CLINICAL APPLICATIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF VITAMIN D AND CALCIUM

Vitamin D

 Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that aids the regulation of calcium and phosphorus in
the body and also maintaining of proper body structure.
 There are different forms of vitamin D including ergocalciferol (D2) and cholecalciferol
(D3)

Applications of vitamin D

Vitamin D supplements are commonly used to treat and prevent vitamin D deficiency,
prescribed mostly for elderly people like;

 Are effective for a rare, inherited bone disorder marked by low levels of phosphate in
blood marked by low levels of phosphate in the blood (familial hypophosphatemia)
taking specific form of vitamin D supplement called calcitriol or dihydrotachysterol by
mouth along with phosphate supplement is effective for treating bone disorders in
people with low levels of phosphate in the blood.
 Underactive parathyroid (hypoparathyroidism). Taking specific forms of vitamin D,
called dihydrotachysterol, calcitriol or ergocalciferol by mouth is effective for increasing
calcium blood levels in people with low parathyroid hormone levels.
 Softening of bones (osteomalacia) taking vitamin D3 by mouth is effective for treating
this condition.
 A bone disorder that occurs in people with kidney disease (renal osteodystrophy).
Taking a specific form of vitamin, called calcitriol, by mouth helps to manage low
calcium levels and prevent bone loss in people with kidney failure.
 Vitamin D deficiency. Taking vitamin D by mouth is effective for preventing and treating
vitamin D deficiency
 Bone loss in people taking drugs called corticosteroids. Taking vitamin D by mouth
prevent bone loss in people taking drugs called corticosteroids. Also taking vitamin D
alone or with calcium seems to improve bone density in people with existing bone loss
caused by using corticosteroids.
 Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). Taking vitamin D3 by mouth along with calcium
seems to help prevent bone loss and bone breaks in people with osteoporosis.
 Taking vitamin D2 or D3 by mouth reduce the risk of cavities by 36% and 49% in infants,
children and adolescents.
Implications

 Too much vitamin is associated with side effects that includes weakness, dry mouth,
nausea and vomiting.
 Taking vitamin D in higher doses causes high levels of calcium in the blood
 Over- active parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism) vitamin D might increase calcium
levels in people with hyperparathyroidism.
 Lymphoma: Vitamin D might increase calcium levels in people with lymphoma. This
could lead to kidney stones and other problems. The supplementation can be done by
taking 400 – 1000 IU of vitamin daily.
 Calcium
 Is an essential nutrient found in many foods such dairy Products? The bones and teeth
contain 99% of all calcium in the human body.
 Recommended intake is about 1000 -2000 mg daily

Application of calcium includes;

 Indigestion (dyspepsia). Taking calcium carbonate by mouth as an antacid is effective for

treating indigestion.
 High levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia). Giving calcium gluconate by IV can
reverse heart problems caused by high potassium levels.
 Low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia). Taking calcium supplement by mouth
and IV is effective for preventing low calcium levels.
 Taking calcium carbonate or calcium acetate by mouth is effective for controlling high
phosphate levels in blood in people with kidney failure.
 Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Consuming adequate amounts of calcium both from the
diet and supplements, seems to significantly reduce mood swings, bloating, food craving
and pain.
 Taking calcium by mouth, alone or with vitamin D also helps to prevent fractures in
people with osteoporosis.

Implications of calcium

 In pregnant and lactating mothers’ consumption of calcium above the daily tolerable
upper intake level can increase the risk of seizures in infants.
 Calcium supplements can cause low acid levels in the stomach (achlorhydria) people
with low levels of gastric acid absorb less calcium if taken on empty stomach.
 Too much calcium in the blood (as in parathyroid gland disorders and sarcoidosis) taking
high supplements doses of calcium makes the condition worst.
 In children it is associated with rickets.
References
1-Webnm.com/vitamins