What Other Drugs Interact With Vitamin D
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.
- Vitamin D has known moderate interactions with at least 25 different drugs.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Which Vitamin D Supplements Are Recommended For Pregnant Women
It is likely you will be taking various supplements during your pregnancy, so it is important that it contains at least 10µg of vitamin D or you take an individual vitamin D3 10µg tablet.
A good pregnancy support supplement duo is folic acid and vitamin D, as folic acid is also very important for pregnancy.
Taking supplements formulated specifically for pregnant women makes sure that you do not risk taking too much vitamin A, which is not recommended during pregnancy.
Summary
- Vitamin D is vital for pregnant women for their own health and the healthy development of their baby
- Pregnant women should take 10 micrograms of vitamin D each day
Vitamin D And The Innate Immune System
Support for vitamin Ds role in the innate immune system, specifically macrophages, first came from observations related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis . Rook et al. showed 1,25-2 D could inhibit the growth of MTB . 1,25-2 D has been demonstrated to augment the fusion of phagosome and lysosome in macrophages infected with MTB, independently of IFN- dependent macrophage activation .
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Vitamin D And Impact On The Immune System
Several in vitro studies have elucidated vitamin Ds actions 2 D and substrate 25- D) on innate and adaptive immune cells. These studies were not performed in subjects following vaccination, but they do provide evidence for the physiological role of vitamin D in immunity, as well as in response to certain pathogens. In addition, there are a few animal studies demonstrating the impact of immunization with the use of vitamin D as an adjuvant .
Are Vitamin D Or D3 The Same
When we refer to vitamin D, we are talking about Vitamin D2. Vitamin D2 and D3 are both widely used vitamin D supplements but are not the same. Vitamin D2 is ergocalciferol and comes from plant-based sources. Vitamin D3 is cholecalciferol and comes from animal-based sources. Both supplements are processed in the body by the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D, though vitamin D3 is thought to provide higher levels of 25D. Some formulations of vitamin D2 are prescription only, while all formulations of vitamin D3 are over-the-counter.
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Background On Vitamin D Physiology The Vitamin D Receptor And Signal Transduction
An understanding of vitamin D physiology and the vitamin D receptor is required in order to understand vitamin Ds role in human immune responses. Vitamin D that is ingested or synthesized in the skin is hydroxylated in the liver via microsomal and mitochondrial enzymes to become 25-hydroxyvitamin D D2 or 25- D3). 25- D is the main systemically available form of vitamin D with a half-life of two to three weeks. 25- D is then hydroxylated by 25- D-1–hydroxylase in the kidneys to form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 2D). 1,25-2D, a steroid hormone, is the most active form of vitamin D that is transported to target tissues . The main vitamin D transport proteins are the vitamin D-binding protein and albumin . 1,25-2D serves as the ligand for the nuclear vitamin D receptor with subsequent transcription related effects, as is illustrated in .
CYP27B1 is present in many non-renal sites in addition to immune cells, specifically epithelial cells of the gut, skin, prostate, breast, lung, bone and parathyroid glands. Regulation of non-renal CYP27B1 appears to be different than that in the kidney. PTH does not influence CYP27B1 activity in these cells, nor in immune cells . The vitamin D intracrine system is dependent on sufficient 25- D substrate to generate local 1,25-2D3 for many tissue specific actions . In turn, 1,25-2D3 and FGF23 inhibits CYP27B1 gene transcription via a negative feedback loop .
Vitamin D2 Vs D: What Is The Difference And Which Is Better
Vitamin D, also called calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin produced by your body when your skin is exposed to sunlight. It is available as a dietary supplement and a prescription medication, and it is naturally present in or added to some foods. Vitamin D2 and D3 are the two primary forms of vitamin D. Although they are often used interchangeably, you may ask, what is the difference between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3?
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Do Babies Need Vitamin D
Yes, babies under the age of 1 need vitamin D too.
Babies up to 1 year of age who are being breastfed should be given a daily supplement that contains 8.5 10 µg every day to make sure they are reaching recommended levels.17
This still applies if the breastfeeding mother is taking a supplement herself.
However, babies fed infant formulas will not need a vitamin D supplement if they are having more than 500ml of formula a day, as it will already by fortified with vitamin D and other nutrients.
The easiest way to provide breastfed babies with vitamin D is with vitamin D drops.
We have a Vitamin D3 Drop formula that is specifically designed for babies to take daily from birth until they are 12 months old.
Summary
- Yes, babies who are being breastfed need 8.5-10µg vitamin D a day
- Babies drinking infant formula wont need to supplement as their milk will have been fortified with vitamin D already
Vitamin D Vs D: Differences Similarities And Which Is Better For You
Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ
The D vitamins are fat-soluble vitamins that play an important role in calcium absorption and bone health, as well as immune function. Our skin produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, but due to the skin cancer risk, many people avoid sun exposure or use sunscreen, which prevents the body from producing vitamin D. Many types of milk and dairy products, along with orange juice, are also fortified with vitamin D. Still, many of us do not get enough vitamin D and need to take a supplement. There are two forms of vitamin D dietary supplements: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 , and it is important to understand their differences when choosing which vitamin D supplement to take.
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Vitamin D3 Is Formed In Your Skin
Your skin makes vitamin D3 when its exposed to sunlight.
Specifically, ultraviolet B radiation from sunlight triggers the formation of vitamin D3 from the compound 7-dehydrocholesterol in skin .
A similar process takes place in plants and mushrooms, where UVB light leads to the formation of vitamin D2 from ergosterol, a compound found in plant oils .
If you regularly spend time outdoors, lightly clad and without sunscreen, you may be getting all the vitamin D you need.
In Indian people, an estimated half an hour of midday sun twice a week provides the adequate amount .
Just keep in mind that this duration of exposure does not apply in countries farther away from the equator. In these countries, you may need more time to achieve the same results.
Nevertheless, be careful not to spend too much time in the sun without sunscreen. This is especially important if you have light-colored skin. Sunburns are a major risk factor for skin cancer .
Unlike dietary vitamin D, you cannot overdose on vitamin D3 produced in your skin. If your body already has enough, your skin simply produces less.
That said, many people get very little sun. They either work indoors or live in a country that doesnt get much sunlight during the winter. If this applies to you, make sure to regularly eat plenty of food rich in vitamin D.
Summary Your skin produces vitamin D3 when you spend time in the sun. In contrast, vitamin D2 is produced by plants and mushrooms exposed to sunlight.
Vitamin D2 Supplements Might Be Lower Quality
Scientists have raised concerns that vitamin D2 supplements might be lower quality than D3 supplements.
In fact, studies suggest vitamin D2 is more sensitive to humidity and fluctuations in temperature. For this reason, vitamin D2 supplements may be more likely to degrade over time .
However, whether this is relevant to human health is unknown. Also, no studies have compared the stability of vitamin D2 and D3 dissolved in oil.
Until new research proves otherwise, you shouldnt worry about the quality of your vitamin D2 supplements. Simply make sure to store your supplements in a closed container, at room temperature, in a dry place and out of direct sunlight.
Summary Vitamin D2 supplements may be more likely to degrade during storage. However, its unknown whether the same applies to oil-based vitamin D2. More studies are needed to examine the relevance of this to human health.
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Which Type Of Vitamin D Is Best For You
If you would like a little more of the sunshine vitamin in your life, but do not know which type of vitamin D is best for you, dont worry – were on the case!
Our nutritionists have created a handy guide outlining which type and form of vitamin D will help you thrive.
Whether you are looking for vitamin D for adults, vegans, children and babies or for when you are pregnant, there is a suitable type for everyone.
How Much Vitamin D Should You Be Receiving
Adults require 600 IU of vitamin D each day , which can be sourced through diet, sunlight, or supplements.
Vitamin D2 the plant-sourced form of vitamin D, is naturally found in mushrooms. Food sources that contain vitamin D3 comprise fatty fish, such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel fortified milk and other dairy products fish liver oils and egg yolk.
Yet very few foods have adequate vitamin D to reach prescribed daily intakes, and sunshine can be unreliable in specific climates. Depending on sourcing vitamin D through diet alone, women and men usually dont exceed 288 IU daily on average. Even drinking a glass of milk will only get you 100 IU 1/6th the amount that many adults require daily.
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Common Side Effects Of Vitamin D Vs D3
There are no common side effects to therapy with either vitamin D2 or D3. Side effects related to vitamin D are the result of hypervitaminosis D, an extremely rare condition that occurs when you intake too much vitamin D. This is sometimes seen in patients who take megadoses of vitamin D, leading to vitamin D toxicity. The result is a build up of dangerously high levels of calcium in the blood which can lead to nausea, vomiting, constipation, and frequent urination. If left untreated, irreversible renal failure can occur along with calcification of organs and soft tissues.
The following table lists side effects related to hypervitaminosis D, not normal vitamin D supplementation. More information on vitamin D toxicity may be obtained from your doctor or pharmacist, as this may not be a complete list.
Source: DailyMed.
Vitamin D The Sunshine Vitamin
Manouchehr Saljoughian, PharmD, PhDAlta Bates Summit Medical CenterBerkeley, California
US Pharm
The major role of vitamin D is to help the body absorb calcium and maintain bone density to prevent osteoporosis. But recent reports suggest new roles for this vitamin in protecting against certain chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. This vitamin is available in two forms, vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 . Ergocalciferol has a shorter shelf life compared to cholecalciferol and loses its potency faster.1
Vitamin D2 is manufactured by plants or fungus, and it can be acquired through fortified foods such as juices, milk, and cereals. Vitamin D3 is formed when the body is exposed to sunlight. This occurs mainly through the exposure of the skin to the sun’s ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays. Vitamin D3 can also be obtained by consuming animal products. The biologically active form of vitamin D or calcitriol is used to treat and prevent low levels of calcium in the blood of patients whose kidneys or parathyroid glands are not working normally.2
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Vitamin D2 Versus Vitamin D3
Vitamins D2 and D3, as described previously, differ only in their side chain structure. Physiological responses to both forms of the vitamin include regulation of calcium and phosphate homeostasis and regulation of cell proliferation and cell differentiation of specific cell types, as described above. Qualitatively, vitamins D2 and D3 exhibit virtually identical biological responses throughout the body that are mediated by the VDR .
Regarding the potency of the two forms of vitamin D, there are reports that certain animals, such as avian species and New World monkeys , discriminate against vitamin D2 However, it has been assumed for several decades that the two forms are essentially equipotent in humans . Recent reports involving human dietary studies have argued for or against a metabolic discrimination against vitamin D2, compared with vitamin D3. Part of the apparent conflict between these different studies is almost certainly due to differences in size and frequency of dose the differences reported suggest a difference in pharmacokinetic parameters between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3.
Chewable Vitamin D For Children
It looks like a sweet treat, it tastes like a sweet treat, no wonder your kids will probably prefer chewable vitamin D capsules!
We stock a wide range of chewable vitamin D, such as Wellkid Peppa Pig Vitamin D Soft Jellies which contain the exact level of Vitamin D recommended by the Department of Health England.16
We also offer child and Teen Omega 3 Fish Oil Chewy Capsules with Vitamin D, so they get their all-important omega 3s along with their daily dose of vitamin D.
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Conditions Treated By Vitamin D And D3
Vitamin D2 as a prescription is used to treat hypoparathyroidism , vitamin D resistant rickets, and hypophosphatemia . It is commonly used for vitamin D insufficiency in both its prescription and over-the-counter formulations. The FDA does not approve treatment claims for over-the-counter vitamin supplements, therefore, even though this use is very common, it is considered off-label.
All forms of vitamin D3 supplements are available over-the-counter, and therefore are not FDA approved to make treatment claims. However, vitamin D3 is commonly used off-label to treat hypoparathyroidism and vitamin D deficiency, as well as for osteoporosis prevention.
In March of 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic in the wake of the spread of SARS-CoV-2, more commonly known as COVID-19. Due to a lack of clear treatment guidelines and a waiting period for the vaccine to be available, the focus shifted to boosting our natural immune system. Vitamin D became a key player in our fight against COVID-19.
Preliminary studies have shown that Vitamin D reduced ICU admissions in COVID-19 patients and improved overall outcomes.
Various uses of vitamin D supplementation are listed in the table below. You should always seek medical advice before beginning vitamin D supplementation.
| Condition |
Does Vitamin D3 Give You Energy
Increasing vitamin D intake is thought to improve energy. A clinical trial was done examining fatigue levels in patients who were identified as vitamin D deficient. These patients were given vitamin D3 supplementation to increase blood levels of vitamin D, and the results showed a significant improvement in fatigue levels. Scientists have shown this may be due to vitamin Ds effect at the cellular level where it augments mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in skeletal muscle. This decreases muscle fatigue.
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Food Sources Of Vitamin D
Unlike the other essential vitamins, there are not many foods that supply a sufficient amount of vitamin D to meet the daily requirements.
Along with sun exposure, however, you can increase your levels of vitamin D by eating food like cod liver oil egg yolks oily fish, including salmon, sardines, and herring fortified milk and other dairy products fortified orange juice and mushrooms grown in ultraviolet light.
Youll absorb your vitamin D supplement best if you take it along with a meal containing healthy fats, such as avocado, nuts, lean meat, or eggs.
Measures Associated With Vitamin D: Serum 25ohd
Serum 25OHD level is widely considered as a marker of vitamin D nutriture, and consideration of serum 25OHD measures for the purposes of nutrient reference value development has generated notable interest. There is agreement that circulating serum 25OHD levels are currently the best available indicator of the net incoming contributions from cutaneous synthesis and total intake . Thus, the serum 25OHD level may function as a biomarker of exposure it is a reflection of the supply of vitamin D to the body and can be a useful adjunct to examining the intake level of vitamin D if the confounders and the measure’s variability depending upon a range of variables are kept in mind. However, what is not clearly established is the extent to which 25OHD levels serve as a biomarker of effect. That is, there is some question as to whether levels of 25OHD relate to health outcomes via a causal pathway and can serve as predictors of such outcomes.
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