2000, the FDA expanded approval to include both vitamin D deficiency rickets and vitamin D insufficiency in children and adults. The difference among these products is the way they are processed. They must be made under strict guidelines with quality control measures to ensure purity...
Since then, more studies have demonstrated that vitamin D can benefit people at all stages of life...
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends that all women over age 65 with osteopenia (bone loss) have a bone density scan to determine the risk for osteoporosis and then choose an appropriate preventive regimen.
In general, women should take 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily. Women with circulating 25(OH)D concentrations below 20 ng/mL should take 1,000 IU of cholecalciferol daily, while those with concentrations between 20-70 ng/mL can take 5,000 IU daily. For men the recommended dose is 2,000 IU daily...
Safety issues:
Some people have developed hypercalcemia from vitamin D supplementation. To avoid this, check your vitamin D blood levels regularly (about every 3 months) and get your 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels tested at the same time...
What do I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cholecalciferol?
You should not use this supplement if you are allergic to vitamin D or if you have high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia).
Because vitamin D is fat-soluble, it may be stored in the body. If you take too much cholecalciferol, it could lead to health problems...
If you have had an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) or have a serious heart condition such as congestive heart failure, do not use vitamin D without your doctor's approval...
If you have kidney problems, ask your doctor how much vitamin D you should take. Your kidneys are responsible for removing excess quantities of this vitamin from your bloodstream...
If you have osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about how much cholecalciferol you should take.
Do not give any supplements containing vitamin D to a baby younger than 1 year old. Ask your doctor if it is safe for your child to take this supplement...
You should not use this supplement if you are allergic to vitamin D or if you have high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia).
Because vitamin D is fat-soluble, it may be stored in the body. If you take too much cholecalciferol, it could lead to health problems.
How should I take cholecalciferol?
If you have had an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) or have a serious heart condition such as congestive heart failure, you should not use vitamin D without your doctor's approval.
How do I store cholecalciferol?
Store this supplement at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use...
What happens if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose and take your next one as soon as you remember. Continue to take this medication on a regular schedule, even if you feel well. Do not take more than instructed by your doctor...
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Vitamin D decreases the parathyroid hormone (PTH) which controls PTH levels. Because this hormone is important for bone health, vitamin D may increase the risk of osteoporosis by decreasing the amount of PTH that your body makes...
Talk to your doctor before taking cholecalciferol if you have kidney problems or low potassium levels in your blood... Your kidneys are responsible for removing excess quantities of this vitamin from your bloodstream...
Do not use vitamin D with other products that contain calcium and/or magnesium unless doctors specifically direct you to do so. Also, limit the amount of calcium you take from other dietary and supplemental sources. Doing so can increase your risk of high blood calcium levels. Too much calcium in your body can cause serious problems.
What are the possible side effects of cholecalciferol?
Because some people are more sensitive to the effects of cholecalciferol, you may experience side effects when using this product...
You should not use this supplement if you are allergic to vitamin D or if you have high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia).
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends that all women over age 65 with osteopenia (bone loss) have a bone density scan to determine the risk for osteoporosis and then choose an appropriate preventive regimen. Because vitamin D is fat-soluble, it may be stored in the body. If you take too much cholecalciferol, it could lead to health problems...
Vitamin D is fat-soluble and can be stored in the body. If you take too much vitamin D, it can lead to health problems...
Vitamin D increases the number of osteoclasts, which break down bone and can accelerate bone loss. Decreasing the number of osteoclasts increases bone density. Vitamin D is usually supplemented in an amount that would raise blood levels to at least 60 ng/mL (20 nmol/L). That is considered a level where there's no risk of hypercalcemia.
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication at room temperature and away from heat and moisture. Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets...
Vitamin D increases the number of osteoclasts, which break down bone and can accelerate bone loss. Decreasing the number of osteoclasts increases bone density...
What happens if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose and take your next one as soon as you remember. Continue to take this medication on a regular schedule, even if you feel well.
