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Vitamin D

Side Effects Of Vitamin D Supplements Due To Medication Interaction

By November 4th, 2012No Comments

Side Effects Of Vitamin DTaking your daily vitamin D may be the best possible supplement to take at any age, but is even more necessary over the age of 40. Vitamin D will steer you clear of colon cancer, osteoporosis, bone fractures, breast cancer, high blood pressure, and many other ailments. It also strengthens the immune system and prevents infections.

But what about the side effects of vitamin D due to medication interaction? Can vitamin D pills be taken in combination with just any medicine? A simple answer is “No”. Some of the most common medications that will interfere with the absorption of vitamin D are steroids. This can contribute to osteoporosis and bone degradation down the line…

A weight loss group of drugs named Orlistat, Xenical, and its over-the-counter version Alli can also interfere with the proper absorption of the vitamin.

Seizure drugs named Phenobarbital and Phenytoin can also cause an effect on calcium absorption, which, in turn, indirectly affect vitamin D levels.

Medication which lowers cholesterol , Cholestyramine, or Prevalite , will also cut the proper absorption.

Interestingly, some drugs do the opposite and actually increase vitamin D levels. These drugs are Thiazide and Statin, which are cholesterol – lowering drugs. The side effects of Vitamin D in high dangerous doses will cause too much calcium in the blood, thus leading to higher risk of heart abnormalities and rhythm problems.

The function of vitamin D can also have metabolic side effects. The metabolic side effects of vitamin D are known as hypercalcemia. This will have symptoms such as headaches, nausea, gastrointestinal problems, abdominal cramps, and muscle and bone pain. If the hypercalcemia goes untreated, people can suffer from mental fogginess, cardiac arrhythmias, and seizures, which are all worrisome effects.

To help prevent loss of vitamin D, you can also take the supplement a few hours before or after taking any of the above drugs. While it is very hard to overdose on vitamin D, take caution with medication interaction as it may raise the calcium to cause irregular heart rhythms.

When it comes to choosing the proper vitamin D dose in supplements (do not confuse with natural food sources!), consult your doctor first. However, vitamin D3 2,000 IU is the average amount an adult should take per day, with 4,000 IU per day recommended by many health care providers during winter months if you don’t get any or very little daylight.

It is best to speak to your family doctor when deciding on a drug and ask how you can still maintain proper levels of vitamin D. The side effects of vitamin D due to medication interaction should be taken seriously and evaluated further by your doctor. And remember, natural vitamin supplements have a much higher safety record than most chemical drugs, so before you head to your family doctor for your next prescription drug for your non life-threatening condition, consider getting health the natural way. With a proper diet, vitamin supplements and regular exercise, your body is capable of natural healing!

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