Vitamin D Supplementation: An Update

Christine Gonzalez, PharmD, CHHC

US Pharmacist

Conclusion

As the number of people with vitamin D deficiency continues to increase, the importance of this hormone in overall health and the prevention of chronic diseases is at the forefront of research. The best evidence for the possible role of vitamin D in protecting against cancer comes from colorectal cancer studies. Evidence also is strong for the potential role of vitamin D in preventing fractures and falls. At this time, further studies are needed to evaluate the role of vitamin D in protecting against heart disease, autoimmune diseases, influenza, diabetes, and depression.

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Cite this: Vitamin D Supplementation: An Update - Medscape - Oct 01, 2010.

Table 1. Forms of Vitamin D
Cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃) Naturally occurring form of vitamin D; made by the skin upon sun exposure; found in foods and most supplements
Calcidiol (25-hydroxyvitamin D₃) Prehormone made directly from cholecalciferol in the liver; low biologic activity, but major form circulating in the bloodstream; concentrations measured by typical blood test for vitamin D deficiency
Calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃) Activated form made from calcidiol in the kidneys and tissues; the most potent steroid hormone in the body
Ergocalciferol (vitamin D₂) Made in the laboratory by radiating fungus; not naturally occurring in the body; used in prescription vitamin D (Drisdol), available in 50,000-IU capsules

Table 2. Dosing and Blood Concentrations
Dosage	Expected Increase in Blood Concentration
100 IU	1 ng/mL
200 IU	2 ng/mL
400 IU	4 ng/mL
800 IU	8 ng/mL
1,000 IU	10 ng/mL
2,000 IU	20 ng/mL

Source: Reference 30.

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