Vitamin D (also known as Vitamin D3 or Cholecalciferol)
Your child's lab results show a low Vitamin D level. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is important for calcium and
phosphorus metabolism. It is needed for normal growth of the bones and teeth.
Vitamin D can bind with the body’s fat cells, becoming trapped. This makes it less available to the parts of the body
needing it. This happens for the most part in overweight patients. An ongoing shortage can lead to:
 softening of the bones
 dental cavities
 bone diseases
 muscle weakness/fatigue
 rickets
 possible heart disease
We can deal with this until weight loss is reached. We start with an over the counter supplement each day. This
Vitamin D supplement can be found:
 in the vitamin/herbal section
 Target
of your local pharmacy
 GNC
 Wal-Mart
 Whole Foods.
Please give your child the prescribed strength by mouth each day. Labs will be rechecked in about 8 months.
Sunlight exposure on the skin activates and synthesizes Vitamin D. Only 5 minutes per day can make 10,000 –
25,000 IU per week naturally. If your child is likely to stay indoors, the shortage will probably not improve. Please
encourage your child to get a couple hours of sunlight on their skin daily. Make sure to use sunscreen.
There are many different brands and strengths of Vitamin D. We usually use 1,000 or 2,000 IU tablets.
Examples are:
5000 IU per 1 tablespoon
1666 IU per 1 teaspoon
333 IU per 1 ml
16 fluid ounces costs around $15.00-25.00
300 IU per one Gummy Bear
600 IU per 2 Gummy Bears
Your child should take:________________
September 29, 2010
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For more information, contact: Your Coach Nurse
54
214-456-5436