I would like to comment on the letter to the editor titled “Vitamin D” by Valerie Looper [published in the July 21–27 edition].
It might be construed to your readers that taking 7,000 IU is the normal dose of vitamin D for deficiency, as her “level” is maintained this way.
Recommendations for supplementation with cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) vary depending on the individual’s risk of having a low serum level of vitamin D.
It is important to find out one’s deficiency or insufficiency before dosing vitamin D3. A blood level will be indicative of proper daily dosing. Multiple dosing regimens have been shown to treat vitamin D deficiency effectively.
The first measurable consequences of vitamin D toxicity are hypercalciuria (in the urine) and hypercalcemia (in the blood).
Normal daily doses of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) are 50mcg (2,000IU) daily but may vary as serum levels change. Best to be advised by your physician.
I’m worried that readers may be swayed into taking 7,000IU daily after reading her letter.
Ted Kessler, Pharm.D.
California
