Detremin (Vitamin D3): Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
A high-dose cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) soft capsule prescribed for the treatment and prevention of vitamin D deficiency in adults
Detremin is a prescription-strength vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplement available as soft capsules, each containing 25,000 IU (625 micrograms) of cholecalciferol. It is used to treat and prevent vitamin D deficiency in adults when dietary intake and sunlight exposure are insufficient. Vitamin D is essential for calcium and phosphate absorption, bone health, muscle function, and immune regulation. Detremin’s high-dose formulation allows for convenient intermittent dosing – typically weekly or monthly – under medical supervision. Because excessive vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia and kidney damage, treatment with Detremin requires regular blood monitoring of calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.
Quick Facts: Detremin
Key Takeaways
- Detremin contains 25,000 IU of vitamin D3 per capsule: This is a high-dose formulation designed for treating proven vitamin D deficiency under medical supervision, not for routine daily supplementation without a doctor’s assessment.
- Take it with a fat-containing meal for best absorption: Vitamin D3 is fat-soluble, and absorption increases significantly when taken alongside dietary fat. A meal containing eggs, cheese, or olive oil is sufficient.
- Regular blood monitoring is essential: Your doctor should check your serum calcium and 25(OH)D levels before starting treatment and periodically during therapy to prevent hypercalcemia (dangerously high calcium).
- Do not exceed the prescribed dose: Vitamin D toxicity is rare but serious, causing nausea, vomiting, kidney stones, and potentially permanent kidney damage. More is not better – follow your doctor’s dosing instructions exactly.
- Several medications can interact with high-dose vitamin D: Thiazide diuretics, cardiac glycosides (digoxin), orlistat, and certain antiepileptic drugs all interact with vitamin D. Inform your doctor about all medications you take.
What Is Detremin and What Is It Used For?
Detremin is a high-dose vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplement containing 25,000 IU per soft capsule. It is prescribed by physicians for the treatment and prevention of vitamin D deficiency in adults, particularly when standard daily supplementation is insufficient or impractical.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble secosteroid hormone that plays a fundamental role in human physiology. Unlike most vitamins, which are primarily obtained from food, vitamin D is unique in that the human body can synthesize it through the skin when exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight. However, many people worldwide do not produce enough vitamin D through sunlight exposure due to factors such as living at northern latitudes, indoor lifestyles, dark skin pigmentation, aging, and the use of sunscreen. The global prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is estimated at approximately one billion people, making it one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide.
Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), the active ingredient in Detremin, is the same form of vitamin D that is naturally produced in human skin. After oral ingestion, cholecalciferol is absorbed in the small intestine along with dietary fats and transported to the liver, where it undergoes its first hydroxylation to become 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcidiol or 25(OH)D). This is the primary circulating form of vitamin D measured in blood tests to assess a patient’s vitamin D status. Calcidiol is then further hydroxylated in the kidneys to form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol), the biologically active hormonal form that exerts its effects throughout the body.
Calcitriol binds to vitamin D receptors (VDR) found in virtually every cell in the body, regulating the expression of hundreds of genes involved in calcium and phosphate homeostasis, bone metabolism, immune function, cell growth and differentiation, and cardiovascular health. The most well-established function of vitamin D is its role in promoting intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate, which are essential minerals for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Why Is a High-Dose Formulation Used?
Detremin’s 25,000 IU capsule is specifically designed for intermittent dosing rather than daily use. This approach offers several clinical advantages. First, it simplifies treatment adherence – taking one capsule per week or per month is easier for many patients to remember than a daily tablet. Second, the pharmacokinetics of vitamin D3 support intermittent dosing: because cholecalciferol is stored in fat tissue and released slowly, a single high dose produces a sustained elevation in blood 25(OH)D levels over days to weeks. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has confirmed that weekly or monthly high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation achieves equivalent steady-state serum 25(OH)D concentrations compared to equivalent daily dosing.
It is important to emphasize that Detremin is a prescription medication, not an over-the-counter supplement. The high dose per capsule means that careful medical supervision is required to determine the appropriate dosing schedule and duration, and to monitor for potential adverse effects, particularly hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels). Your doctor will base the dosing regimen on your baseline 25(OH)D levels, body weight, and individual risk factors.
Conditions Treated with Detremin
- Vitamin D deficiency: Serum 25(OH)D levels below 25–30 nmol/L (10–12 ng/mL) constitute deficiency according to the Endocrine Society and most international guidelines
- Vitamin D insufficiency: Levels between 30–50 nmol/L (12–20 ng/mL) are considered insufficient and may benefit from supplementation, particularly in patients with risk factors for bone disease
- Prevention of deficiency in high-risk groups: Individuals with malabsorption syndromes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, those on medications that accelerate vitamin D metabolism (such as antiepileptic drugs), and housebound or institutionalized elderly patients
- Osteoporosis management: Vitamin D supplementation is a cornerstone of osteoporosis treatment, used alongside calcium and specific osteoporosis medications to optimize bone mineral density
The target serum 25(OH)D level recommended by the Endocrine Society for patients with deficiency is at least 75 nmol/L (30 ng/mL). The Institute of Medicine (IOM) considers 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL) sufficient for the general population. Your doctor will determine the appropriate target based on your individual clinical situation. Levels above 250 nmol/L (100 ng/mL) are associated with potential toxicity and should be avoided.
What Should You Know Before Taking Detremin?
Before taking Detremin, your doctor should check your blood calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Do not take Detremin if you have hypercalcemia (high blood calcium), hypervitaminosis D (vitamin D toxicity), severe kidney disease, or kidney stones containing calcium.
Contraindications – Do Not Take Detremin If You:
- Are allergic to cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) or any of the other ingredients in the capsule, including peanut oil or soya (many soft gelatin capsules contain these)
- Have hypercalcemia (abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood)
- Have hypercalciuria (abnormally high levels of calcium in the urine)
- Have hypervitaminosis D (vitamin D toxicity with serum 25(OH)D typically above 375 nmol/L or 150 ng/mL)
- Have nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), particularly calcium-containing stones
- Have severe renal impairment (severely reduced kidney function), as the kidneys are responsible for the final activation step of vitamin D
Warnings and Precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Detremin if you have any of the following conditions, as they may require dose adjustments, additional monitoring, or special caution:
- Mild to moderate kidney disease: Impaired kidneys may not adequately convert 25(OH)D to the active form calcitriol, and there is increased risk of calcium accumulation. Your doctor may need to monitor calcium levels more frequently and consider alternative forms of vitamin D (such as calcitriol or alfacalcidol)
- Sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, or other granulomatous diseases: These conditions can cause autonomous, unregulated conversion of 25(OH)D to calcitriol outside the kidneys (extrarenal 1-alpha-hydroxylation), significantly increasing the risk of hypercalcemia even at standard vitamin D doses
- History of kidney stones: Vitamin D supplementation increases calcium absorption, which may raise urinary calcium excretion and increase the risk of forming new calcium-containing kidney stones in susceptible individuals
- Heart disease or taking cardiac glycosides (digoxin): Hypercalcemia from vitamin D excess can potentiate the toxic effects of digoxin, leading to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias
- Taking thiazide diuretics: These medications reduce urinary calcium excretion, and combined with increased calcium absorption from vitamin D, can result in hypercalcemia
- Immobilization: Prolonged bed rest or immobility increases the risk of hypercalcemia because bone resorption is accelerated while formation is reduced
Taking too much vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia (dangerously elevated blood calcium), which may lead to nausea, vomiting, excessive thirst, increased urination, constipation, confusion, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, kidney stones, and potentially irreversible kidney damage. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Detremin, stop the medication and contact your doctor immediately. Regular blood monitoring of calcium and 25(OH)D levels is essential during treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking Detremin. Vitamin D is important for both maternal and fetal health, and deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to adverse outcomes including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and impaired fetal bone development. However, the high dose per capsule (25,000 IU) in Detremin means it must be used with caution during pregnancy.
Pregnancy: The daily requirement for vitamin D during pregnancy is generally 400–600 IU (10–15 mcg) according to most guidelines, though some experts recommend up to 1,000–2,000 IU daily. Excessive vitamin D intake during pregnancy can cause fetal hypercalcemia, which may affect the baby’s development. If your doctor prescribes high-dose vitamin D during pregnancy, they will carefully calculate the appropriate dosing interval and monitor your blood levels closely.
Breastfeeding: Vitamin D passes into breast milk, though typically in small amounts. Maternal supplementation with vitamin D can help improve the vitamin D content of breast milk, which is generally low. However, high-dose supplementation should only be taken under medical supervision to avoid excessive intake for both mother and infant.
If you are taking calcium supplements alongside Detremin, your doctor needs to carefully monitor your total calcium intake and blood calcium levels. The combination of high-dose vitamin D (which increases intestinal calcium absorption) with calcium supplements can significantly increase the risk of hypercalcemia and kidney stones. Your doctor will determine whether you need additional calcium supplementation or if dietary calcium intake alone is sufficient.
How Does Detremin Interact with Other Drugs?
Detremin interacts with several important medications. Thiazide diuretics and vitamin D together increase the risk of hypercalcemia. Cardiac glycosides (digoxin) combined with vitamin D-induced hypercalcemia can cause dangerous heart rhythm disturbances. Orlistat and cholestyramine reduce vitamin D absorption. Antiepileptic drugs and rifampicin accelerate vitamin D metabolism.
Because Detremin is a high-dose vitamin D3 preparation, drug interactions are clinically important and can have significant consequences. Vitamin D affects calcium metabolism throughout the body, and any medication that also influences calcium levels, gut absorption, or liver enzyme activity can interact with Detremin. The following tables summarize the most important interactions:
Major Interactions (Clinically Significant)
| Drug / Class | Interaction | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide) | Thiazides reduce urinary calcium excretion; combined with increased calcium absorption from vitamin D, blood calcium can rise to dangerous levels | Monitor serum calcium regularly; dose adjustment of vitamin D may be needed |
| Cardiac glycosides (digoxin) | Hypercalcemia from vitamin D excess potentiates the cardiotoxic effects of digoxin, increasing the risk of fatal arrhythmias | Close monitoring of calcium and digoxin levels; ECG monitoring may be indicated |
| Other vitamin D products or calcium supplements | Additive risk of hypercalcemia and hypervitaminosis D from combined vitamin D intake | Account for all sources of vitamin D and calcium; adjust total dose accordingly |
Other Important Interactions
| Drug / Class | Interaction | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Orlistat (weight loss medication) | Orlistat blocks fat absorption in the gut; since vitamin D3 is fat-soluble, its absorption is significantly reduced | Take Detremin at least 2 hours before or after orlistat; may need higher doses |
| Cholestyramine, colestipol (bile acid sequestrants) | Bile acid sequestrants bind fat-soluble vitamins in the gut, reducing vitamin D absorption | Take Detremin at least 2 hours apart from bile acid sequestrants |
| Phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine (antiepileptic drugs) | These drugs induce hepatic CYP enzymes, accelerating the metabolism and inactivation of vitamin D, leading to lower serum levels | Higher vitamin D doses may be needed; monitor 25(OH)D levels closely |
| Rifampicin (antibiotic) | Potent CYP3A4 inducer that accelerates vitamin D catabolism, potentially causing deficiency even in supplemented patients | Increase vitamin D dose during rifampicin treatment; monitor 25(OH)D levels |
| Glucocorticoids (prednisolone, dexamethasone) | Corticosteroids antagonize the effects of vitamin D on calcium absorption and promote bone loss | Patients on long-term corticosteroids often require higher vitamin D doses |
What Is the Correct Dosage of Detremin?
The dosage of Detremin is individualized based on the severity of vitamin D deficiency and your blood levels. A common loading regimen for adults with deficiency is one 25,000 IU capsule per week for 6–8 weeks, followed by one capsule per month for maintenance. Your doctor will determine your specific dosing schedule based on blood test results.
Detremin dosing is not one-size-fits-all. The correct dose depends on several factors including your baseline serum 25(OH)D level, body weight, the presence of malabsorption conditions, concurrent medications, and the target 25(OH)D level. Your doctor will prescribe a specific regimen and schedule regular blood tests to monitor your response. The dosing guidelines below are based on the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines and international consensus:
Adults
| Indication | Loading Dose | Maintenance Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Severe deficiency (25(OH)D <25 nmol/L) | 25,000 IU weekly for 6–8 weeks | 25,000 IU monthly | Recheck at 8–12 weeks; continue as needed |
| Moderate deficiency (25(OH)D 25–50 nmol/L) | 25,000 IU weekly for 4–6 weeks | 25,000 IU monthly | Recheck at 8–12 weeks |
| Maintenance / prevention (25(OH)D 50–75 nmol/L) | Not typically required | 25,000 IU monthly | Long-term with periodic monitoring |
Children
Detremin 25,000 IU capsules are generally not recommended for children due to the high dose per capsule. Pediatric vitamin D supplementation is typically achieved with lower-dose liquid formulations (400–1,000 IU per day) that allow for more precise dosing based on the child’s age and weight. If a physician determines that high-dose vitamin D therapy is needed for a child, specialized pediatric dosing protocols should be followed with careful monitoring. Always consult a pediatrician before giving Detremin to a child.
Elderly
Elderly patients are among the most common users of Detremin, as vitamin D deficiency is particularly prevalent in this population due to reduced skin synthesis capacity, limited sun exposure, and decreased dietary intake. The dosing recommendations for elderly adults are the same as for younger adults, but several important considerations apply:
- Kidney function declines with age, potentially impairing the conversion of 25(OH)D to active calcitriol – your doctor may check kidney function before starting therapy
- Elderly patients are more likely to be taking medications that interact with vitamin D, particularly thiazide diuretics and digoxin
- Combined with calcium supplementation and osteoporosis treatment, careful monitoring of calcium levels is essential to prevent hypercalcemia
- Studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation in elderly patients reduces the risk of falls by approximately 19%, an important benefit given the high risk of fractures in this population
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your scheduled dose of Detremin, take it as soon as you remember, as long as it is within a few days of the scheduled date. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one. Because vitamin D3 has a long half-life and is stored in fat tissue, missing a single dose is unlikely to have a significant clinical impact. However, consistently missing doses will reduce the treatment’s effectiveness over time.
Overdose
Vitamin D toxicity (hypervitaminosis D) is a serious condition that occurs when excessive amounts of vitamin D raise blood calcium levels to dangerous levels. Toxicity typically occurs at cumulative doses well above those prescribed for deficiency treatment, but individual susceptibility varies. Patients with granulomatous diseases (sarcoidosis, tuberculosis) are at particular risk due to unregulated extrarenal conversion of vitamin D to its active form.
Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include: severe nausea, persistent vomiting, loss of appetite, extreme thirst, producing large amounts of urine, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, bone pain, confusion, drowsiness, and irregular heartbeat. Severe toxicity can lead to kidney stones, kidney damage (nephrocalcinosis), and kidney failure. If overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Treatment involves stopping all vitamin D and calcium intake, intravenous fluids, loop diuretics (furosemide), and in severe cases, glucocorticoids or bisphosphonates to lower blood calcium levels.
What Are the Side Effects of Detremin?
At recommended doses, Detremin is generally well tolerated. Side effects are uncommon when taken as prescribed and monitored appropriately. Most adverse effects are related to excessive dosing and the resulting hypercalcemia, rather than to cholecalciferol itself at appropriate doses.
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) has an excellent safety profile when used at recommended doses under medical supervision. Unlike many medications, most reported side effects of Detremin are dose-dependent and related to the development of hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium) from excessive intake. This is why regular blood monitoring is a critical component of treatment. Side effects from the capsule excipients (inactive ingredients) are rare but possible, particularly in patients with soya or peanut allergy.
Uncommon
May affect up to 1 in 100 people
- Hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium, typically from dose accumulation)
- Hypercalciuria (elevated urinary calcium)
Rare
May affect up to 1 in 1,000 people
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
- Increased urination (polyuria)
- Pruritus (itching)
- Skin rash or urticaria (hives)
Very Rare / Frequency Not Known
Reported very rarely or frequency cannot be estimated
- Nephrocalcinosis (calcium deposits in the kidneys)
- Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
- Muscle weakness
- Metallic taste
- Allergic reactions (particularly in patients allergic to soya or peanuts, which may be present in the capsule shell)
Most of the gastrointestinal side effects listed above (nausea, constipation, loss of appetite) are actually symptoms of hypercalcemia rather than direct effects of cholecalciferol. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor promptly so your blood calcium level can be checked. Early detection and dose adjustment can prevent progression to more serious complications.
Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any of the following while taking Detremin: persistent nausea or vomiting, excessive thirst or frequent urination, constipation that does not resolve, unexplained muscle weakness or bone pain, confusion or unusual drowsiness, or any signs of an allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing). These may indicate hypercalcemia or an adverse reaction that requires medical assessment.
How Should You Store Detremin?
Store Detremin at room temperature, below 25°C (77°F), in the original packaging to protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach and sight of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
Proper storage of Detremin is important to maintain the potency and safety of the medication. Cholecalciferol can degrade when exposed to excessive heat, light, or moisture, potentially reducing the effectiveness of each dose. Follow these storage guidelines:
- Temperature: Store at room temperature, below 25°C (77°F). Do not refrigerate or freeze the capsules unless specifically instructed by the manufacturer, as extreme cold can affect the soft gelatin capsule shell
- Light protection: Keep the capsules in the original blister pack or container until ready to take them. Vitamin D is sensitive to light, and prolonged exposure can reduce potency
- Moisture: Store in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom or near sinks, as humidity can affect the capsule shell
- Children: Keep out of reach and sight of children. The high dose per capsule makes accidental ingestion particularly dangerous for children
- Expiry date: Do not use Detremin after the expiry date printed on the carton and blister pack. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month
- Disposal: Do not dispose of Detremin via household waste or wastewater. Return unused or expired capsules to your pharmacy for safe disposal according to local regulations
What Does Detremin Contain?
Each Detremin soft capsule contains 25,000 IU (625 micrograms) of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) as the active ingredient. The capsule shell and fill contain excipients including medium-chain triglycerides (MCT oil), gelatin, glycerol, and may contain soya or peanut derivatives depending on the formulation.
Active Ingredient
Each soft capsule contains cholecalciferol 25,000 IU (equivalent to 625 micrograms). Cholecalciferol is identical to the vitamin D3 produced naturally in human skin upon exposure to UVB sunlight. The International Unit (IU) is the standard measure for vitamin D activity: 1 mcg of cholecalciferol equals 40 IU.
Excipients (Inactive Ingredients)
The inactive ingredients in Detremin soft capsules may vary slightly by manufacturer and batch, but typically include:
- Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT oil): Used as the lipid vehicle in the capsule fill to dissolve the cholecalciferol and enhance its absorption. MCT oil is derived from coconut or palm kernel oil
- Gelatin: Forms the soft capsule shell. Derived from animal sources (typically bovine or porcine)
- Glycerol: Used as a plasticizer in the capsule shell to keep it soft and flexible
- Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT): An antioxidant used to prevent degradation of cholecalciferol
- All-rac-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E): Added as a stabilizer and antioxidant to protect the vitamin D from oxidation
Some formulations of high-dose vitamin D soft capsules may contain soya oil or peanut oil as excipients. If you have a known allergy to soya or peanuts, check the specific product leaflet or ask your pharmacist before taking Detremin. Alternative vitamin D formulations without these allergens are available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Detremin
Detremin is a high-dose vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplement containing 25,000 IU per soft capsule. It is prescribed by doctors for the treatment and prevention of vitamin D deficiency in adults. The high-dose formulation allows for intermittent dosing, typically one capsule per week or per month, depending on the severity of the deficiency and the prescribing physician’s assessment. It is particularly useful for patients who have difficulty maintaining adequate vitamin D levels through diet and sunlight exposure alone.
The dosing frequency of Detremin 25,000 IU depends on your individual needs and your doctor’s assessment. For treating established vitamin D deficiency, a common regimen is one capsule per week for 6–8 weeks as a loading dose, followed by one capsule per month for maintenance. However, your doctor may adjust this based on your blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Never take more than prescribed, as excess vitamin D can cause dangerously high calcium levels in the blood.
You can take Detremin alongside most other vitamins. However, be careful about your total vitamin D intake if you are also taking other vitamin D-containing supplements, multivitamins, or fortified foods – the cumulative dose adds up and may increase the risk of toxicity. If you take calcium supplements, the combination with high-dose vitamin D increases the risk of hypercalcemia (high blood calcium). Always inform your doctor about all supplements and medications you take so the total dose can be properly managed.
Vitamin D overdose (hypervitaminosis D) causes dangerously high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia). Early symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, excessive thirst, increased urination, muscle weakness, and fatigue. More severe toxicity can lead to confusion, irregular heartbeat, kidney stones, kidney damage, and in extreme cases, kidney failure. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Detremin, stop the medication and seek medical attention immediately. Regular blood tests to monitor calcium and 25(OH)D levels help prevent toxicity.
Yes, it is recommended to take Detremin with a meal, preferably one that contains some fat. Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin, and its absorption from the gut is significantly improved when taken alongside dietary fats. Studies have shown that taking vitamin D with a fat-containing meal can increase absorption by up to 50% compared to taking it on an empty stomach. Any meal with a moderate amount of fat – such as eggs, avocado, cheese, nuts, or food cooked with olive oil – is sufficient to enhance absorption.
After starting Detremin, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels typically begin to rise within a few days, with a significant increase observable after 1–2 weeks. However, it generally takes 6–8 weeks of regular supplementation to reach a new steady-state level. Your doctor will usually recheck your blood levels approximately 8–12 weeks after starting treatment to assess the response and adjust the dose if necessary. Individual factors such as body weight, baseline deficiency severity, fat tissue stores, and gut absorption capacity can all affect the rate of response.
References
- Holick MF, Binkley NC, Bischoff-Ferrari HA, et al. Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention of Vitamin D Deficiency: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96(7):1911–1930. doi:10.1210/jc.2011-0385
- Institute of Medicine (IOM). Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2011.
- Cashman KD, Dowling KG, Škrabalová Z, et al. Vitamin D deficiency in Europe: pandemic? Am J Clin Nutr. 2016;103(4):1033–1044. doi:10.3945/ajcn.115.120873
- Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Dawson-Hughes B, Staehelin HB, et al. Fall prevention with supplemental and active forms of vitamin D: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. 2009;339:b3692. doi:10.1136/bmj.b3692
- Martineau AR, Jolliffe DA, Hooper RL, et al. Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data. BMJ. 2017;356:i6583. doi:10.1136/bmj.i6583
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Vitamin D: supplement use in specific population groups. Public Health Guideline PH56. Updated 2017.
- World Health Organization. Nutritional rickets: a review of disease burden, causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. WHO; 2019.
- Bouillon R, Marcocci C, Carmeliet G, et al. Skeletal and Extraskeletal Actions of Vitamin D: Current Evidence and Outstanding Questions. Endocrine Reviews. 2019;40(4):1109–1151. doi:10.1210/er.2018-00126
- Sanders KM, Stuart AL, Williamson EJ, et al. Annual high-dose oral vitamin D and falls and fractures in older women: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2010;303(18):1815–1822. doi:10.1001/jama.2010.594
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Summary of Product Characteristics – Cholecalciferol containing products. Available at: www.ema.europa.eu
Medical Editorial Team
This article has been written and reviewed by iMedic’s medical editorial team, comprising licensed physicians, pharmacists, and specialists in endocrinology and clinical pharmacology. Our team follows the GRADE evidence framework and bases all content on peer-reviewed research, international clinical guidelines, and established medical standards.
Medical Review
Content reviewed by board-certified physicians following WHO, EMA, Endocrine Society, and NICE guidelines. Last medical review: .
Editorial Standards
All medical claims are supported by Level 1A evidence (systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials). No commercial funding or pharmaceutical sponsorship.