Cholecalciferol®

What is Cholecalciferol?

Cholecalciferol is a form of vitamin D3, a type of vitamin D supplement. We get most of the vitamin D we need from the sun, but if the sun isn’t shining (like in winter months), or you’re not spending enough time in it, sometimes we don’t get enough of what we need. Cholecalciferol can help top up your vitamin D to a healthy level, or be taken in higher doses to treat deficiency.

How does Cholecalciferol work?

Cholecalciferol contains a type of vitamin D called vitamin D3, which is easier for your body to process than other types of vitamin D. It helps to top up the levels of vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D is really important for your body to absorb calcium and phosphorus, promoting strong and healthy bones.^[1]

Which Cholecalciferol dose should I take?

Cholecalciferol comes in five doses. The lowest dose contains 400IU per tablet, then 800IU, 1,000IU, 5,000IU, and the highest dose contains 10,000IU per tablet (higher doses may be available from other pharmacies). The lower doses (400-800IU) are ideal for helping top up your vitamin D levels during the winter months, or if you’re spending time somewhere without a lot of sunlight.^[2] The higher doses are designed to treat vitamin D deficiencies, and should only be taken if a doctor has recommended them for this purpose.

What is the active ingredient in Cholecalciferol tablets?

Cholecalciferol is a generic medication that’s named after its active ingredient: cholecalciferol. It contains a type of vitamin D called vitamin D3, which is easier for our bodies to process. Vitamin D3 is usually derived from animal sources, but some lichens can be used as a source of plant-based vitamin D3.

How to take Cholecalciferol

You should always stick to your doctor’s instructions when taking Cholecalciferol. Usually, if you’re using cholecalciferol to top up your vitamin D levels, adults up to 70 years old should take 400-600IU each day. If you’re 71 or older, the recommended amount goes up to 800IU per day.^[1]

For vitamin D deficiencies, you may be prescribed a dose of up to 300,000IU over a period of 6-10 weeks. This could be prescribed as a weekly dose of 40,000IU for 7 weeks, 50,000IU for 6 weeks, 1,000IU four times a day over 10 weeks, or 800IU five times a day over 10 weeks.^[2]