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Vitamin D
CAN PREVENT –
Muscle weakness
Irregular heartbeat
Osteoporosis and hypocalcemia
Rickets (abnormal skeletal growth in children)
Prostate cell abnormality
Colon cancer
Breast cancer (linked to deficiency)
ALSO-
Necessary for growth, especially for growth of bones and teeth in children
Enhanced immunity, strengthens white blood cells in fighting infection
Needed for thyroid function and normal blood clotting
Regulates how much calcium you absorb from food
May restore hearing by strengthening bones of the inner ear
Can increase effectiveness of some cancer treatment drugs
Prescription cream can help psoriasis
Increases absorption of phosphorus and calcium
Vitamin D is formed by body in response to exposure to sunlight -exposing
skin to sun 3 times per week for 15 minute intervals is an effective way to
ensure adequate amounts of vitamin D in the body
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
Rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults, also, loss of appetite, burning
sensation in the mouth and throat, diarrhea, insomnia, visual problems,
weight loss
DEFICIENCY RISK
Strict vegetarians, alcohol abuse, cholesterol-lowering drugs, steroids,
antacids, anticonvulsants, mineral oils, intestinal disorders,
liver/gallbladder/kidney problems can limit absorption.
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SOURCES Fish liver oils, fatty saltwater fish, dairy products, eggs. Found in butter, cod liver oil, dandelion greens, egg yolks, halibut, liver, milk, oatmeal, salmon, sardines, sweet potatoes, tuna, vegetable oils. Herbs-alfalfa, horsetail, nettle, parsley |
Do not exceed supplements of 1000 IU daily – vitamin D can cause artery-blocking plaque, kidney damage, kidney stones, weakened bones and muscles; always supplement along with calcium
POSSIBLE INTERACTIONS:
Vitamin D
levels may be increased by the following medications:
Estrogen -- Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen appears to increase
vitamin D levels in the blood; this may have a beneficial effect on calcium and
bone metabolism. In addition, use of vitamin D supplements in conjunction with
estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) increases bone mass more than ERT alone.
However, this benefit may be lost with the addition of progesterone.
Isoniazid (INH) -- INH, a medication used to treat tuberculosis, may raise blood
levels of vitamin D.
Thiazide -- Diuretics in this class (such as hydrochlorothiazide) increase the
activity of vitamin D and can lead to inappropriately high calcium levels in the
blood.
Vitamin D levels may be decreased, or its absorption may be reduced, by the
following medications:
Antacids -- Taking certain antacids for long periods of time may alter the
levels, metabolism, and availability of vitamin D.
Calcium channel blockers (such as verapamil ) -- These medications, used to
treat high blood pressure and heart conditions, may decrease the production of
vitamin D by the body.
Cholestyramine -- This cholesterol-lowering medication, known as a bile acid sequestrant, interferes with the absorption of vitamin D (as well as other
fat-soluble vitamins).
Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, and other anticonvulsant medications -- These
medications may accelerate the body's use of vitamin D.
Mineral oil -- Mineral oil also interferes with absorption.
In addition, Vitamin D may enhance the effects of doxorubicin, a medicine used
to treat a variety of cancers. More research is needed.
Some doctors recommend following calcium levels closely if vitamin D is taken
with digoxin, a medication used to treat irregular heart rhythms. This is
because vitamin D improves absorption of calcium. Calcium, in turn, can increase
the likelihood of a toxic reaction from this medication.
Weight loss products -- Orlistat (also known as
Alli), a medication used for
weight loss, and olestra, a substance added to certain food products, are both
intended to bind to fat and prevent the absorption of fat and the associated
calories. Because of their effects on fat, Orlistat and olestra may also prevent
the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D. Given this concern and
possibility, the Food and Drug Administration now requires that vitamin D and
other fat-soluble vitamins (namely, A, E, and K) be added to food products
containing olestra. How well the body absorbs and uses vitamin D from such food
products is not clear. In addition, physicians who prescribe Orlistat add a
multivitamin with fat soluble vitamins to the regimen.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Anticonvulsants Calcium-channel Blockers Doxorubicin Estrogen-containing
Medications Orlistat Phenobarbital-containing Medications Phenytoin
Phenytoin-containing Medications Thiazide Diuretics
Reference; University of Maryland Medical Center
