Vitamin D3
About Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 belongs to the class of 'Vitamins', primarily used to treat low blood calcium levels. Vitamin D3 effectively treats various conditions in the body like Vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), hypoparathyroidism (parathyroid glands make low levels of calcium in the body), latent tetany (a muscle disease with low blood calcium levels) and rickets or osteomalacia (softening or deforming of bones due to lack of calcium). Vitamin D deficiency occurs when your body has low Vitamin D levels and is caused due to inadequate nutrition, intestinal malabsorption or lack of sunlight exposure.
Vitamin D3 contains 'Vitamin-D3' (Cholecalciferol). It helps maintain blood calcium and phosphorus levels and the mineralization of bone. It is used to treat and prevent bone disorders, such as rickets and osteomalacia. It aids in calcium absorption enabling bone growth and repair. It further prevents cartilage degeneration.
Your doctor will decide the dosage based on your medical condition. Vitamin D3 is likely safe to use. In some cases, it may cause side effects like constipation, vomiting, and nausea. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. If these side effects persist, please consult your doctor immediately.
If you take any medicines or supplements, inform your doctor before starting Vitamin D3. If you are allergic to Vitamin D3 or any other medicines, it is advised to inform your doctor before starting Vitamin D3. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking Vitamin D3. This supplement does not interfere with your driving ability. Limit alcohol intake while using Vitamin D3. This supplement is recommended for children when advised by a doctor.
Uses of Vitamin D3
Medicinal Benefits
Vitamin D3 contains Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol). It is a steroid hormone produced in the skin when exposed to ultraviolet light or obtained from food sources. It is a provitamin that is converted into a vitamin after intake. It helps maintain blood calcium and phosphorus levels and the mineralization of bone. Vitamin D3 is also used in the treatment of familial hypophosphatemia (a group of rare inherited disorders characterized by impaired kidney conservation of phosphate and in some cases, altered vitamin D metabolism).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Vitamin D3
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Vitamin D deficiency: When a person cannot get enough Vitamin D through food and exposure to sunlight, it leads to vitamin D deficiency. It often leads to thin, brittle, or misshapen bones.
Osteoporosis: It is a bone disease that makes the bones weak and brittle by decreasing bone density.
Tetany: A disease condition due to low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) in the body that causes cramps and spasms in the hands, feet, and larynx (voice box).
Osteomalacia/Rickets: A disease caused by softening and weakening of bones in children due to inadequate vitamin D.
Hypoparathyroidism: It is a disease characterized by low levels of parathyroid hormone. This can cause low calcium levels and trigger tetany (muscle cramps, spasms, or tremors).
FAQs
Vitamin D3 is a dietary supplement that consists of Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol). It helps maintain blood calcium and phosphorus levels and the mineralization of bone. When you don't get enough Vitamin D from food sources and sunlight exposure, Vitamin D3 helps replenish those low levels.
Vitamin D3 should be used with caution in conditions like hypercalcaemia (high calcium levels), hypervitaminosis D (high vitamin D levels), liver/kidney problems, heart diseases, phenylketonuria (increased phenylalanine levels in the blood), and diabetes.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow your usual dosage.
Antacids usually do not interfere with the absorption of Vitamin D3. However, it is advised to take Vitamin D3 two hours before or four hours after taking antacids.