Vitamin D helps to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain and tenderness as a result of a condition called osteomalacia in adults. From about late March/April to the end of September, most people in the UK should be able to get all the vitamin D they need from sunlight. The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors. But if you're out in the sun, take care to cover up or protect your skin with sunscreen before you turn red or get burnt. Between October and early March we don't get any vitamin D from sunlight. Read more about how we get vitamin D from sunlight. Vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods. Good food sources are: Another source of vitamin D is dietary supplements. In the UK, cows' milk is generally not a good source of vitamin D because it isn't fortified, as it is in some other countries.
Babies from birth to one year need 8.5 to 10 micrograms (8.5-10mcg) of vitamin D a day. Children from the age of one year and adults need 10 micrograms (10mcg) of vitamin D a day. This includes pregnant and breastfeeding women and people at risk of vitamin D deficiency (those with minimal exposure to sunshine and those with dark skin). From about late March/April to the end of September, the majority of people in the UK should get all the vitamin D they need from sunlight. The Department of Health recommends that: You can buy single vitamin D supplements or vitamin drops containing vitamin D (for use by under-fives) at most pharmacies and supermarkets. Women and children who qualify for the Healthy Start scheme can get free supplements containing the recommended amounts of vitamin D. See the Healthy Start website for more information on the scheme. Because vitamin D is found only in a small number of foods, it might be difficult to get enough from foods that naturally contain vitamin D and/or fortified foods alone.
So everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D. Between late March/April to the end of September, the majority of people aged five years and above will probably get enough vitamin D from sunlight when outdoors. So you might choose not to take a vitamin D supplement during these months. But some people will not get enough vitamin D from sunlight because they have very little or no sunshine exposure. The Department of Health recommends that you should take a daily supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D throughout the year if you: If you're from a minority ethnic group with dark skin, such as African, African-Caribbean or South Asian, you might also not get enough vitamin D from sunlight – so you should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D throughout the year. Taking too many vitamin D supplements over a long period of time can cause more calcium to be absorbed by the body than can be excreted.
This leads to high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia). Too much calcium in the blood can weaken the bones and damage the kidneys and the heart. If you choose to take vitamin D supplements, 10mcg a day will be enough for most people. Do not take more than 100mcg of vitamin D a day, as it could be harmful. This applies to adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly, and children aged 11-17 years. Children aged 1-10 years should not have more than 50mcg a day. Infants under 12 months should not have more than 25mcg a day. Some people have medical conditions that mean they may not be able to safely take as much. If in doubt, you should consult your doctor. If your doctor has recommended you take a different amount of vitamin D, you should follow their advice. Your body doesn't make too much vitamin D from sun exposure, but always remember to cover up or protect your skin if you are out in the sun for long periods, to reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
Page last reviewed: 18/02/2015 Next review due: 18/02/2017 Children's Vitamins & Supplements Infants Vitamins & Supplements Ship to you only - {{couponLength>1?couponLength +' coupons available':'Coupon available'}} Clip ${{offerValue || offerPercentage}}% coupon View coupon details {{couponLength}} coupons availablesave 50% on the lowest priced product.':' get the lowest priced product FREE.'}} Web Exclusive: {{productModel.wholeData.prodDetails.giftWithPurchase.giftDescription}} See gift Note: This page contains side effects data for the generic drug cholecalciferol. It is possible that some of the dosage forms included below may not apply to the brand name Vitamin D3.Applies to cholecalciferol: oral capsule, oral capsule liquid filled, oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral wafer As well as its needed effects, cholecalciferol (the active ingredient contained in Vitamin D3) may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.
If any of the following side effects occur while taking cholecalciferol, check with your doctor immediately: Applies to cholecalciferol: compounding crystal, oral capsule, oral liquid, oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet disintegrating, oral waferMetabolic side effects have included hypercalcemia.Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypercalciuria[Ref]Rare (less than 0.1%): Pruritus, rash, urticaria[Ref]Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema or laryngeal edema[Ref]Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting[Ref]References1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0It is possible that some side effects of Vitamin D3 may not have been reported. These can be reported to the FDA here. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice. Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof.