50 000 iu vitamin d once a week side effects
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Side Effects of 50,000 IU Vitamin D Once a Week
Introduction to High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation
Vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune function. High-dose vitamin D supplementation, such as 50,000 IU once a week, is often prescribed to correct deficiencies. However, understanding the potential side effects is crucial for safe administration.
Impact on Serum Cytokines and Inflammatory Markers
High-dose vitamin D supplementation can influence various cytokines and inflammatory markers. A study involving adults with vitamin D deficiency who received 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 weekly for 8 weeks showed significant increases in serum levels of 25OHD, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, and leptin, while TNF-α levels increased insignificantly1. These changes suggest that while vitamin D3 can modulate immune responses, it may also have complex effects during inflammatory conditions like cytokine storms.
Risk of Hypercalciuria
One of the notable side effects of high-dose vitamin D is hypercalciuria, an elevated level of calcium in the urine. Research comparing different dosing regimens found that a weekly dose of 50,000 IU significantly increased the risk of hypercalciuria compared to lower doses3. This suggests that while high-dose vitamin D can effectively raise serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, it also necessitates monitoring of urinary calcium to prevent potential complications.
Safety and Efficacy in Different Populations
Studies have shown that high-dose vitamin D supplementation is generally safe and effective in various populations. For instance, a study on nursing home residents receiving 50,000 IU of vitamin D2 three times weekly for four weeks reported no adverse effects such as hypercalcemia, and effectively corrected vitamin D inadequacy7. Similarly, another study on patients prescribed 50,000 IU of vitamin D2 in a clinical setting found substantial increases in total 25(OH)D levels without serious adverse events6.
Pharmacokinetics and Long-Term Safety
The pharmacokinetics of high-dose vitamin D supplementation indicate that it can rapidly normalize serum 25(OH)D levels. A study comparing different dosing schedules found that weekly doses of 50,000 IU were effective in increasing 25(OH)D levels without serious adverse events over a 12-week period4. This supports the use of high-dose vitamin D for quick correction of deficiencies, provided that patients are monitored for potential side effects.
Conclusion
High-dose vitamin D supplementation, such as 50,000 IU once a week, is effective in correcting vitamin D deficiencies and has been shown to be generally safe across different populations. However, it can lead to increased levels of certain cytokines and a higher risk of hypercalciuria. Regular monitoring of serum and urinary calcium levels is recommended to mitigate these risks. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term safety and potential side effects of such high-dose regimens.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
The Effect of Weekly 50,000 IU Vitamin D3 Supplements on the Serum Levels of Selected Cytokines Involved in Cytokine Storm: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Adults with Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D3 supplementation significantly increases serum levels of 25OHD, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1, and leptin in adults with vitamin D deficiency, but may have a potential negative effect during cytokine storms.
RCTEffects of a 2-Week 5000 IU versus 1000 IU Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Recovery of Symptoms in Patients with Mild to Moderate Covid-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Daily 5000 IU oral vitamin D3 supplementation for 2 weeks reduces the time to recovery for cough and gustatory sensory loss in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 and suboptimal vitamin D status.
RCT
Very Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedA 250 μg/week dose of vitamin D was as effective as a 50 μg/d dose in healthy adults, but a regimen of four weekly followed by monthly doses of 1250 μg raised the risk of hypercalciuria
A 250 g/week dose of vitamin D can improve or maintain vitamin D status in healthy adults without the risk of hypercalciuria, but 24 h urinary calcium excretion should be evaluated in healthy individuals receiving weekly single doses of 1250 g (50 000 IU).
RCTVery Rigorous JournalPharmacokinetics of Oral Cholecalciferol in Healthy Subjects with Vitamin D Deficiency: A Randomized Open-Label Study
High-dose vitamin D supplementation quickly normalizes serum levels in healthy individuals with vitamin D deficiency, with a more refracted schedule providing higher systemic exposure.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalEffect of vitamin D supplementation on oral glucose tolerance in individuals with low vitamin D status and increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes (EVIDENCE): A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Vitamin D supplementation with 28 000 IU once weekly improves oral glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and -cell function in individuals with low vitamin D status and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
RCT
Rigorous JournalTreatment with 50,000 IU vitamin D₂ every other week and effect on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D₂, 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃, and total 25-hydroxyvitamin D in a clinical setting.
50,000 IU vitamin D2 supplementation every other week effectively increases total 25(OH)D and 25(OH)D2, while decreasing serum 25(OH)D3, making it an effective strategy for treating and preventing vitamin D deficiency.
Observational StudyRapid correction of low vitamin D status in nursing home residents
Ergocalciferol 50,000 IU three times weekly for four weeks effectively and safely normalizes vitamin D inadequacy in nursing home residents without causing adverse effects.
Non-RCTRigorous JournalHighly CitedThe effects of vitamin D supplementation on maternal and neonatal outcome: A randomized clinical trial
50,000 IU vitamin D every 2 weeks during pregnancy decreased the incidence of gestational diabetes.
RCT
Large Human TrialVery Rigorous JournalAssociation of weekly or biweekly use of 50 000 IU vitamin D3 with hypervitaminosis D
Weekly or biweekly use of 50 000 IU vitamin D3 is associated with a higher risk of hypervitaminosis D, while monthly users have a lower risk.
Observational StudyVery Rigorous JournalAdverse events from large dose vitamin D supplementation taken for one year or longer
Long-term high-dose vitamin D supplementation did not significantly increase the risk of total adverse events or kidney stones, but there was a trend towards increased hypercalcemia and possibly hypercalciuria.
Systematic Review