ESSENTIAL D3 1000/IU CAP 60/CAP

Benefits & Uses

Primary Benefit

Supports bone health, calcium absorption, and immune function by maintaining adequate vitamin D levels

Health Claims

Contributes to normal absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus; supports maintenance of normal bones and teeth; supports normal muscle function; contributes to normal immune system function; helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis

Common Deficiency Symptoms

Fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, frequent infections, depression, hair loss, impaired wound healing, rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults

Target Population

Adults with limited sun exposure, elderly individuals (65+), dark-skinned individuals, people living in northern latitudes or indoor-confined settings, pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals with malabsorption conditions, obese individuals

Scientific Evidence Level

Strong

Onset Timeline

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels begin rising within 1-2 weeks; optimal blood levels achieved in 2-3 months with consistent daily use; bone density improvements observed after 6-12 months

Usage & Dosage

Serving Size

1 capsule

Servings Per Container

60

Best Time to Take

With meals (preferably the largest meal of the day containing dietary fat)

Recommended Daily Intake

Adults: 600-800 IU/day (15-20 mcg); many health authorities support 1000-2000 IU/day for deficiency prevention

Upper Tolerable Limit

4000 IU/day (100 mcg) for adults (Institute of Medicine); some clinical guidelines allow up to 10,000 IU/day under medical supervision

Absorption Enhancers

Dietary fat (increases micellar solubilization and lymphatic absorption); magnesium (required for vitamin D metabolism and activation); bile acids

Absorption Inhibitors

Orlistat (blocks fat absorption, reducing vitamin D uptake); cholestyramine and colestipol (bile acid sequestrants impair absorption); high-dose calcium supplements taken simultaneously may compete; mineral oil laxatives reduce fat-soluble vitamin absorption

Side Effects

Possible Side Effects

Generally well-tolerated at 1000 IU/day; excessive doses may cause hypercalcemia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, polyuria, and kidney stones

Toxicity Risk

Low

Upper Tolerable Limit

4000 IU/day (100 mcg) for adults (Institute of Medicine); some clinical guidelines allow up to 10,000 IU/day under medical supervision

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Hypercalcemia; hypervitaminosis D; hypersensitivity to vitamin D; and conditions predisposing to hypercalcemia (e.g., primary hyperparathyroidism, granulomatous diseases such as sarcoidosis, and some malignancies including lymphoma); use caution/avoid in severe renal impairment and in patients with nephrolithiasis

Children Suitability

The safe upper limit for children 1-10 years is 2000 IU/day; 1000 IU daily is generally safe but consult a doctor for appropriate pediatric dosing.

Interactions

Medication Interactions

Orlistat reduces absorption; thiazide diuretics increase hypercalcemia risk when combined with high-dose vitamin D; corticosteroids impair vitamin D metabolism; anticonvulsants (phenytoin, phenobarbital) accelerate vitamin D catabolism; rifampin and isoniazid reduce vitamin D levels

Supplement Interactions

High-dose calcium supplements combined with vitamin D may increase hypercalcemia risk; vitamin A at very high doses may antagonize vitamin D activity

Special Populations

Target Population

Adults with limited sun exposure, elderly individuals (65+), dark-skinned individuals, people living in northern latitudes or indoor-confined settings, pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals with malabsorption conditions, obese individuals

Children Suitability

The safe upper limit for children 1-10 years is 2000 IU/day; 1000 IU daily is generally safe but consult a doctor for appropriate pediatric dosing.

Storage & Patient Advice

SFDA Storage Conditions

store below 30°c

Patient Counseling

Take 1 capsule (vitamin D3 1000 IU) orally once daily, preferably with a meal (fat-containing meal may improve absorption). Do not exceed the labeled dose unless advised by a clinician; avoid chronic intakes >4000 IU/day without medical supervision. Consult a clinician before use if you have hypercalcemia, a history of kidney stones/severe renal impairment, or granulomatous disease (e.g., sarcoidosis). Vitamin D (25‑OH) and calcium monitoring may be considered in at‑risk patients or if using higher doses/long-term therapy.

Science & Evidence

Bioavailability Form

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) - the most bioavailable form, approximately 87% more effective than D2 (ergocalciferol) at raising and sustaining serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels

Water or Fat Soluble

Fat-soluble

Scientific Evidence Level

Strong

Onset Timeline

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels begin rising within 1-2 weeks; optimal blood levels achieved in 2-3 months with consistent daily use; bone density improvements observed after 6-12 months

Food Sources

Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna), cod liver oil, egg yolks, beef liver, UV-exposed mushrooms, fortified milk and dairy products, fortified cereals

Product Information

Supplement Type

Vitamin

Suitable for Vegetarians

Yes

Suitable for Vegans

No

Vitamin D Form

D3

Calcium Included

No

Vitamin K Included

No