What Causes Low Vitamin D Level?

Posted on Wed, 2 Sep 2015

Question: Hi,

I have attached my Vitamin profile report below. Vitamin D levels are low, I was advised to take cholecalciferol granules, but I am not sure on the dosage.

I brought these granules(image attached) from local chemist. They are 1g XXXXXXX each and contain 60000 IU.

Please help with the dosage of the same and for how long?

Answered by Dr. Praveen (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Once a week for 8 weeks

Detailed Answer:
Hi sir.Thanks for your query.

Thanks for sharing the reports and snaps.You have low vitamin D as well as calcium(borderline).

Please take Vitamin D one XXXXXXX every sunday(one fixed day/per week) for 8 weeks.You may dissolve this granules in a glass of water and drink on a empty stomach.Restrain from having food, milk for about 30 minutes after have D3 UP.

Recommend sun exposure in the morning for 10-20 minutes.
Suryanamaskar is one good alternative.
Sun exposure and sun bathing helps improve and restore vitamin D levels.
Calcium need not be corrected unless you have symptoms of calcium deficiency.Supplements, calcium rich foods(milk and milk products) will help.Egg white is rich in Vitamin D

Hope this helps.

Regards
Dr.Praveen

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (3 minutes later)

The doctor who prescribed this XXXXXXX said that I needed 20000IU per week so advised to take 1/3 XXXXXXX every week.

Therefore I am confused about the correct dosage, please explain why and how which one is correct?

Thanks for reply.

Answered by Dr. Praveen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Recommend 60,000 IU/per week.This is safe

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for your quick revert.

I would recommend 60,000 IU/week which is 10,000/day(X 6 days) for adults with Vitamin D deficiency for 8-12 weeks.This will restore the body stores as well prevent further deficiency.

10,000 IU is safe and is also recommended by various bodies such as the Endocrine society clinical practice guidelines.There is absolutely no harm since your Vitamin D levels are < 10.

Nothing to panic.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar