What about Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) supplementation?

From the Guidelines

Vitamin D3 supplementation is recommended for individuals with deficient or insufficient levels, with a typical dose ranging from 600-2000 IU per day 1. For severe deficiency, a loading dose of 50,000 IU per week for 8-12 weeks may be prescribed, followed by a maintenance dose of 1000-2000 IU per day 1.

Key Considerations

• Medications such as cholecalciferol (D3) or ergocalciferol (D2) may be used, with cholecalciferol being the preferred form due to its longer half-life and greater efficacy 1.
• The goal of supplementation is to achieve a serum 25(OH)D level of at least 30 ng/mL 1, with some experts recommending levels in the 40-50 ng/mL range 1.
• Treatment duration is typically ongoing, with regular monitoring of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels to adjust dosing as needed 1.
• The need for calcium supplementation should also be considered, particularly in individuals with inadequate dietary intake 1.
• It is essential to note that vitamin D toxicity is uncommon but may occur with daily doses of more than 50,000 IU per day 1.
• The choice of supplementation regimen may depend on the preference of the patient and the availability of vitamin D forms in a given country 1.
• Vitamin D3 is preferred over vitamin D2 due to its longer half-life and greater efficacy 1.
• Regular monitoring of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels is crucial to adjust dosing as needed 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

HIGH POTENCY SUPPLEMENT* *Warning: Cholecalciferol 50000 IU can be classified as either a supplement or a medication in accordance with regulations set by health ministries in different countries. Decalcitrol (cholecalciferol-D3, Vitamin D3) is a fat-soluble high potency vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. Each Tablet, for oral administration, contains Cholecalciferol, 1. 25 mg (equivalent to 50,000 USP units of Vitamin D). Vitamin D metabolites promote the active absorption of calcium and phosphorus by the small intestine, thus elevating serum calcium and phosphate levels sufficiently to permit bone mineralization Colecalciferol Tablets are essential for absorption of calcium and necessary for healthy and strong bones. Each tablet contains 50000 IU Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) equivalent to 1.25 mg. Vitamin D3 50,000 IU is essential for absorption of calcium and necessary for healthy bones and a healthy immune system.

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) supplementation is essential for the absorption of calcium and necessary for healthy and strong bones 2 and a healthy immune system 2. It helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, promoting bone mineralization. Cholecalciferol Tablets are indicated for use in the treatment of hypoparathyroidism, refractory rickets, and familial hypophosphatemia 2.

From the Research

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Supplementation

• Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) supplementation is effective in raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, with various studies demonstrating its benefits in different populations 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• The optimal dosage of Vitamin D3 supplementation varies, but studies suggest that doses ranging from 700 to 800 IU per day can reduce fracture and fall rates in adults 3.
• Higher doses, such as 50,000 IU per week for 8 weeks, may be necessary to correct vitamin D deficiency, followed by maintenance doses of 800 to 1,000 IU per day 3, 4.
• A systematic review of randomized clinical trials found that supplementation with Vitamin D3 had a significant positive effect on raising serum 25(OH)D concentrations, with the best regimen consisting of an initial large bolus dose followed by a maintenance dose of 50,000 IU monthly or bimonthly 4.
• Studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of high-dose Vitamin D3 therapy in correcting vitamin D insufficiency in adults with cystic fibrosis 5 and in osteopenic/osteoporotic patients 6.
• Daily oral dosing of Vitamin D3 using 5,000 to 50,000 international units per day has been shown to be safe and effective in long-term hospitalized patients, with no cases of vitamin D3-induced hypercalcemia or adverse events reported 7.