Does vitamin D3 suppress the immune system?

New research shows that vitamin D is associated with a reduced immune response – which has implications for autoimmune conditions like MS.


Is there a downside to taking vitamin D3?

Some side effects of taking too much vitamin D include weakness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and others. Taking vitamin D for long periods of time in doses higher than 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily is possibly unsafe and may cause very high levels of calcium in the blood.

Who should not take vitamin D3 supplements?

Who should not take VITAMIN D3?
  • sarcoidosis.
  • high amount of phosphate in the blood.
  • high amount of calcium in the blood.
  • excessive amount of vitamin D in the body.
  • kidney stones.
  • decreased kidney function.


What happens when you have too much vitamin D3 in your body?

The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. Vitamin D toxicity might progress to bone pain and kidney problems, such as the formation of calcium stones.

How do I know if I am taking too much vitamin D3?

The symptoms of vitamin D toxicity are primarily related to hypercalcemia, which means excessively high blood calcium levels ( 13 ). Symptoms of hypercalcemia include: digestive distress, such as vomiting, nausea, constipation, and stomach pain. fatigue, dizziness, hallucinations, and confusion.


Vitamin D and the Immune system



How much D3 is too much daily?

The safe upper limit of intake is set at 4,000 IU per day. Intake in the range of 40,000–100,000 IU per day (10–25 times the recommended upper limit) has been linked with toxicity in humans.

When is the best time to take vitamin D3?

Try taking it alongside breakfast or with a bedtime snack — as long as it doesn't interfere with your sleep. The key is to find what works for you and stick with it to ensure you're meeting your vitamin D needs. Taking vitamin D with a meal can increase its absorption, but studies on specific timing are limited.

Should I take vitamin D3 daily?

The current recommendations suggest consuming 400–800 IU (10–20 mcg) of vitamin D per day. However, people who need more vitamin D can safely consume 1,000–4,000 IU (25–100 mcg) daily. Consuming more than this is not advised, as it is not linked to any extra health benefits.


Why is vitamin D not recommended?

Too much vitamin D can cause calcium to accumulate in your blood, which can damage your heart, blood vessels, and kidneys.

When should I take vitamin D morning or night?

We recommend taking it with a source of quality fat in the morning or when you break your fast. Avoid taking vitamin D in the evening (we'll talk about why below). Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin—meaning it doesn't dissolve in water—your body can most easily absorb it when you take it with food.

What are the signs you need vitamin D?

Symptoms when vitamin D is low
  • Fatigue.
  • Not sleeping well.
  • Bone pain or achiness.
  • Depression or feelings of sadness.
  • Hair loss.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Getting sick more easily.


What are the pros and cons of vitamin D?

  • Vitamin D is really a hormone.
  • Vitamin D may improve cholesterol numbers.
  • Patients with higher levels of vitamin D at the time of breast cancer diagnosis may live longer.
  • Studies show it may slow progression, but is not yet proven.
  • Low vitamin D levels carry a greater risk of death.


What is the difference between vitamin D and vitamin D3?

There are quite a few differences between vitamin D and vitamin D3, but the main difference between them is that vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates calcium and phosphorous levels in the body, whereas the vitamin D3 is the natural form of vitamin D produced by the body from sunlight.

What is the safest amount of vitamin D to take daily?

Mayo Clinic recommends that adults get at least the RDA of 600 IU. However, 1,000 to 2,000 IU per day of vitamin D from a supplement is generally safe, should help people achieve an adequate blood level of vitamin D, and may have additional health benefits.


Is it better to take vitamin D3 every day or once a week?

Oral vitamin D3 can be taken once a day but also with longer intervals because of its long half life, being around 25 days. It is not known whether equivalent doses once a week or once a month are equally effective.

Should I take vitamin D3 5000 IU?

Most people should take vitamin D3 5000 IU daily. However, there are some exceptions. People who should not take vitamin D3 5000 IU include those who are allergic to vitamin D, pregnant women and children under the age of 12. Speak with a healthcare professional to see if vitamin D3 is right for you.

How long should you take vitamin D3?

If your blood levels are exceptionally low, you may need higher doses that should be used under the direction of a healthcare provider. In patients with vitamin D levels less than 20 ng/mL, start with 50,000 IUs of vitamin D3 once a week for 6 to 8 weeks.


What depletes vitamin D?

You can become deficient in vitamin D for different reasons:
  • You don't get enough vitamin D in your diet.
  • You don't absorb enough vitamin D from food (a malabsorption problem)
  • You don't get enough exposure to sunlight.
  • Your liver or kidneys cannot convert vitamin D to its active form in the body.


Does vitamin D3 help you sleep at night?

It seems vitamin D helps you sleep because it takes part in the regulation of our circadian rhythms. Increasing dosages could be the first step to improving sleep, but pay attention to its effects. Vitamin D may suppress melatonin production. So take it in the day, not before bed.

Does vitamin D affect sleep?

Growing evidence has demonstrated that vitamin D has a role in sleep regulation [12]. Specifically, vitamin D deficiency (VDD) can increase risk of sleep disorders and is associated with sleep difficulties, shorter sleep duration, and nocturnal awakenings in children and adults [13,14,15].


Which two vitamins pose the greatest risk of toxicity?

Extra amounts of water-soluble vitamins are typically excreted. The fat-soluble vitamins A and D are the most likely to cause toxicity symptoms if you consume them in high amounts.

Is 5000 IU of D3 a day too much?

In summary, long-term supplementation with vitamin D3 in doses ranging from 5000 to 50,000 IUs/day appears to be safe.

How much D3 does a woman need?

A: The upper tolerable limit is 4,000 international units (IU) daily, and the recommended amount for women 14 to 70 is 600 IU per day. Women 71 and older should aim for 800 IU per day.


What is the healthiest form of vitamin D3?

Few foods are naturally rich in vitamin D3. The best sources are the flesh of fatty fish and fish liver oils. Smaller amounts are found in egg yolks, cheese, and beef liver.

What is vitamin D3 best for?

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a supplement that helps your body absorb calcium. It's typically used to treat people who have a vitamin D deficiency or related disorder, such as rickets or osteomalacia.