In the vast majority of older people, taking vitamin D 800 IU as a supplement every day has very low risk of harm. Research suggests that taking vitamin D 800-1000 IU/day will prevent low vitamin D levels in most older adults.
The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 400 international units (IU) for children up to age 12 months, 600 IU for people ages 1 to 70 years, and 800 IU for people over 70 years.
Studies have repeatedly shown that vitamin D3 is superior at raising levels of vitamin D in the body. These findings were supported by a recent review of the evidence which found that vitamin D3 supplementation increased vitamin D levels in the body better than vitamin D2.
Older adults have a greater need for vitamin D due to being at a higher risk for conditions like osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. There are several ways for older adults to supplement vitamin D naturally: Sunshine is one of the best natural sources of vitamin D.
They are vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Both types are good for bone health. Vitamin D supplements can be taken with or without food and the full amount can be taken at one time.
While the best timing has not been established, scientific data to confirm anecdotal reports that supplementing at night may interfere with sleep is unavailable. Current research suggests you can fit vitamin D into your routine whenever you prefer.
Calcium carbonate should be taken with food. Stomach acid produced while eating helps your body absorb calcium carbonate. Total daily dose. Calcium is best absorbed when it's taken in smaller doses (typically less than 600 milligrams at one time).
Vitamin D toxicity can have devastating health effects, which may not show up until months or even years after starting to take high doses. Generally, it's not recommended to exceed the upper limit of safe intake, which is 4,000 IU (100 mcg) per day.
Few foods are naturally rich in vitamin D3. The best sources are the flesh of fatty fish and fish liver oils. Smaller amounts are found in egg yolks, cheese, and beef liver.
In very high doses, many minerals (like iron) and vitamins can harm your body. Current guidelines say adults shouldn't take more than the equivalent of 100 micrograms a day. But vitamin D is a 'fat-soluble' vitamin, so your body can store it for months and you don't need it every day.
What's the difference between vitamin D and vitamin D3? There are two possible forms of vitamin D in the human body: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Both D2 and D3 are simply called “vitamin D,” so there's no meaningful difference between vitamin D3 and just vitamin D.
Unless your doctor recommends it, avoid taking more than 4,000 IU per day, which is considered the safe upper limit.
Some side effects of taking too much vitamin D include weakness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and others. Taking vitamin D for long periods of time in doses higher than 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily is possibly unsafe and may cause very high levels of calcium in the blood.
Oral vitamin D3 can be taken once a day but also with longer intervals because of its long half life, being around 25 days. It is not known whether equivalent doses once a week or once a month are equally effective.
Take vitamin D by mouth as directed. Vitamin D is best absorbed when taken after a meal but may be taken with or without food. Alfacalcidol is usually taken with food. Follow all directions on the product package.
Calcium citrate, calcium carbonate and calcium with vitamin D are some of the more popular supplements used by seniors to stay healthy and strong.
Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium, but you do not have to take calcium and vitamin D at the same time. For the best absorption of calcium, make sure you get enough vitamin D. Vitamin D recommendations vary from province to province. Talk with your doctor about how much vitamin D you need.
Calcium carbonate, found in over-the-counter antacids, is a cheap and effective calcium source. However, antacids may also contain aluminum, sodium or sugar, which could be an issue for some patients. Calcium citrate is slightly more expensive, but it is more easily absorbed by the body, especially in older people.
If your blood levels are exceptionally low, you may need higher doses that should be used under the direction of a healthcare provider. In patients with vitamin D levels less than 20 ng/mL, start with 50,000 IUs of vitamin D3 once a week for 6 to 8 weeks.
Growing evidence has demonstrated that vitamin D has a role in sleep regulation [12]. Specifically, vitamin D deficiency (VDD) can increase risk of sleep disorders and is associated with sleep difficulties, shorter sleep duration, and nocturnal awakenings in children and adults [13,14,15].