From the Guidelines
Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) is primarily indicated for the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency and related conditions, with a recommended daily dose of 600-2000 IU for prevention and higher doses for treatment, as supported by recent guidelines 1.
Indications for Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
- Prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency
- Conditions related to vitamin D deficiency, such as osteoporosis, rickets, osteomalacia, and certain types of hypoparathyroidism
- Individuals at high risk of deficiency, including:
- Older adults
- People with limited sun exposure
- Individuals with dark skin
- Those with malabsorption disorders like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease
- Patients taking medications that affect vitamin D metabolism, such as certain anticonvulsants or glucocorticoids
Recommended Doses
- Prevention: 600-2000 IU daily
- Treatment of deficiency: higher doses, such as 2000-4000 IU daily for several months, or 50,000 IU weekly for 8-12 weeks, followed by maintenance therapy
Importance of Vitamin D
- Essential for bone health, immune function, and overall health
- Helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus
- May play roles in muscle strength and overall health
Monitoring and Maintenance
- Blood level monitoring recommended during treatment to ensure levels reach the target range of 30-50 ng/mL without causing toxicity, as suggested by studies 1 and guidelines 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Cholecalciferol Softgel capsule is essential for absorption of calcium and necessary for healthy and strong bones. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cholecalciferol Softgel capsule is essential for absorption of calcium and necessary for healthy and strong bones.
The main indications for taking cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) are:
- Absorption of calcium
- Maintaining healthy and strong bones
- Supporting a healthy immune system 2
From the Research
Indications for Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
The indications for taking cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) include:
- Prevention and treatment of rickets and osteomalacia, as it is essential for normal development and maintenance of the skeleton 3, 4, 5
- Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, as it helps to reduce the risk of falls and fractures in patients with low calcium intake and low vitamin D status 3, 5
- Treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism, increased bone resorption, osteopenia, and fractures, which can be counteracted by a lifelong sufficient vitamin D supply plus dietary or supplementary calcium 3
- Prevention of hypocalcemic complications, such as seizures and heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy, in infants and children with nutritional rickets 4
- Treatment of fatigue, malaise, and muscle weakness in adults with osteomalacia, as well as prevention of Looser's zone fractures 4
Patient Selection and Study Design
The efficacy of vitamin D-calcium supplementation depends on factors related to patient selection, medical intervention, and study design, such as:
- Age and mobility of the patient 3
- Preventing falls and fractures 3
- Co-morbidity and initial vitamin D status 3
- Renal function 3
Comparison with Other Forms of Vitamin D
Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) has been shown to be more potent than ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) in raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and has a longer shelf life 6