We suggest vitamin D3 when possible, rather than vitamin D2, because vitamin D3 may raise vitamin D levels more effectively. Dosing — The recommended dose of vitamin D depends upon the nature and severity of the vitamin D deficiency.
Supplementation with 800 to 1000 IU/d of vitamin D or 50,000 IU monthly is safe for most people and can ensure levels of vitamin D within the optimal range. This intake is within the currently recommended safe upper tolerable limit for vitamin D of 2000 IU/d for those aged 1 year and older.
There are quite a few differences between vitamin D and vitamin D3, but the main difference between them is that vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates calcium and phosphorous levels in the body, whereas the vitamin D3 is the natural form of vitamin D produced by the body from sunlight.
Taking D2 and D3
The two types of vitamin D have no negative interactions with each other, so you can safely take them together.
You should not use cholecalciferol if you have had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have: high levels of vitamin D in your body (hypervitaminosis D); high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia); or. any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).
Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.
Strengthens Bones
Vitamin D3 aids in the management and absorption of calcium, as well as being essential to your bones (and teeth). Calcium is the most common mineral in the body. The majority of this element is found in our bones and teeth.
Unless your doctor recommends it, avoid taking more than 4,000 IU per day, which is considered the safe upper limit.
Vitamin D and calcium are an important combo. Both are essential for the health of your bones. While some suggest that vitamin D on its own can support bone health, most studies examine its effect when paired with calcium.
Recent studies involving daily doses of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 show that they are equally effective in boosting your vitamin D levels. Thus, the type of vitamin D you get is less important than getting the right dose and making sure your levels are in the right range to avoid deficiency.
"Most patients with vitamin D deficiency are asymptomatic, however if you're exhausted, your bones hurt, you have muscle weakness or mood changes, that's an indication that something may be abnormal with your body," says Dr. Lacey. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include: Fatigue. Not sleeping well.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Vitamin D Deficiency? It can take a few weeks for your vitamin D levels to rise once you start taking supplements. Expect a 4-6 week recovery time if you don't have any underlying health issues that could slow down the recovery phase.
In general, the two main causes of vitamin D deficiency are: Not getting enough vitamin D in your diet and/or through sunlight. Your body isn't properly absorbing or using vitamin D.
Can you take vitamin D and magnesium together? Yes. In fact, it's probably best to take both together. Because so many people have low magnesium levels, vitamin D supplements on their own aren't very helpful for a large portion of the population.
Magnesium assists in the activation of vitamin D, which helps regulate calcium and phosphate homeostasis to influence the growth and maintenance of bones. All of the enzymes that metabolize vitamin D seem to require magnesium, which acts as a cofactor in the enzymatic reactions in the liver and kidneys.
Vitamins D, E and K
“Studies have shown that a person's absorption of Vitamin K may be reduced when other fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin E and Vitamin D are taken together,” says Dr. Chris Airey, M.D. “It's advised that you take these vitamins at least 2 hours apart to maximize your absorption.”
There's no set time of day that's best to take vitamin D supplements. Some people say taking vitamin D supplements at night is an insomnia risk. There's no research to confirm this, but you might want to take your supplement earlier in the day if you think it's screwing with your sleep.
For adults, if you're taking a loading dose for severe vitamin D deficiency you'll usually take it daily or weekly for 6 to 10 weeks. To maintain your vitamin D levels or prevent deficiency you'll usually take colecalciferol long term.
The two top times to supplement with Vitamin D are in the morning and with a meal, preferably breakfast or lunch. First thing in the morning: There are many benefits to taking Vitamin D in the morning. The biggest benefit is that if you do it first thing, you won't forget about it later.
Vitamin D and sleep: The surprising connection
Early research suggests it is inversely related to melatonin, your sleep hormone. Increasing vitamin D levels may suppress melatonin levels. So, it makes sense that taking it at night could disrupt your sleep.
Very high levels of vitamin D can damage the kidneys. It also raises the level of calcium in your blood. High levels of blood calcium (hypercalcemia) can cause confusion, kidney failure, and irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Most cases of vitamin D toxicity happen when someone overuses vitamin D supplements.
“By increasing the production of strong bones, D3 helps to protect against fractures and osteoporosis,” says Roth. “It can also prevent osteomalacia, which is a condition where the bones become very soft.” But the vitamin does more than just create healthy bones.