When you take it by mouth the D vitamin is absorbed with fats through the walls of the intestines.
You can get vitamin D through the following natural resources.Cod liver oil, salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, herring, halibut liver oil, egg substitutes, sunlight, vitamin D fortified milk
There are many other vitamin d foods to help you. Apart from the natural sources, you can also benefit from vitamin d supplements.
What are the benefits of vitamin d
Vitamin D works with calcium to control bone formation.
It helps in promoting normal growth and development in infants and children.
D vitamins help in treating low blood calcium (hypocalcemia) in those with kidney disease.
The vitamin also helps in sending nerve impulses especially those needed by the brain for the formation of memory.
Vitamin D also assists in conquering the problem of
memory loss
in later years.
It helps eliminate poisons and drugs from your system by aiding the liver.
It also helps in controlling cholesterol buildup.
Vitamin D controls the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the small intestines, to regulate growth, hardening and repair of bones.
It also treats post-operative muscle contractions, and promotes strong bones and teeth.
Vitamin D comes in various forms
Extended release capsules or tablets: These need to be swallowed with a full glass of liquid. Remember not to chew or crush them, but take them with food or immediately after eating to decrease stomach problems.
Oral solution: This need to be diluted in at least ½ glass of liquid, and taken 1-1½ hours after meals, unless your doctor suggest a different way.
Liquid vitamin D: Put the vitamin in the mouth or mix it with food, fruit juice, or cereal.
Vitamin D is part of many multivitamins and multi-mineral preparations, and some forms of the vitamins can be found with generic names.
How to keep vitamin d in safe storage
In order to have the full benefits of vitamin d, you must store it in cool, dry place away from light. Do not store it in the fridge, and do not over expose it to air. This is important. Do not keep it in bathroom cabinet, because heat and moisture could change the action of the vitamin.
Vitamin d toxicity
Can you take too much vitamin d, or can you overdose on vitamin d?
It is possible to overdose on vitamin d, but it rarely happens. The body has protection again too much vitamin d from ultraviolet light, and other natural sources. But excess consumption of vitamin supplements can lead to vitamin d overdose.
The signs and symptoms of vitamin d toxicity or overdose may include:
Irregular heartbeat,
high blood pressure,
abdominal pains, nausea, kidney damage, weight loss, seizures, and appetite loss.
Overdose may also cause premature hardening of arteries, and growth retardation mentally and physically. The toxic level for vitamin D ranges between 100 – 250 ng/ml.
A blood test for vitamin D serum levels will help you determine the right
vitamin d dosage recommended
by your doctor. This will help you reap the benefits of vitamin d doses.
Side effects of vitamin d supplements
You may have good intention to reap the best benefits of vitamin d. But excessive dosage can have repercussions just like inadequate dosage can lead to
vitamin d deficiency symptoms.
Most of the side effects of vitamin d supplements come from overdose. However, this is uncommon unless there isexcess dosage above 4000 units per day, which builds up high calcium levels in the blood.
The vitamin d side effects may include headache,
diarrhea,
appetite loss, dry mouth, metallic taste,
constipation,
mental confusion, vomiting, and increased thirst. If you experience these symptoms, stop taking the supplement and consult your doctor.
Vitamin d may interact with other medicines and minerals
The benefits of vitamin d may be restricted by some medicines and minerals.
The list below shows some examples of medicines and minerals that affect vitamin d
Mineral oil increases absorption vitamin d
Barbiturates can restrict the effects of vitamin d from natural sources
Antacids with aluminum reduces absorption of vitamin d, and fat soluble vitamins A, E, and K
Diuretics, thiazide may increase the risk of hypercalcemia
Medicines containing phosphorus may increase the risk of excess phosphorus in the blood
High doses of calcium may increase the risk of hypercalcemia
Cortisone may decrease absorption of vitamin d
Vitamin derivatives (ergocalciferol, calciferol, calcitrol, and dihydrotachysterol, may increase potential for toxicity
In order to get the full benefits of vitamin d, a blood test level for the vitamin will help your doctor determine the appropriate dosage needed.
The test will also help you to know how much natural resources like sunshine and diet recommendation you will need.
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