Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a supplement that helps your body absorb calcium.
It’s typically used to treat people who have a vitamin D deficiency or related disorder, such as rickets or osteomalacia.
Some individuals who might need extra vitamin D include:
- Older adults
- Breastfed babies
- People with darker skin
- Obese individuals (or those who’ve had gastric bypass surgery)
- People with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, or liver disease
Vitamin D3 may be used with different supplements or medicines to treat or prevent other conditions
What is the most important information I should know about Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3))?
You should not use cholecalciferol if you have had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have:
- high levels of vitamin D in your body (hypervitaminosis D);
- high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia); or
- any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart disease;
- kidney disease; or
- an electrolyte imbalance.
Certain forms of cholecalciferol may contain ingredients you should know about, such as peanut or soybean oil, sugar, aspartame (phenylalanine), or certain food dyes. Ask a doctor before using cholecalciferol if you have allergies, diabetes, or phenylketonuria (PKU).
Too much vitamin D could harm an unborn baby or a nursing baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.
Do not give cholecalciferol to a child without medical advice. Your child's dose will depend on age, weight, diet, and other factors.
What happens if I overdose on Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3))?
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, loss of appetite, thirst, urinating more or less than usual, body aches, stiffness, confusion, or irregular heartbeats.
