30 percent of vitamin D sold now has more than 2000 IU

Created December 2012

Comparison of Vitamin D Label Dosing Recommendations to North American National Guidelines

Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine December 4, 2012 2156587212467460

Philip J. Gregory, PharmD, FACN1⇓, Darren J. Hein, PharmD1,Andrew M. Abe, PharmD1, Zara Risoldi Cochrane, PharmD1, Amy F. Wilson, PharmD1,

1 Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA

Philip J. Gregory, PharmD, FACN, Center for Drug Information & Evidence-Based Practice, School of Pharmacy & Health Professions, Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA Email: [email protected]

Supplementation with vitamin D has become increasingly popular over the past decade, and numerous organizations have developed recommendations for the appropriate intake of vitamin D. Vitamin D supplements come in a variety of formulations and strengths and vary in their directions for use. This study was designed to compare vitamin D label dosing information with the recommendations in North American guidelines. A systematic search was conducted to identify 62 single-ingredient vitamin D products of which 1000 IU was the most common strength. Assessment of North American guidelines found recommended vitamin D dosing to range from 400 to 1000 IU daily, depending on age.

Twenty-four (39%) of the products recommended a maximum dose within the range of 400 to 1000 IU daily.

Thirty-eight (61%) and 19 (31% ) products recommended maximum doses more than 1000 IU daily and 2000 IU daily , respectively. Labeled dosing recommendations of commercially available vitamin D supplements are largely inconsistent with North American recommendations.

Received October 11, 2012.

30 percent of vitamin D sold now has more than 2000 IU

Comparison of Vitamin D Label Dosing Recommendations to North American National Guidelines

See also Vitamin D Life