08/01/2018
Cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3 and colecalciferol, is a type of vitamin D which is made by the skin, found in some foods, and taken as a dietary supplement.[1] It is used to treat and prevent vitamin D deficiency and associated diseases, including rickets.[2][3] It is also used for familial hypophosphatemia, hypoparathyroidism that is causing low blood calcium, and Fanconi syndrome.[3][4] It is usually taken by mouth.[4]
Excessive doses can result in vomiting, constipation, weakness, and confusion.[5] Other risks include kidney stones.[6] Normal doses are safe in pregnancy.[5] It may not be effective in people with severe kidney disease.[6]
Cholecalciferol is made in the skin following UVB light exposure.[7] It is converted into calcifediol (25-hydroxyvitamin D) by the liver and into calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D) by the kidney.[7] One of its actions is to increase the uptake of calcium by the intestines.[5] It is found in food such as some fish, cheese, and eggs.[8] Certain foods such as milk have cholecalciferol added to them in some countries.[8]
Cholecalciferol was first described in 1936.[9] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.[10] Cholecalciferol is available as a generic medication and over the counter.[4] The wholesale cost in the Costa Rica is about 2.15 USD per 30 ml bottle of 10,000 IU/ml.[11] In the United States treatment costs less than 25 USD per month.[4]
