Vitamin D
(ergocalciferol)
Food Sources: Cold water fish, butter, egg yolks.
Adult Female ( RDA ): 400 International Units (IU).
Types Available: Vitamin D 2 ergocalciferol and vitamin D 3 cholecalciferol.
Beneficial Effects: Vitamin D 2 is the form added to milk and used for supplementation. Vitamin D stimulates the absorption of calcium. Exposure to adequate amounts of sunlight is the best way to assure your vitamin D level is normal. Postmenopausal women who live in northern latitudes may need supplementation in the winter when exposure to sunlight is limited. Women being treated for or at risk for osteoporosis need to be sure they are receiving adequate amounts of vitamin D.
Dosage: 400-1000 IU a day.
Precautions: Dosage should not exceed 1000 IU a day. High doses can cause high blood levels of calcium that can result in numerous medical problems
.
