From the Guidelines
Vitamin D deficiency should be treated with oral vitamin D supplements, as the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks of toxicity, which is rare and typically associated with very high doses. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement 1, treatment with oral vitamin D does not seem to be associated with serious harms, and the risk of toxicity is well above the level considered to be sufficient.
Key Considerations
- The definition of vitamin D deficiency is uncertain, and there is not enough evidence to support screening for vitamin D deficiency in adults 1.
- Factors that may increase risk for vitamin D deficiency include low vitamin D intake, decreased vitamin D absorption, and little or no sun exposure, as well as obesity and darker skin pigmentation 1.
- Treatment with vitamin D plus calcium may be associated with increased risk for kidney stones, but vitamin D alone does not seem to increase this risk 1.
Recommendations
- For most adults with vitamin D deficiency, taking 1,000-2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily is recommended, though higher doses of 50,000 IU weekly for 8 weeks may be prescribed for severe deficiency.
- A maintenance dose of 800-1,000 IU daily is typically sufficient after initial treatment.
- Increasing vitamin D levels through sunlight exposure and consumption of vitamin D-rich foods is also recommended, but treatment with increased sun exposure is generally not recommended due to the risk of skin cancer 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Health Claims DIETARY SUPPLEMENT Vitamin D3 50,000 IU is essential for absorption of calcium and necessary for healthy bones and a healthy immune system. The answer to low vit d is that Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and immune system, and Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) can be used to address low vitamin D levels.
- Vitamin D3 50,000 IU is available as a dietary supplement 2
From the Research
Definition and Prevalence of Low Vitamin D
- Low vitamin D, also known as vitamin D deficiency, is a condition where the body has insufficient levels of vitamin D 3.
- The prevalence of low vitamin D is high, especially in older populations and people with chronic diseases 4.
- Vitamin D deficiency is considered a public health problem due to its worldwide high prevalence and adverse clinical consequences regarding musculoskeletal health 5.
Health Consequences of Low Vitamin D
- Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various health problems, including autoimmune disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression, dementia, infectious diseases, and musculoskeletal decline 3.
- Low vitamin D levels are related to abnormalities in laboratory and clinical parameters, such as lipid profile, blood glucose, liver function, and fatty liver disease 6.
- Vitamin D deficiency can also lead to secondary hyperparathyroidism, which can cause serious bone impairments, such as renal osteodystrophy 4.
Treatment and Prevention of Low Vitamin D
- Vitamin D supplementation can help prevent and treat vitamin D deficiency [(3,5)].
- A daily dose of 2000 international units (50 µg) of vitamin D is recommended to prevent and treat vitamin D deficiency in the general adult population 5.
- Vitamin D3 is more effective than vitamin D2 in providing adequate 25(OH)D serum levels in hemodialysis patients 7.
- Sensible sun exposure is an inexpensive and enjoyable way to maintain vitamin D stores, especially for young, otherwise healthy adults 3.