Colecalciferol is also available in lower doses. You can take 400IU a day if you're an adult maintaining your vitamin D levels. Doses for children Deficiency in vitamin D is common, particularly among people who get limited sun exposure, as well as people with dark skin, people over age 65, and people who smoke. Breastfed infants and children with certain medical conditions are also susceptible to vitamin D deficiency. Research shows that vitamin D3 is more effective than vitamin D2 at increasing blood levels of vitamin D. A 2020 study also found that both liquid and capsule vitamin D3 supplements can raise vitamin D levels efficiently. Which supplement is best for vitamin D deficiency? https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/diet-and-micronutrients/vitamin-d.html

Lower doses of colecalciferol are usually taken to maintain your vitamin D levels or prevent you from getting vitamin D deficiency. Dosage and strength Schwalfenberg GK. (2017). Vitamins K1 and K2: The emerging group of vitamins required for human health.

If you take too much

vitamin D3, if you can. If you see vitamins D2 and D3 on the store shelf, go with the latter. “Both vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 increase levels of the vitamin in the blood, but D3 might lead to a greater and longer increase than D2,” explains Jinan Banna, R.D., Ph.D., associate professor of nutrition at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. Not only that, it also helps to keep your muscles and bones in great condition 3,4— which is super-important whatever your fitness ambitions. Nowak A, Boesch L, Andres E, et al. Effect of vitamin D3 on self-perceived fatigue: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016;95(52):e5353. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000005353 If you're using colecalciferol drops, you can either drop them straight into your mouth or onto a spoon before you take it. Colecalciferol dissolvable tablets Danik JS, Manson JE. Vitamin D and cardiovascular disease. Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med. 2012 Aug;14(4):414–24. doi:10.1007/s11936-012-0183-8

Your colecalciferol liquid should come with a plastic syringe. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for one. the delivery method. One study found that vitamin D in gummy form may be more absorbent than capsules or tablets. Another study concluded that liposomal vitamin D—the kind delivered with certain lipids—can also enhance absorption. But if you’d rather just take a pill, you’ll still benefit, Largeman-Roth says. A person should speak with a doctor before taking any new supplements. They should always follow the instructions on their chosen product and stop using the supplement if they develop any adverse reactions. When is the best time to take vitamin D supplements? If you're unsure how to take colecalciferol, ask your doctor or your pharmacist. Take your medicine exactly as they advise you to. Capsules and tablets It is safe to take vitamin B12, vitamin D, and magnesium together. Meanwhile, taking vitamin D with a fat-containing meal can help optimize absorption. What are the best vitamin D foods?Webb, A. R., et al. (2018). Colour counts: Sunlight and skin type as drivers of vitamin D deficiency at UK latitudes. Colecalciferol doses are measured in international units (IU). 1 microgram of vitamin D is the same as 40IU. Adult loading doses He S, Hao X. The effect of vitamin D3 on blood pressure in people with vitamin D deficiency: a system review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 May;98(19):e15284. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000015284 To maintain your vitamin D levels or prevent deficiency you'll usually take colecalciferol long term.

If you or your child's vitamin D levels are OK, your doctor may recommend safely increasing your exposure to sunlight and adding more foods that are high in vitamin D to your diet. Dietary supplements: Supplements contain vitamin D2 or D3. While the way the body processes these in the same way, vitamin D3 may increase the amount of serum 25(OH)D for longer than vitamin D2. Low amounts of this serum can indicate a risk of vitamin D deficiency. Marcinowska-Suchowierska E, Kupisz-Urbańska M, Łukaszkiewicz J, Płudowsk P, Jones G. Vitamin D toxicity–a clinical perspective. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2018;9:550. doi:10.3389/fendo.2018.00550

Geddes JAA, Inderjeeth CA. Evidence for the treatment of osteoporosis with vitamin D in residential care and in the community dwelling elderly. Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:463589. doi:10.1155/2013/463589

Your child's doctor may recommend changes to your child's diet to improve their vitamin D levels. If changes to their diet still do not provide enough vitamin D then the doctor may prescribe a maintenance dose of 400IU to 600IU for them to take daily long term. Prevention doses for children If you're taking colecalciferol capsules or tablets, swallow them whole with some water. Take them with your main meal of the day. Chewable tablets

How long to take it for

As well as these capsules, we also have some that are suitable if you’re on a plant-based diet. Our Vegan Vitamin D3softgels are made from lichen algae. If you’re looking to get more calcium into your diet, we’ve also got a Calcium & Vitamin D3supplement — which deliver 100% of your recommended daily intake. Balachandar R, et al. (2021). Relative efficacy of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 in improving vitamin D status: Systematic review and Meta-analysis.