Colecalciferol 800IU Capsules

Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body.

These nutrients are needed to help keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. In some cases a a lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults.

Understanding the different measurements

A microgram is 1,000 times smaller than a milligram (mg). The word microgram can also be displayed using the Greek symbol μ followed by the letter g (μg). On the internet and in most retails stores an amount of vitamin D is expressed as International Units (IU).

1 microgram of vitamin D is equal to 40 IU. This would mean that 10 micrograms of vitamin D is equal to 400 IU.

How much vitamin D do I need?

Babies up to the age of 1 year need 8.5 to 10 micrograms (340IU to 400IU) of vitamin D a day.

Children from the age of 1 year and adults need 10 micrograms (400IU) of vitamin D a day. This includes pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

It is generally thought that from around late March/early April to the end of September, the majority of people should be able to get all the vitamin D they need from sunlight on their skin.

We offer an at home test kit that can help you to work out your level of Vitamin D in your body.

Should I take a vitamin D supplement?

Advice for infants and young children

The Department of Health and Social Care recommends that:

• breastfed babies from birth to 1 year of age should be given a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D to make sure they get enough
• formula-fed babies should not be given a vitamin D supplement until they’re having less than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day, as infant formula is fortified with vitamin D
• children aged 1 to 4 years old should be given a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D

You can buy vitamin D supplements or vitamin drops containing vitamin D (for under 5s) at most pharmacies and supermarkets.

Women and children who qualify for the Healthy Start scheme can get free supplements containing vitamin D.

See the Healthy Start website website for more information.

Advice for adults and children over 4 years old

During the autumn and winter, you need to get vitamin D from your diet because the sun is not strong enough for the body to make vitamin D.

But since it’s difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms (400IU) of vitamin D during the autumn and winter.

People at risk of vitamin D deficiency

Some people will not get enough vitamin D from sunlight because they have very little or no sunshine exposure.

The Department of Health and Social Care recommends that you take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms (400IU) of vitamin D throughout the year if you:

• are not often outdoors – for example, if you’re frail or housebound
• are in an institution like a care home
• usually wear clothes that cover up most of your skin when outdoors

If you have dark skin – for example you have an African, African-Caribbean or south Asian background – you may also not get enough vitamin D from sunlight.

You should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year.

What happens if I take too much vitamin D?

Taking too many vitamin D supplements over a long period of time can cause too much calcium to build up in the body (hypercalcaemia). This can weaken the bones and damage the kidneys and the heart.

If you choose to take vitamin D supplements, 10 micrograms (400IU) a day will be enough for most people.

Do not take more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful. This applies to adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly, and children aged 11 to 17 years.

Children aged 1 to 10 years should not have more than 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) a day. Infants under 12 months should not have more than 25 micrograms (1,000 IU) a day.

Some people have medical conditions that mean they may not be able to safely take as much. If in doubt, you should consult your doctor.

If your doctor has recommended you take a different amount of vitamin D, you should follow their advice.

You cannot overdose on vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. But always remember to cover up or protect your skin if you’re out in the sun for long periods to reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.

More information can be found at Vitamins and minerals – Vitamin D – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

How To Take your Vitamin D

Food supplement, For Oral Administration Only.

KEEP OUT OF REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN.

Take directed by your doctor, GP, nutritionist or physician.

Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Not a substitute for a varied diet.

Ingredients

Each capsule contains Colecalciferol (Vitamin D3),

Medium-chain Triglycerides, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E-Acetate), Gelatine, Glycerol, Sorbitol liquid, parcially dehydrated, Brilliant Blue FCF, Purified Water.