Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol is a supplement to prevent and treat vitamin D deficiency. In addition, vitamin D3 is needed to help absorb calcium and phosphorus in the body. Vitamin D3 is a form of vitamin D that can be found in several types of foodstuffs, such as beef liver, cheese, or egg yolks, and its formation in the body will be assisted by exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D3 supplements are needed by someone who can't get enough vitamin D3 naturally.

In addition, vitamin D supplements can also be used to prevent and treat rickets, osteoporosis, or treat low levels of calcium and phosphorus due to disorders of the parathyroid glands, such as hypoparathyroidism.

Warning Before Taking Vitamin D3

There are several things you should pay attention to before taking vitamin D3 supplements, including:

Do not take vitamin D3 supplements if you are allergic to vitamin D3.
Do not take vitamin D3 supplements if you have a buildup of vitamin D in your body (hypervitaminosis) or high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia).
Talk to your doctor about taking vitamin D3 supplements if you have or are suffering from heart disease, kidney disease, malabsorption syndrome, or electrolyte imbalance.
Talk to your doctor if you plan to take vitamin D supplements with medications, supplements, or herbal products.
Talk to your doctor about taking vitamin D3 supplements if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
See a doctor immediately if an allergic reaction or overdose occurs after taking supplements containing vitamin D3.

How to Take Vitamin D3 Correctly

Before taking any supplements, always read the instructions for use listed on the product packaging. If you are in doubt or have special health conditions, discuss with your doctor about the dosage, product options, and how to use according to your condition.

Keep in mind that vitamin and mineral supplements are taken to meet the body's need for vitamins and minerals, especially when the intake of vitamins and minerals from food alone is not enough. If you are experiencing a special medical condition, consult your doctor to get the dose, type of product, and duration of use that suits your condition.

Vitamin D3 supplements can be taken before or after meals. However, this supplement should be taken after meals because it can increase the absorption of vitamin D by the body. If you are taking other medicines, stay at least 2 hours apart before or after taking vitamin D3 supplements. Store vitamin D3 in a place away from direct sunlight. Keep supplements out of reach of children.

Interaction of Vitamin D3 with Other Drugs

The following are a number of interactions that can occur when vitamin D3 supplements are taken with other medications:

Increased blood levels of vitamin D3 if taken with other types of vitamin D, such as calcifediol, calcitriol, or dihydrotachysterol
Decreased blood phosphate levels if taken with erdafitinib
Increased risk of developing hypercalcemia if taken with thiazide, calcium, or phosphate diuretics
Decreased effectiveness of vitamin D3 if taken with corticosteroid drugs, rifampicin, or isoniazid
Decreased absorption of vitamin D3 if taken with orlistat, colestipol, or ketoconazole

Side Effects and Dangers of Vitamin D3

If used according to the recommended dosage, vitamin D3 supplements rarely cause side effects. However, if taken in excess, vitamin D3 supplements may cause side effects such as nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, thirst, or mood changes.