Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)– a fat-soluble vitamin, the main function of which is to regulate the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which in turn is responsible for the integrity of bones and teeth.
A characteristic feature of this vitamin is its ability to be replenished in the body from sunlight. If a person's entire body is exposed to the sun for at least two hours, the presence of vitamin D3 in the body increases. But it is worth noting that such a replenishment is accompanied by a rapid disappearance; in just a day, the level of cholecalciferol will return to its previous level. Based on this, it has been established that in the summer, of course, the accumulation of the vitamin will be higher than in winter, but still it is not enough to satisfy the physiological needs of the body with vitamin D3. What is even more significant is that Vitamin replenishment from food is also insignificant. Therefore, even with a nutritious and proper diet, the body’s need for vitamin D3 will not be fully met. Based on this, the only correct conclusion arises, namely: the need to use preparations containing vitamin D3 throughout life.
Currently defined three groups of processes that are influenced or, moreover, regulated by cholecalciferol:
1. It is involved in the regulation of proliferation (growth of body tissue through cell multiplication) and differentiation of cells of all organs and tissues, including blood cells, immune cells;
2. Vitamin D3 is one of the main regulators of metabolic processes in the body: protein, lipid, mineral. It regulates the synthesis of receptor proteins, enzymes and hormones;
3. Cholecalciferol is responsible for maintaining the functional activity of many organs and systems, including the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas and many others.
Pregnant women should not take this vitamin in large doses due to the possibility of disruption of the embryonic development of the fetus in case of overdose. Also, women who are breastfeeding should not overuse vitamin D3, as large doses in the mother can cause overdose symptoms in the child.
Symptoms of Vitamin D3 Deficiency: burning mouth and throat, nervousness, sweating of the head, diarrhea, insomnia, decreased bone minerals and myopia. The classic symptom of deficiency is called rickets.
Symptoms of Vitamin D3 Overdose: weakness, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, anxiety, thirst, polyuria (increased urine production), diarrhea, intestinal colic, muscle and joint pain, headaches, depression, mental disorders, ataxia (impaired coordination of movements).
Interaction:
Vitamin D3 stimulates the absorption of calcium in the intestines, and since calcium and iron compete for absorption, supplemental vitamin D3 may cause iron deficiency.
Cholecalciferol also stimulates the absorption of magnesium in the intestines, one of the calcium aides in bone building.
Vitamin E deficiency impairs the metabolism of vitamin D3 in the liver.
Plant Sources of Vitamin D3: alfalfa, horsetail, nettle, parsley.
Animal Sources of Vitamin D3: egg yolk, butter, cheese, fish oil, caviar, dairy products.
group
Cholecalciferol(Cholecalciferol, vitamin D 3) - fat-soluble vitamin. Formed in the skin under the influence of UV rays and 7-dehydrocholesterol.
Characteristic: White crystalline powder. Insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, vegetable oils. Low resistance to light, easily oxidized.
pharmachologic effect
Pharmacological action - regulating calcium-phosphorus metabolism. Enhances the absorption of calcium in the intestine and the reabsorption of phosphorus in the renal tubules, normalizes the formation of the bone skeleton and teeth in children, and helps preserve bone structure. Increases the permeability of cellular and mitochondrial membranes of the intestinal epithelium, facilitating the transmembrane transport of calcium cations and other divalent cations, activates the secondary absorption of phosphates, increases the uptake of these ions by bone tissue, and enhances the process of ossification. Absorbed in the distal small intestine (the presence of bile is required), enters the lymphatic system, enters the liver and the general bloodstream. In the blood it binds to α2-globulins and partially to albumins, and is transported to the tissues of the liver, bones, skeletal muscles, kidneys, adrenal glands, myocardium, and adipose tissue. The maximum concentration in tissues is created 4-5 hours after administration, then decreases slightly, remaining at a constant level for a long time. In the form of polar metabolites, it is localized mainly in the membranes of cells, microsomes, mitochondria and nuclei. Deposited in the liver. As a result of biotransformation in the liver and kidneys, active metabolites are formed. Most of the cholecalciferol and its metabolic products are excreted with bile into the intestine, from which they can be reabsorbed, creating the enterohepatic circulation system, or excreted in feces.
Indications
Restrictions on use
Organic heart damage, acute and chronic liver and kidney diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, gastric and duodenal ulcers, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, old age.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, calcium nephrourolithiasis, prolonged immobilization (large doses), active forms of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Side effect
Headache, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney irritation, exacerbation of the tuberculosis process in the lungs.
special instructions
When used prophylactically, it is necessary to keep in mind the possibility of overdose, especially in children (do not prescribe more than 10-15 mg per year). During treatment, monitoring of calcium levels in the blood and urine is mandatory (especially when combined with thiazide diuretics).
Drug interactions
Overdose
In case of hypersensitivity and overdose, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria and the symptoms caused by them may be observed - heart rhythm disturbances, nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, irritability, weight loss, severe thirst, frequent urination, formation of kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis, soft tissue calcinosis tissues, anorexia, arterial hypertension, constipation, renal failure.
In chronic poisoning - demineralization of bones, calcium deposition in the kidneys, blood vessels, heart, lungs, intestines, dysfunction of organs, which can lead to death. Treatment: withdrawal of colecalciferol, administration of corticosteroids, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, ascorbic acid, retinol, thiamine.
Directions for use and doses
Orally, for prophylactic use, the daily dose is 400 IU (10 mcg) for adults, 600 IU (15 mcg) for people over 60 years of age. V/m - 200,000 IU. For the prevention of rickets - 200,000-400,000 IU once every 6 months (up to 5 years). Treatment of rickets, spasmophilia and hypocalcemia - 200,000 IU per week for 2 weeks (with the addition of calcium salts); osteomalacia and osteoporosis - 200,000 IU every 15 days for 3 months. To prevent attacks of tetany (tetany), up to 1,000,000 IU per day is prescribed.
| Vitamins | |
|---|---|
| Fat-soluble vitamins | Vitamin A (Retinol) Vitamin D (Ergocalciferol D 2, Cholecalciferol D 3) Vitamin E (Tocopherol) Vitamin F Vitamin K Ubiquinone (Q) |
| Water-soluble vitamins Group B |
Thiamine (B 1) Riboflavin (B 2) Nicotinic acid (PP, B 3) Choline (B 4) Pantothenic acid (B 5) Pyridoxine (B 6) Biotin (B 7) Folic acid (B 9) Cyanocobalamin (B 12) Inositol (B 8) |
| Other water-soluble vitamins: | Ascorbic acid (C) S-methylmethionine (U) |
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Synonyms:See what "Vitamin D3" is in other dictionaries:
Belongs to the group of lipophilic (fat-soluble) and hydrophobic vitamins necessary for the synthesis of proteins that provide a sufficient level of coagulation. Chemically, it is a derivative of 2 methyl 1,4 naphthoquinone. Plays a significant role in the exchange... ... Wikipedia
Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone). Contains a functional naphthoquinone ring and an aliphatic side chain. Phylloquinone has a wick in the side chain. In... Wikipedia
Exist., number of synonyms: 89 adenine (2) adermin (1) aevit (2) ... Synonym dictionary
VITAMIN D- 2. Vitaminum D2. Synonyms: calciferol, betalin, ergocalciferol, aldevit, decrystol D, fordetol, infadin, ostelin, ultranol, vigantol, vitaplex D, vitasterol, etc. Properties. During hydrogenation (saturation with hydrogen at the site of the double bond)… …
- “B”. Razg. Joking. Acquaintance, connections (“blat”). BSRG, 100. Vitamin “B”. Jarg. business Joking. Bribe. BS, 31. Vitamin “G”. Jarg. Arm. Neglected Side dish of sauerkraut (with an unpleasant smell, dark color). Laz., 242. Vitamin “D”. Jarg. corner. Shuttle... ... Large dictionary of Russian sayings
VITAMIN B- 12 STERN. The drug is obtained by fermenting acetone-butyl distillery waste with methane-producing bacteria, followed by concentration by evaporation and drying. Properties. Vitamin B12 feed is a homogeneous, finely dispersed... ... Domestic veterinary drugs
A complex of polyunsaturated fatty acids that take a significant part in biological processes: linoleic acid (omega 6) linolenic acid (omega 3) arachidonic acid (omega 6) eicosapentaenoic acid (omega 3) ... ... Wikipedia
A group of fat-soluble compounds derived from b ionone. The most common in nature are: retinol (vitamin A1, axerophthol, I), dehydroretinol (vitamin A2), retinal (retinene, aldehyde of vitamin A1, II), retinoic acid (III). Contained in animals... ... Biological encyclopedic dictionary
We all know that our body constantly needs nourishment and minerals. Without many useful substances, proper human functioning is impossible, which means that you need to carefully monitor the normal level of vitamins and the balance of mineral compounds. And in this article we will talk about one of the most important vitamins for people from category D, which is also called cholecalciferol. If you have already heard about the existence of vitamin D3, then the word “cholecalciferol” raises only one question: “What is it?” So, let's figure it out.
Description and general characteristics
Microelement D3 is one of the few vitamins generated by the organism itself, which is constantly involved in the processes of digestion, breakdown and absorption of substances such as and. 
As is known, calcium is involved in the formation of bone structure and teeth in the human body. It is this chemical element that is especially important for ensuring the strength and endurance of our skeleton.
Phosphorus, in addition to participating in the creation of bones and teeth, is important for humans as one of the elements that converts proteins, fats and carbohydrates into energy.
What are the benefits of vitamin: main functions and benefits
You have already learned something about the beneficial properties of cholecalciferol, and now it’s time to expand this information and figure out why vitamin D is useful for women and.
Infants and older children
Breasts especially need additional vitamins, since their bodies do not yet have the immunity that adults have. It’s good if the baby is on and receives all the necessary nutrients from. 
But if the baby is fed artificially, then it is necessary to carefully monitor its indicators and regularly introduce vitamin complexes into its diet.
Thanks to microelement D3, in infants and preschool children, the skeleton is correctly formed, the bones are saturated with necessary microelements, and the teeth are saturated with calcium, creating a strong layer of enamel for protection.
In addition, energy production and processing of proteins, fats and carbohydrates are normalized, which is especially important for children over 1 year old, when complementary foods are actively introduced into the diet, and breastfeeding fades into the background.
Important!You can start taking cholecalciferol from the first month of a child’s life, in cases where its deficiency is detected. The daily norm of this form of vitamin D for children is 500 IU (5 drops of medicine).
For men
For the male body, cholecalciferol also plays an important role. It is involved in the processing and incorporation of calcium and phosphorus into the bone structure and promotes the processing of BZH into energy. 
In cases of calcium deficiency in the bones, testosterone molecules take its place, which are very important for the normal functioning of the male body. To sufficiently saturate the bones with calcium and redirect testosterone molecules in the right direction, vitamin D3 is required.
In addition, cholecalciferol is involved in the development of immunity, maintaining the functions of the endocrine system, and also promotes the process of cell replacement in the body.
Did you know?In men, the process of synthesis of vitamin D3 from sunlight occurs faster than in women, and therefore if a man actively took sunbathing in the summer, then the charge of cholecalciferol produced will be enough for the entire cloudy period of the year.
Women
It goes without saying that women also need vitamin D3. It becomes a conductor of nutrients into bone tissue and maintains energy balance in the body, for which it processes food entering the body. 
In women, as in men, thanks to microelement D3, the immune system is improved, dead cells are restored and the balance of the nervous system is equalized.
Women also receive a dose of cholecalciferol in the sunny season, but sometimes this volume is not enough for the autumn-spring period, and therefore it is necessary to carry out additional fortification of the body in cases where the levels drop below normal.
Foods with cholecalciferol
The undisputed record holder in the list of products containing cholecalciferol is fish oil.
Did you know?100 g of fish oil contains a 20-day norm of cholecalciferol for the average person.
Now let's look in detail at the list of the best ones containing vitamin D3. So, you can safely include in it:
- seafood: halibut, cod, herring, mackerel, tuna and mackerel (the concentration is highest in the liver of these fish);
- raw egg yolks;
- beef and pork liver;
- dairy products: hard cheese, cottage cheese, butter, fermented baked milk and;
- potatoes, cereals and parsley.
By including the above foods in your daily diet, you can provide your body with a sufficient amount of cholecalciferol, thereby protecting yourself from many unwanted problems, the possible occurrence of which we will talk about a little later. Daily requirement and norm
As mentioned earlier, children, especially during the period of active growth, most need a sufficient supply of the body with vitamins D. For example, for a newborn, the daily requirement of vitamin D3 is 400–500 IU, that is, 4–5 drops of the drug.
For adults, the norm for this microelement is 200–600 IU per day. It all depends on the person’s weight. The more active the vital activity, the higher the consumption of substances and the more the body needs additional fortification.
Dosage forms of the vitamin
Like other complexes, the supply of cholecalciferol can be replenished not only with food, but also with special medications. Vitamin D is mainly produced in the form of tablets or liquid, the dosage of which is calculated in drops.
For children
Children especially need to maintain the correct balance of micronutrients, and therefore for vitaminization in the spring and autumn (when the body is most weakened) it is recommended to use the following drugs:
- , available in capsule form;
- "Aquadetrim" and "Vigantol", sold in the form of a solution;
- “Colecalciferol” (for the prevention of rickets in children) in the form of a solution;
- "Calcemin" in tablet form.
But with a properly combined diet and enough time spent outside in sunny weather, your child will be provided with the required amount of cholecalciferol, and there will be no need to resort to medications. All of the above medications can be given to children from 2 months of age.
For adults
All previously recommended drugs are also available for adults. In addition to them, several more medicinal complexes can be distinguished, including not only vitamin D3, but also other vitamins, the interaction of which with cholecalciferol only increases the effect:
- “Stay Healthy” (“Be healthy”) is available in tablet form. One tablet contains a complex of 25 useful microelements, each of which is represented in the daily requirement for an adult.
- Natura Vigor. One tablet of this drug contains 600 mg of calcium and 50% of the daily value of vitamin D3.
- "Century 2000". One tablet includes the daily requirement of 24 vitamins, equally beneficial for both men and women.
Possible harm and contraindications
Vitamin D can cause harm only in case of overdose.
In excessively large amounts, this trace element is toxic and can cause digestive system upset, cause the development and deposits of calcium on the walls of blood vessels and a number of internal organs, which in the future can cause unwanted problems or even serious diseases caused by blockage of blood vessels.
In this case, the first symptoms of an overdose of cholecalciferol are, as a rule, vomiting, nausea, and, less often, profuse diarrhea.Contraindications for taking vitamin D may include:
- various diseases and blood vessels;
- presence of tuberculosis;
- kidney or liver disease;
- inflammatory processes in the intestines;
- hypersensitivity;
- atherosclerosis and a number of other granulomatous diseases.
To summarize, we can say that cholecalciferol is an essential trace element that allows us to normalize and balance the proper functioning of the human body. It promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and also participates in the processes of converting proteins, fats and carbohydrates entering the body into the energy necessary for full life.
For both adults and children, starting from the first months of life, it is important to observe and maintain the correct balance of microelements and vitamins in order to minimize the risks of the occurrence and development of various diseases.
Vitamin D can bring undeniable benefits in matters of cell regeneration, normalization of metabolism and the formation of a strong and stable immune system; but, at the same time, it can cause harm if the norm of its consumption is exceeded. 
With a properly formed lifestyle, in which we have a lot of walks in the fresh air and sun, as well as a balanced diet, you will not have to seek help from doctors and medications, and your body will be grateful to you.
Vitamin D3 (international name - Colecalciferol) is a vitamin substance taken by both adults and newborns. This drug compensates for vitamin D3 deficiency. It takes part in the regulation of calcium-phosphorus metabolism, and also enhances the absorption of phosphates and Ca2+ in the intestine.
Composition and release form
Currently, colecalciferol is produced in the form of a clear, slightly yellowish solution for oral use.
One milliliter of the above product contains 200,000 IU of colecalciferol and medium chain triglycerides (up to 1 milliliter).
This vitamin preparation is sold in dark glass bottles of 20, 25, 30 and 50 milliliters, in cardboard packages, as well as in glass bottles with dropper caps of 15, 30 and 50 milliliters, in cardboard packs.
Pharmacological action of vitamin D3
According to the instructions, colecalciferol compensates for vitamin D3 deficiency. It enhances the absorption of phosphates and calcium in the intestine, as well as their reabsorption in the renal tubules. This vitamin also takes part in the regulation of calcium-phosphorus metabolism, promotes the normal functioning of the parathyroid glands, bone mineralization and the formation of teeth and bone skeleton in children.
As for absorption, it is quite fast. From the small intestine, the vitamin penetrates the lymphatic system, then enters the liver, and then into the general bloodstream. The drug accumulates in adipose tissue, adrenal glands, skeletal muscles, liver, bones, kidneys and myocardium. Colecalciferol crosses the placental barrier and is excreted in breast milk. The vitamin is metabolized in the kidneys and liver. It is excreted with bile and kidneys (minimal amount).
Indications for use of Vitamin D3 solution
According to the instructions, vitamin D3 is indicated for the treatment and prevention of hypo- and vitamin D3 deficiency, as well as hypoparathyroidism (idiopathic, postoperative, tetany, pseudohypoparathyroidism). In addition, Colecalciferol is used in conditions of increased body need for vitamin D3:
- osteomalacia;
- rickets;
- nephrogenic osteopathy;
- osteoporosis;
- unbalanced and inadequate nutrition;
- insufficient insolation;
- malabsorption syndrome;
- hypophosphatemia;
- hypocalcemia;
- liver failure;
- alcoholism;
- obstructive jaundice;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- rapid weight loss;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- period of pregnancy and lactation;
- taking cholestyramine, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, mineral oils and colestipol;
- newborns.
Contraindications to the use of this solution
Vitamin D3 (according to medical experts) should not be used for conditions such as:
- hypersensitivity to the substances contained in the drug;
- hypervitaminosis D3;
- hypercalcemia;
- renal osteodystrophy accompanied by hyperphosphatemia.
Take vitamin D3 solution with extreme caution in case of atherosclerosis, chronic heart failure, sarcoidosis, hyperphosphatemia, nephrourolithiasis (even in history), chronic renal failure, pregnancy, lactation and in childhood.
How to use vitamin D3
For newborns, vitamin D3 for the prevention of rickets is usually prescribed in autumn and winter. Colecalciferol is best taken in the first half of the day. Pediatricians prescribe this drug to infants one or two drops (500-1000 IU) per day. It is necessary to give your baby the vitamin during feeding or after meals. Before use, the above product must be diluted in 10-15 milliliters of water. The duration of the preventive course ranges from thirty to forty-five days.
For the treatment of rickets, hypocalcemia and spasmophilia, colecalciferol 200,000 IU is prescribed once every seven days for two weeks.
To prevent tetany, take vitamin D3 1,000,000 IU per day.
For osteoporosis and osteomalacia, this drug is prescribed at a dose of 200,000 IU every fifteen days for three months.
For pseudohypoparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism, this vitamin is prescribed at 7500-15000 IU per day.
Infants suffering from spasmophilia are prescribed colecalciferol 5000 IU three times a day.
Side effects
According to the instructions, vitamin D3 (consumer reviews also confirm this) can provoke the development of the following side effects:
- allergic reactions;
- hypercalciuria and hypercalcemia;
- exacerbation of pulmonary tuberculosis;
- impaired renal function, polyuria;
- myalgia and arthralgia;
- loss of appetite and constipation;
- arrhythmias and increased blood pressure;
- headache.
Vitamin D3 overdose
Symptoms of acute colecalciferol intoxication: diarrhea or constipation, thirst, headache, dry mouth, nocturia, pollakiuria, polyuria, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, general weakness, unusual fatigue, hypercalciuria, hypercalcemia, cloudy urine, bone pain, itching , arterial hypertension, drowsiness, arrhythmia, photosensitivity of the eyes, changes in mood and psyche, weight loss, gastralgia, pancreatitis, conjunctival hyperemia.
Clinical signs of chronic vitamin D3 intoxication: calcification of the lungs, kidneys, soft tissues, blood vessels, cardiovascular and renal failure, arterial hypertension, growth impairment in children.
Treatment of overdose includes the following measures: withdrawal of the vitamin, diet with minimal calcium content, administration of corticosteroids, ascorbic acid, thiamine, retinol, alpha-tocopherol, consumption of large amounts of fluid. In severe cases, they resort to intravenous administration of electrolytes, furosemide, 0.9% sodium chloride solution, as well as hemodialysis.
Brittle bones and dental problems are associated with impaired absorption of calcium and phosphorus or their lack in the body. Active metabolites of calciferol or vitamin D3, which is obtained from food, can help solve the problem - pediatricians especially insist on using the latter. How does it affect the condition of bone tissue and what drugs containing it make sense to take?
Why does the body need vitamin D3?
The official name of this substance is cholecalciferol. It belongs to the group of fat-soluble vitamins and is produced by the body exclusively under the influence of ultraviolet rays, so in winter adults and children often experience a lack of it. Synthesis occurs in the skin. Vitamin D3 has the following pharmacological properties:
- It takes part in phosphorus metabolism and increases the absorption of this mineral in the intestines.
- It is important for the absorption of calcium, as it increases the permeability of mitochondria in the cells that make up the intestinal epithelium.
Proper reabsorption and normal metabolism of calcium, which are observed only with a normal amount of this vitamin D3 in the body, help increase the strength of the bones of newborns and form their skeleton, improve the condition of the teeth, and are necessary for the prevention of osteoporosis, rickets and a number of other diseases associated with structural disorders bone tissue.
However, the symptoms of cholecalciferol deficiency can be noticed not only by the deterioration of the teeth/bones:
- performance decreases;
- general fatigue increases;
- the initial stage of multiple sclerosis is observed.
What products contain
The natural deficiency of cholecalciferol, which occurs in winter and in residents of northern regions, is partially compensated by its receipt from food: the body can receive vitamin D3 from some foods and absorb it almost completely. Useful in this matter:
- fish fat;
- parsley;
- milk (controversial, since the absorption of calcium is inhibited by the phosphorus present here);
- egg yolks (raw);
- tuna, mackerel;
- halibut liver;
- butter;
- oatmeal.
Indications for use
Pregnant and breastfeeding women mostly experience calcium deficiency, so vitamin D (doctors combine D2 and D3 here) is recommended in the form of tablets or injections during this period. Given the sensitivity of newborns and the transfer of all nutrients through breast milk if they are breastfed, it is more important that the mother does not experience a deficiency. In older children, the use of a medicinal form of vitamin D3 is necessary for:
- prevention and treatment of rickets;
- treatment of osteoporosis;
- strengthening the bone skeleton in preschool and old age;
- treatment of hypoparathyroidism;
- treatment of osteomalacia;
- preventing deficiency of this vitamin in liver diseases, vegetarianism, after gastric resection.
Directions for use and dosage
If cholecalciferol is used unreasonably, the patient may develop a chronic overdose, so doctors insist on carefully reading the instructions and studying the concentration of the key vitamin in the composition. There are daily standards for cholecalciferol: up to 500 IU in adults, 200 IU in children. If some factors have led to vitamin D3 deficiency, doctors prescribe medications based on the following facts:
- calcium concentration reaches normal when taking 200 thousand IU for six months;
- for osteoporosis, the same 200 thousand IU are needed, but for 2 weeks;
- for rickets, up to 400 thousand IU are prescribed for six months.
Vitamin D3 capsules
Among the dosage forms of cholecalciferol available in pharmacies, the capsular one wins: it is produced by several pharmaceutical companies, but vitamin D3 is mainly produced for adults, since the dosages of the main substance are very high - from 600 IU. Among such drugs, Solgar deserves attention - a product from an American manufacturer, it is a dietary supplement and cannot be used during pregnancy or in children. Dosage – 1 capsule per day with food.
Drops
Aquadetrim vitamin D3 has a concentration of 15000 IU/ml, which is equal to 30 drops. This amount is needed during pregnancy, if the doctor has already diagnosed a lack of vitamins D, or for other reasons for a serious deficiency of cholecalciferol - you should not buy Aquadetrim water for prevention. Among the key disadvantages of the drug is the difficulty of selecting the dosage - this should be done with a doctor, because:
- 1 drop is equivalent to 500 IU of this vitamin, which covers the daily requirement of an adult;
- In a child, prophylactic use of the drug can lead to hypervitaminosis D3.
The official instructions for the treatment of cholecalciferol deficiency advise adhering to the following doses:
- Infants over 4 months – up to 3 drops per day.
- During pregnancy - 1 drop daily from the 1st trimester until childbirth, or 2 drops, but from the 28th week.
- After menopause, 2 drops per day.
- For rickets, you can drink up to 10 drops per day, the course is 1.5 months. The exact dosage depends on the severity of the disease and urine tests.
Vitamin D3 tablets
The most famous pharmaceutical drug of this type is the mineral complex Calcium-D3 Nycomed, which is well tolerated by people of all ages, since even a prophylactic dose is easy to select. 1 tablet is 200 IU of vitamin D3, which is half the norm for a child and 1/3 of the adult norm. There is also a “Forte” option, with a double dosage of the vitamin.
According to the instructions, the tablets are taken primarily for prevention according to the following rules:
- Children over 12 years old and adults 1 pc. in the morning and in the evening.
- Children over 5 years old – 1 tablet. At a younger age, the dosage is determined by the doctor.
- Tablets are allowed to be sucked or chewed.
Oil solution
Doctors call toxicity a disadvantage of this form of vitamin D3, so pediatricians prescribe it to children only when absolutely necessary, preferably recommending aqueous solutions or tablets. However, oil solutions also have advantages: vitamin D3 requires fat for dissolution and absorption, which water is not. Symptoms of overdose, if you drink Vitamin D3 oil solution, also appear less frequently. The most used by doctors is Vigantol, which has a simple composition, but like Aquadetrim, it cannot be used without a doctor’s prescription.
Vitamin D3 for children
Mostly doctors prescribe cholecalciferol to premature babies, since they do not have a natural supply of this element. However, it can put a lot of stress on the kidneys, so you need to entrust the choice of drug and dosage to your doctor. A separate point is that it is inadmissible to take such drugs in the summer (only from October to March), and the child himself must be breastfed.
How to take vitamin D3 for infants
In children over two weeks of age, doctors advise carrying out a procedure to strengthen bone tissue only if there are obvious symptoms of vitamin D3 deficiency, if they do not receive it through breast milk, or due to congenital pathologies they have poor calcium absorption. Mostly experts recommend oil drops that need to be diluted with warm water. Instructions for use are as follows:
- A baby born at term is prevented from rickets from the 2nd week of life by giving 1 drop of an oily vitamin solution daily. Water - 2 times a week in the same dosage.
- If the child is premature, the dose is increased by 2 times.
Side effects
With normal sensitivity and full compliance with the instructions, no negative reactions are observed. Rarely happen:
- nausea;
- diarrhea;
- headache;
- kidney dysfunction.
Overdose
In children, long-term use of large doses of vitamin D3 can lead to impaired calcium metabolism, which is noticeable in a blood test, especially if thiazide drugs are used. In case of high sensitivity of the body, the following may develop:
- anorexia;
- hypertension;
- constipation;
- loss of body weight;
- dehydration;
- nausea;
- soft tissue calcification.
Contraindications
Doctors do not recommend taking additional cholecalciferol medications if there are no symptoms of deficiency of this element or if it is elevated. You should not carry out therapy with their help if you have:
- increased sensitivity of the body;
- nephrourolytase;
- pulmonary tuberculosis;
- diseases of the liver and pancreas in acute form;
- peptic ulcer;
- hypothyroidism.
Terms of sale and storage
All preparations based on vitamin D3 are not medicines - they are provitamins, so they are available without a prescription. The duration of storage is determined by the form: for oil drops it is 2 years, for an aqueous solution - 3 years (necessarily in the refrigerator), for capsules - 2 years.
Vitamin D3 price
The cost of cholecalciferol preparations is determined by the dosage form, country of origin and composition. The solutions used for treatment can be called budget - their price is in the range of 180-240 rubles. Capsules and tablets are more expensive, especially from American manufacturers: their cost starts from 300 rubles. and depends on the number of tablets in the package. The situation with the vitamin D3 preparations described above is as follows:
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