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Osteoporosis & Vitamin D
Q & A HEALTH
Vitamin D and Osteoporosis in women
By Richard Harkness, Pharm, CDM, Natural Medicines Specialist
January 2008
QUESTION:Â I’m a 65-year-old female diagnosed with osteoporosis and am at high risk for bone fracture. The doctor found that my vitamin D levels were low. The nurse said I’m to start taking 50,000 IU of vitamin D weekly. I wonder if too many zeros could have been added to the prescription she called to the pharmacy. Wouldn’t this amount be considered toxic?
ANSWER:Â Not if you’re deficient in vitamin D. The dose you mention is a standard amount used to replenish vitamin D stores and push vitamin D up to optimal levels. Once that’s been done, you could cut back to standard recommended daily doses (600 IU to 1,000 IU), preferably using vitamin D3, the more active form.
© 2007-2008 Richard Harkness. All rights reserved.
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Richard Harkness is a consultant pharmacist, natural medicines specialist, and author of eight published books. Write him at 1224 King Henry Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
Richard Harkness, Pharm, CDM, Natural Medicines Specialist
Email Richard Harkness at: rharkn@aol.com
