Is 50 000 UI Weekly Of Vitamin D2 Supplement A High Dosage?

Posted on Wed, 25 Jan 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 25 Jan 2017 Answered on

Thu, 16 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Husband prescribed D2 ------50,000 units q week x 8 weeks starting tomorrow, for low D. Sounds excessive amount dose. He is a mild diabetic, I am concerned about complications or contraindications. why not D3, instead? please advise. I have suggested he not take this dose. I do not have lab. results available to me.

Approximately how long does it take to receive an answer?

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
About vit D deficiency treatment;

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
I can understand your concern regarding to your husband's health.
In Vitamin D deficiency (when the vit D level is under 15) 50 000 UI weekly is the most common recommended dose.
The Vit D intoxication is very rare and happens especially while taking Vit D3 ( the active form of Vit D) and in these cases a close monitoring of calcium level (once in a week) is recommended.
If the renal function is no impaired there is no reason why to take Vit D3, as the kidneys are responsible to convert VitD2 in the active form ( Vit D3).
So, i would recommend 50 000 UI once in a week with calcium supplements ( if the calcium level is low) and try to get exposed to the sun.
Wish him good health!

Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng