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
Warnings
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.
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.
Driving Generally Safe
Vitamin D has no effect on the ability to drive.
Liver Safe If Prescribed
Vitamin D is safe to be used in patients with liver disease.
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.
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
