Vitamin D

Information About Vitamin D

Uses of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is commonly used to treat or to prevent Rickets.

How Vitamin D Works

Vitamin D is a lipid-soluble vitamin and involves in the calcium and parathyroid hormone metabolism. It will oppose the parathyroid hormone that may cause release of calcium from the bone and can increase calcium absorption from the intestine.

Side Effects of Vitamin D

Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation, Poor appetite, Bone pain, Muscle weakness, Confusion, Kidney stones, Thirst, Frequent urination, Kidney failure

Authorship

Written By

Dr Mohd Ramzdhan Bin Mohd Masdar

MD (Crimea State Medical University)

Reviewed By

Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli

MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Vitamin D Related Warnings

Alcohol Safe

There is no known interaction between alcohol and vitamin D.

Pregnancy Limited Data

Animal studies at high doses shows teratogenicity but there are no controlled data in human pregnancy. It should be given as a supplement a few months before pregnancy because the deficiency is associated with fetal growth, neonatal hypocalcemia, rickets, and defective tooth enamel.

Lactation Safe If Prescribed

Vitamin D can be excreted into human milk. However, chronic ingestion of large doses of vitamin D by the mother may lead to hypercalcemia in the breastfed infant. So, it is considered to monitor the infant's serum calcium if the mother is receiving pharmacologic doses of vitamin D.

Driving Generally Safe

Vitamin D has no effect on the ability to drive.

Kidney Use With Care

Vitamin D should be used with caution in patients who are not deficient in the vitamin as it can cause kidney damage. Dose adjustment of Vitamin D may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Liver Safe If Prescribed

Vitamin D is safe to be used in patients with liver disease.