Vitamin D3 Uses

Vitamin D3 is used as a dietary supplement in people with vitamin D insufficiency, i.e., low vitamin D blood levels. People at risk of vitamin D deficiency include older adults, postmenopausal women, breastfed infants, and individuals who are obese, have dark skin, or insufficient sun exposure (sun exposure is necessary for vitamin D production in the skin). 

Individuals with gastrointestinal conditions like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease may have trouble absorbing vitamin D. Also, people who have undergone gastric bypass surgery can develop vitamin D deficiency due to inadequate vitamin D absorption. People with kidney failure may not have adequate blood levels of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) because the kidneys are responsible for converting vitamin D to its active form. People with these above-listed medical conditions may require vitamin D and calcium supplementation.

Vitamin D and calcium supplements are also used to treat bone health conditions like rickets in children and osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults (low bone density). In addition, vitamin D supplements may also be prescribed to people with conditions such as hypoparathyroidism and familial hypophosphatemia. 

There may be other uses of vitamin D supplements. Your health professionals or pharmacist can give you further vitamin D3 information.

Vitamin D3 Mechanism of Action

Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) increases vitamin D blood levels in the body. It helps the body absorb calcium and maintain adequate calcium and phosphate levels. Calcium is necessary for healthy bone tissue and adequate bone mineral density. 

Vitamin D3 also plays a role in maintaining healthy muscles and nerves, reducing inflammation, and boosting immunity. Clinical trials have shown that optimal serum concentrations of vitamin D can lower cancer incidence, including lowering breast cancer risk, colorectal cancer risk, skin cancer risk. Vitamin D has also been found to reduce the risk of heart disease and multiple sclerosis. Low vitamin D levels on the other hand are associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure and mortality from chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin D3 Doses

Vitamin D3 is available in various doses ranging from 400 IU (international units) to 50,000 IU. The dose of vitamin D supplements depends on your individual needs. The highest doses (50,000 IU) are used to treat severe vitamin D deficiency and certain other medical conditions. 

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) or dietary reference intakes for vitamin D vary according to age, ranging from 400 IU per day in infants, 600 IU per day in children aged 1-18 years and adults aged 19-70 years, and 800 IU per day in older adults over 70 years of age. It is worth noting that too much vitamin D is linked to potential adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, weakness, frequent urination, and kidney stones.