See comment in PubMed Commons belowInt J Vitam Nutr Res Suppl. 1989;30:81-6.High-dose vitamin D therapy: indications, benefits and hazards.Davies M.AbstractThere are two sources of vitamin D available to man: The more important source is the cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), which is produced photochemically in the skin from the provitamin, 7-dehydrocholesterol; vitamin D ingested with food is of secondary importance, but assumes a critical role when an individual is deprived of solar exposure. Vitamin D therefore is not strictly a vitamin. A deficiency of vitamin D ultimately results in osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children, and provision of sunlight or small oral doses of the vitamin can cure this bone condition. There are, however, many less common conditions in which small doses of the vitamin are ineffective, whereas larger doses of vitamin D can achieve healing of the bone disease. These conditions are collectively called vitamin D-resistant diseases and include hypoparathyroidism, genetic and acquired hypophosphataemic osteomalacias, renal osteodystrophy, vitamin D-dependent rickets, and the osteomalacia associated with liver disease and intestinal malabsorption.
Unfortunately, large doses of vitamin D continue to be prescribed for a wide variety of diseases in which there is little scientific evidence of their efficacy. The benefits and dangers of high doses of vitamin D are discussed and the problems arising from inappropriate or poorly supervised treatment with vitamin D presented. The serum concentration of the active metabolite of vitamin D, 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D is increased in certain disease states, and the pathophysiology of some these diseases are presented. The exciting developments in tumour differentiation and the role of high doses of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D for the control of leukaemia and other blood and skin diseases are discussed.PMID: 2507709 [Indexed for MEDLINE] Publication typeReviewMeSH termsHumansVitamin D/administration & dosage*Vitamin D/adverse effectsVitamin D/therapeutic useSubstanceVitamin DMedicalVitamin D - MedlinePlus Health InformationCan we help you find something? We're sorry, but we couldn't find the page you tried.
One of the links below may help. Or you can visit WebMD's Home Page. To check possible conditions. First Aid & Emergencies Find out what to do in case of an emergency Create a plan, log your food & fitness, and track your way toAvoid in people with known allergy or sensitivity to vitamin D, any similar compounds, or any part of the formula. Vitamin D is likely safe when taken by mouth in doses of 100 micrograms of vitamin D3 daily (4,000 IU) and when applied to the skin alone or in combination with corticosteroids for up to three months. Vitamin D is possibly safe when taken by mouth or injected into the muscle in doses of 300,000 IU three times a year for vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D may cause allergic skin reactions (inflammation, irritation, rash, and thinning), build-up of calcium in the arteries, changes in cholesterol levels, daytime sleepiness, excessive vitamin D levels, hardening of the arteries, headaches, increased calcium excretion or levels, increased risk of falls and fractures, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, increased risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy, increased risk of urinary tract infection
, kidney or urinary stones, muscle pain, respiratory tract infection, and stomach problems (constipation, cramps, diarrhea, upset stomach, and vomiting). Vitamin D may affect blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in people with diabetes or low blood sugar, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood sugar levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, and medication adjustments may be necessary. Vitamin D may affect blood pressure. Caution is advised in people with blood pressure disorders or those taking drugs or herbs and supplements that affect blood pressure. Use cautiously in people with headaches, heart disease, immune disorders (including lymph cancer and tuberculosis), kidney disease, liver disease, lung disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, skin disorders, stomach disorders, and thyroid disorders. Use cautiously in pregnant women at risk of high blood pressure associated with pregnancy.
Use cautiously in breastfeeding women. Avoid in people with known allergy or sensitivity to vitamin D, any similar compounds, or any part of the formula. Avoid in people with abnormal calcium excretion or levels. Use cautiously in pregnant women at risk of high blood pressure associated with pregnancy. The recommended adequate intake for pregnant women is the same as for non-pregnant adults. Most prenatal vitamins provide 400 IU of vitamin D daily as cholecalciferol, while high-risk populations may benefit from higher amounts (2,000-4,000 IU daily). Use cautiously in breastfeeding women. The daily recommended intake for vitamin D during breastfeeding is 400 IU (10 micrograms) daily. Vitamin D2 in doses of 2,000 IU daily or 60,000 IU monthly for three months has been found to be safe and effective. Exclusively breastfed babies may be supplemented with 400-2,000 IU daily. often called the “sunshine vitamin,” is an important nutrient. called calcitriol, behaves like a hormone in the body.
The body can produce 10,000 IU or more of vitamin D with as little as 10 to 15 minutes of exposure plays a crucial role in supporting and maintaining bone health. natural food sources that contain vitamin D. Food manufacturers began fortifying milk and other products with vitamin D decades ago, aiming to wipe out rickets, a childhood bone disease. for this important hormone are found in virtually every type of cell and tissueReceptors work like locks: The lock turns when the right key is inserted, prompting the cell to act in a certain way. people with higher levels of vitamin D may live longer. Studies also suggest that a majority of Americans have insufficient or deficient levels of vitamin D. of vitamin D receptors throughout the body hints at the importance of theResearch shows that vitamin D plays a crucial role in the health of the immune system, brain, heart, and blood vessels, among other organs and now monitor their patient’s vitamin D levels and prescribe supplemental vitamin
D when levels are too low. A lack of vitamin D may increase your risk of developing numerous diseases and conditions. diseases — such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis —may be linked to a vitamin D deficiency. when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Too little vitamin D has been linked to poor immune system function. deficiency is also linked to a risk for type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis (a condition that results in brittle bones), heart disease, mood disorders, and even certain types of cancer. This is because the active form of vitamin D helps control chronic inflammation. Ongoing inflammation has been linked to diseases such as hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), arthritis (painful, inflamed joints), and even cancer. may be taken as a supplement. Two forms are available: vitamin D-3 and vitaminVitamin D-3 is preferable, as it is better absorbed when taken by mouth.
government recommended dietary intakes for vitamin D range from 400 IU to 800 IU depending on your age, but are based on the needs of healthy individuals, not someone who may already be deficient or battling an illness orMany experts argue that higher daily intakes above what’s recommended, even what may be considered megadosing (up to 50,000 IU per week), are required to achieve better health outcomes. following factors can affect your vitamin D levels: dark skin don’t make vitamin D as easily as light-skinned people when exposed dissolves in fat, and is stored in fat cells. Overweight people tend to have more vitamin D stored in fat rather than circulating in the blood. require higher doses of vitamin D-3 to maintain optimal serum levels. toxicity, resulting from taking too much supplemental vitamin D, is relativelyThe amount of supplemental vitamin D needed to cause vitamin D toxicity is more than 10,000 IU per day, taken every day for months.