HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is 50 000 UI Weekly Of Vitamin D2 Supplement A High Dosage?

default
Posted on Thu, 16 Feb 2017
Question: Husband prescribed D2 ------50,000 units q week x 8 weeks starting tomorrow, for low D. Sounds excessive amount dose. He is a mild diabetic, I am concerned about complications or contraindications. why not D3, instead? please advise. I have suggested he not take this dose. I do not have lab. results available to me.

Approximately how long does it take to receive an answer?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
About vit D deficiency treatment;

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
I can understand your concern regarding to your husband's health.
In Vitamin D deficiency (when the vit D level is under 15) 50 000 UI weekly is the most common recommended dose.
The Vit D intoxication is very rare and happens especially while taking Vit D3 ( the active form of Vit D) and in these cases a close monitoring of calcium level (once in a week) is recommended.
If the renal function is no impaired there is no reason why to take Vit D3, as the kidneys are responsible to convert VitD2 in the active form ( Vit D3).
So, i would recommend 50 000 UI once in a week with calcium supplements ( if the calcium level is low) and try to get exposed to the sun.
Wish him good health!

Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Mirjeta Guni

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2414 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is 50 000 UI Weekly Of Vitamin D2 Supplement A High Dosage?

Brief Answer: About vit D deficiency treatment; Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you for asking! I can understand your concern regarding to your husband's health. In Vitamin D deficiency (when the vit D level is under 15) 50 000 UI weekly is the most common recommended dose. The Vit D intoxication is very rare and happens especially while taking Vit D3 ( the active form of Vit D) and in these cases a close monitoring of calcium level (once in a week) is recommended. If the renal function is no impaired there is no reason why to take Vit D3, as the kidneys are responsible to convert VitD2 in the active form ( Vit D3). So, i would recommend 50 000 UI once in a week with calcium supplements ( if the calcium level is low) and try to get exposed to the sun. Wish him good health! Best wishes, Dr.Mirjeta