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Are Vitamin D3 Supplements Taken On Regular Base Safe For Osteopenia?
Question: Currently taking florical - once a day - plus Vitamin D3 - 10,000 iu - once a day. Years ago diagnosed with osteopenia, began strength training, and next bone density the osteopenia diagnosed was no longer. Started the florical + D3 on my own. I am a small person and very active. Wanted to forestall any bone issues. What do you think about taking these supplements?
Brief Answer:
Need blood tests
Detailed Answer:
The individual requirement of calcium and vitamin D depends on the calcium intake in diet as well as blood levels of 25 hydroxy Vitamin D. The latter reflects the body's vitamin D status.
If your calcium intake in diet is low, then you will likely need calcium supplements although it is always preferable that you obtain calcium from dietary sources such as dairy products.
Generally upto 5000-10,000 IU of vitamin D3 (either ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol) are considered safe but provided blood levels do not exceed target ranges.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid)
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day Correct diagnosis and treatment requires the opportunity to examine the patient so you must see an endocrinologist in-person.
Need blood tests
Detailed Answer:
The individual requirement of calcium and vitamin D depends on the calcium intake in diet as well as blood levels of 25 hydroxy Vitamin D. The latter reflects the body's vitamin D status.
If your calcium intake in diet is low, then you will likely need calcium supplements although it is always preferable that you obtain calcium from dietary sources such as dairy products.
Generally upto 5000-10,000 IU of vitamin D3 (either ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol) are considered safe but provided blood levels do not exceed target ranges.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid)
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day Correct diagnosis and treatment requires the opportunity to examine the patient so you must see an endocrinologist in-person.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. I reviewed the lab order completed on 7/17/2015. As stated earlier, I see my doctor in October and he has ordered blood work so will do this next week. In comparing test results for the 7/17/2015 lab order, the tests that you suggested were done and all within normal range. The last A1C test that I had was in January of 2014 and result was 5.6. Given that last year's blood tests were within normal range, what are your thoughts on taking florical + Vitamin D3 for building bones?
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
The laboratory results you are referring to are more than a year old. Recent reports are necessary to understand current vitamin D status. This will determine your daily dose of vitamin D if at all any is necessary. To reiterate, the need for for florical or any calcium supplement in general is also dependent on your daily oral intake of calcium rich foods and drinks. Taking inadequate amounts of calcium and Vitamin D does lead to weak bones but if dietary intake of calcium is sufficient and blood levels of 25 hydroxy Vitamin D are at goal then there is no further need to take such tablets
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
The laboratory results you are referring to are more than a year old. Recent reports are necessary to understand current vitamin D status. This will determine your daily dose of vitamin D if at all any is necessary. To reiterate, the need for for florical or any calcium supplement in general is also dependent on your daily oral intake of calcium rich foods and drinks. Taking inadequate amounts of calcium and Vitamin D does lead to weak bones but if dietary intake of calcium is sufficient and blood levels of 25 hydroxy Vitamin D are at goal then there is no further need to take such tablets
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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