Are 50,000 International Units (Iu) Of Vitamin D Once A Week Harmful?

Question

Originally asked by Community Member jerri koch

Are 50,000 International Units (Iu) Of Vitamin D Once A Week Harmful?

My doctor precribed 50,000 IU of Vitamin D, to be taken once a week due to Vitamin D deficiency. Is this safe to take? Is there any way it would be toxic?

Answer

The dose that your physician prescribed is likely safe if used on a short-term basis. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D is 600 IU for people less than 70 years of age. Vitamin D supplementation appears to be safe when taken by mouth in doses of 4,000 IU daily (for a total of 28,000 IU per week).   Some people choose to receive vitamin D through muscular injections (typically 300,000 IU up to 3 times a year).

When vitamin D deficiency is present, at least 1,000 IU of vitamin D per day is recommended. Some research studies have shown that high doses (up to 50,000 IU daily for six weeks) are effective for treating deficiency if used on a short-term basis.

Excessive vitamin D supplementation can have serious side effects. These include allergic skin reactions, a build-up of calcium in the arteries, headaches, muscle pain, kidney or urinary stones, and gastrointestinal problems (such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea). Vitamin D can also affect your blood sugar and blood pressure.

Your vitamin D levels should be monitored closely during this time of high-dose supplementation, particularly because you are also taking Fosamax. Any adverse reactions should be reported to your physician immediately.

You should know Answers to your question are meant to provide general health information but should not replace medical advice you receive from a doctor. No answers should be viewed as a diagnosis or recommended treatment for a condition.

Answered by: Carmen Roberts, MS, RD, LDN