Vitamin D

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, and is essential for the body to form and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D deficiency can cause brittle bones, osteoporosis and osteomalacia in adults. Deficiency may result in rickets in children.^[1]

There are not many abundant vitamin D sources in food; however, the body makes its own with exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is fat-soluble, meaning the body stores it in fat.^[1]

Vitamin D is naturally found in fatty fish, liver, cheese, and egg yolks. Some foods are fortified with vitamin D. These include milk, yogurt, margarine, and some brands of orange juice. Many people do not get enough of the nutrient in their diets, or do not get adequate sun exposure. In these cases, it may be necessary to take vitamin D supplements, which are available over the counter.^[2]

Contents 1 About Vitamin D 2 Vitamin D Toxicity 3 Vitamin D Side Effects 4 Prescription Drugs 5 References

About Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for the growth and maintenance of healthy bones. Vitamin D is also necessary for modulation of cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and reduction of inflammation.^[3] Some studies indicate that vitamin D may help to prevent or treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), glucose intolerance, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and several autoimmune diseases, but Vitamin D's benefits in these areas has not been established.^{[4] [3]}

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin D varies by age:^[1]

• 0–6 months--10 micrograms daily
• 6-12 months--5 micrograms daily
• 1–70 years--15 micrograms daily
• 70 years and up--20 micrograms daily
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women--15 micrograms daily

Dietary sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, oysters, whole eggs, and fortified foods including fortified milk and infant formula. Exposing sunblock-free skin to sunlight for 15 minutes, three times per week is enough for adequate vitamin D supply. Those with darker skin do not absorb as much vitamin D from sunshine.^{[1] [3]}

Patients taking digoxin (Lanoxin) or calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine (Procardia), verapamil (Calan), diltiasem (Cardizem, Dilacor) and others may be unable to take vitamin D supplements.^[5]

Vitamin D Toxicity

While taking the recommended amount of vitamin D helps maintain healthy bones, taking more than the prescribed amount will eventually result in vitamin D toxicity. Signs and symptoms of Vitamin D Toxicity may include:

• Anorexia
• Heart arrhythmia
• Constipation
• Decreased appetite
• Muscle weakness
• Excess calcium in the urine
• Calcium deposits in soft tissues such as the heart and lungs
• Confusion and disorientation
• Kidney stones
• High levels of blood calcium, causing calcification of blood vessels, kidneys and other tissues^{[1] [3]}

Excess intake of vitamin D, or vitamin D toxicity, is almost always the result of consuming too many supplements, not food intake or sun exposure.^[5]

Vitamin D Side Effects

Most people who take vitamin D supplements do not experience any side effects. However, patients who take large amounts of Vitamin D may develop adverse reactions like headache, nausea, and vomiting. Pregnant women are advised not to take more than 4,000 units of vitamin D per day, or else they risk causing harm to the fetus.^[6]

Prescription Drugs

Also See: Vitamin D Side Effects, Vitamin Coupons, Calcium Coupons, Nature Made Coupons, Caltrate Free Samples, Zemplar Side Effects, Vitamin C Coupons, Vitamin B12 Side Effects, A and D Ointment Coupons, Calcium Side Effects, Boniva Side Effects

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6} http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002405.htm
2. ↑ http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3} http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind
4. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-d/NS_patient-vitamind
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1} http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/vitamin-d-000340.htm
6. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-929-VITAMIN%20D.aspx?activeIngredientId=929&activeIngredientName=VITAMIN%20D