Vitamin D (Li Xiang Yu, Purdue College of Science – Computer Graphics Technology

Xiang Yu Li Computer graphics technology student Spring 2022

Discovery

www.naturewise.com

Vitamin D3

(Cholecalciferol)

Prior to the twentieth centrury, the nature of what was essential to the human diet was unknown. However, around 1913, two researchers, McCollum and Davis discovered vitamin A and started what has lead to common day supplements. Originally vitamin D was discovered as a cure to a disease common in the United Kingdom at the time, “rickets” where the researchers initially thought that the cure was due to vitamin A, but after isolating vitamin A out, discovered that the cause of the disease was due to a different vitamin deficiency which they named “vitamin D”

Common Use

The most common use, and study of vitamin D is in relation to bone strength, primarily due to vitamin D deficiency. Other reasons for common use involve COVID-19 prevention, muscle strength/function augmenting, cancer prevention, and support for depression prevention/treatment.

Pharmacology

In its primary function, vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that when activated promotes intestinal calcium absorption. Vitamin D enables normal bone mineralization, growth, and remodeling. Other roles of vitamin D includes reduction of inflammation, modulation of cell growth, neuromuscular, immune function, and glucose metabolism.

Dosage

Many dosage recommendations operate with 1,000 – 2,000 IU (25 – 50 mcg) as the minimum intake of supplementation, however supplements with much higher dosages are available in a few different forms. The main forms of intake for vitamin D available are in either liquid, or tablet form as an oral supplement with dosages ranging commonly from 500 – 5,000 IU with lower and higher dosages appearing less frequently. In general, supplements are taken in the range of 1000 – 2000 IU per tablet, as one tablet, once per day. However, there are sources that claim benefit from higher amounts of intake.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of vitamin D as a supplement cannot be determined conclusively to affect health outcomes except for issues related to bone health. In terms of relieving bone fracture risk, studies show that periods over five years of supplement intake can reduce the risk of fracturing in elderly persons. Anecdotal evidence, and specific studies show effectiveness for many of the other prescribed common uses, however, conclusive evidence is yet to be found regarding uses other than long-term use for the purpose of improving bone health.

Excessive Consumption/Toxicity

Excessive consumption can result in renal failure, weight loss, calcification of tissue, cardiac arrhythmia, and as a result death. Regular use of vitamin D, however, has few side effects except as a result of the combination of use with other drugs. As a result of the way the pharmaceutical market functions, few supplement and drug combinations have reliable research done regarding the risks they may present and for consumers the most reliable way to determine the safety of such is by consulting a medical expert.

Interactions

Orlistat: combined with a reduced-fat diet, may lead to a reduction in the absorption of vitamin D from food or supplement. Steroids: may reduce calcium absorption and/or impair vitamin D metabolism. Thiazide diuretics: combined with vitamin D supplementation may lead to hypercalcemia Few drugs/supplements have significant documentation on the potential risks and side effects of an extensive list of drugs/supplements and as a result the best way to consume such supplements in combination with any other drug or supplement is by consulting a medical practitioner.

Professional Opinion

With responsible use, vitamin D is a very safe and stable supplement. While there may not be sufficient documentation for many of the prescribed common uses there is often little risk involved with supplementation in recommended dosages. With this in mind, I would generally recommend vitamin D as a supplement for those that have reason to believe they may have a vitamin D deficiency. Common use for the purpose of increasing quality of mood and depression are generally considered safe uses, and despite lack of conclusive evidence, my personal anecdotal evidence points toward vitamin D deficiency negatively affecting moods. ~ X. Li

References

1. Deluca HF. History of the discovery of vitamin D and its active metabolites. Bonekey Rep. 2014;3:479.

Published 2014 Jan 8. doi:10.1038/bonekey.2013.213 2. Office of dietary supplements - vitamin D. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/. Accessed February 25, 2022. 3. Vitamin D. The Nutrition Source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/. Published

February 1, 2022. Accessed February 25, 2022.