Vitamin D is a fat-soluble compound - a cyclic unsaturated high-molecular alcohol ergosterol, which has antirachitic activity. Vitamin D is often called simply an antirachitic factor, since this compound is necessary for correct height and bone formation.

Since vitamin D is fat soluble, it can accumulate in cells in the human body. various organs. Largest quantity Vitamin D accumulates in subcutaneous fatty tissue and liver. Due to the ability to accumulate in the human body, there is always some depot of vitamin D, from which this compound is consumed in case of insufficient intake from food. That is, against the background of insufficient dietary intake, vitamin D deficiency develops over a long period of time until its reserves in the depot are used up.

The ability to dissolve in fats makes it possible for vitamin A to accumulate excessively when it enters the human body in large quantities. When accumulating high concentration Vitamin D in the blood and tissues of the body leads to the development of hypervitaminosis, which, like hypovitaminosis, leads to dysfunction of various organs and tissues.

This means that vitamin D must be supplied to the body in strictly defined, optimal doses, since both its excess and its deficiency are harmful. You should not take vitamin D in large quantities, as this will lead to hypervitaminosis. And you should also not consume small amounts of vitamin D, as this will provoke its deficiency or hypovitaminosis.

Vitamin D also prevents muscle weakness, improves immunity, ensures normal blood clotting and optimal functioning of the thyroid gland. According to experimental studies, calciferol helps restore nerve cells and nerve fibers, thereby reducing the rate of progression of multiple sclerosis. In addition, vitamin D is involved in regulating blood pressure and heart rate.

When used externally, vitamin D preparations reduce scaly skin in people suffering from psoriasis.

Vitamin D norm for consumption and maintenance in the body

Recommended daily dosage vitamin D for people of different ages is as follows:

• Adult women and men over 15 years of age – 2.5 – 5.0 mcg (100 – 200 IU);
• Pregnant women – 10 mcg (400 IU);
• Nursing mothers – 10 mcg (400 IU);
• Elderly people over 60 years old – 10 – 15 mcg (400 – 600 IU);
• Infants under one year of age - 7.5 - 10.0 mcg (300 - 400 IU);
• Children 1 – 5 years old – 10 mcg (400 IU);
• Children 5 – 13 years old – 2.5 mcg (100 IU).

Currently, micrograms (mcg) or international units (IU) are used to indicate the vitamin D content of food. In this case, one international unit corresponds to 0.025 μg. Accordingly, 1 mcg of vitamin D is equal to 40 IU. These ratios can be used to convert units of measurement to each other.

The list shows optimal dosages daily use vitamin D, which replenish its reserves and are not able to provoke hypervitaminosis. From the point of view of the development of hypervitaminosis, it is safe to consume no more than 15 mcg of vitamin D per day. This means that the maximum allowable dosage of vitamin D that will not lead to hypervitaminosis is 15 mcg per day.

It is necessary to increase the dose beyond the given optimal values ​​for people who have an increased need for vitamin D, such as:

• Living in northern latitudes with short daylight hours or polar night;
• Living in regions with a highly polluted atmosphere;
• Night shift work;
• Bedridden patients who do not go outside;
• People suffering chronic diseases intestines, liver, gall bladder and kidneys;
• Pregnant and nursing mothers.

In the blood, the normal content of vitamin D 2 is 10–40 μg/l and D 3 is also 10–40 μg/l.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency and excess

Due to the possibility of accumulation of vitamin D in the human body, both its deficiency and excess may occur. A lack of vitamin D is called hypovitaminosis or deficiency, and an excess is called hypervitaminosis or overdose. Both hypovitaminosis and hypervitaminosis D cause disruption of the functioning of various tissue organs, provoking a number of diseases. Therefore, vitamin D should not be consumed in large quantities, so as not to provoke an overdose.

Vitamin D deficiency

A lack of vitamin D leads to a decrease in the absorption of calcium from food, as a result of which it is washed out of the bones and stimulates the production of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid glands. Against this background, hyperparathyroidism is formed, in which the leaching of calcium from the bones increases. Bones lose strength, bend, unable to withstand the load, and a person develops various disorders normal structure skeleton, which are manifestations of rickets. That is, a lack of vitamin D is manifested by rickets.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency (rickets) in children:

• Delayed teething;
• Delayed closure of fontanelles;
• Softening of the bones of the skull, against the background of which there is a flattening of the occipital lobes with the simultaneous formation bone growths in the area of ​​the frontal and parietal tubercles. As a result of such processes, a person’s head becomes square, which persists for life and is a sign of rickets suffered in childhood;
• Deformation of the facial bones, which can result in the formation of a saddle nose and a high Gothic palate;
• Curvature of the legs in the shape of the letter “O” (popularly this condition is called “wheel legs”);
• Deformation of the pelvic bones;
• Thickening the ends tubular bones, as a result of which the knee, elbow, shoulder, ankle and finger joints become large and protruding. Such protruding joints are called rachitic bracelets;
• Thickening of the ends of the ribs, resulting in large protruding joints where the rib bones connect to the sternum and spine. These protruding junctions of the ribs with the sternum and spine are called rachitic rosaries;
• Chest deformity (chicken breast);
• Sleep disturbance;

After eliminating vitamin D deficiency, sleep disturbances, irritability and sweating disappear, bone strength is restored, and the level of calcium and phosphorus in the blood gradually returns to normal. However, bone deformations (for example, saddle nose, chicken breast, curvature of the legs, square shape of the skull, etc.), which have already formed during the period of vitamin D deficiency, will not be corrected when the vitamin deficiency is eliminated, but will remain for life and will be a sign rickets suffered in childhood.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency (rickets) in adults are:

• The development of osteomalacia, that is, liquefaction of the bone, from which calcium salts are washed out, giving strength;
• Osteoporosis;
• Burning sensation in the mouth and throat;

All disorders that occur in adults due to vitamin D deficiency completely disappear after normalization of the intake of calciferol in the body.

Vitamin D overdose

An overdose of vitamin D is a very dangerous condition, since this results in intense absorption of calcium from food, which is sent to all organs and tissues, deposited in them in the form of solid salts. The deposition of salts causes calcification of organs and tissues, which cease to function normally. In addition, excess calcium in the blood provokes severe disorders of the heart and nervous system, manifested by micronecrosis and arrhythmias. Clinical symptoms of vitamin D overdose depend on its degree. Currently, there are three degrees of vitamin D overdose, characterized by the following clinical manifestations:

I degree of hypervitaminosis D – mild poisoning without toxicosis:

• Sweating;
• Irritability;
• Sleep disturbance;
• Delayed weight gain;
• Thirst (polydipsia);
• Large amounts of urine, more than 2.5 liters per day (polyuria);
• Pain in joints and muscles.

II degree of hypervitaminosis D– moderate poisoning with moderate toxicosis:

• Anorexia;
• Periodic vomiting;
• Loss of body weight;
• Tachycardia (palpitations);
• Muffled heart sounds;
• Systolic murmur;
• Increased levels of calcium, phosphates, citrates, cholesterol and total protein in the blood (hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperproteinemia);
• Decreased activity alkaline phosphatase in the blood (ALP).

III degree of hypervitaminosis D– severe poisoning with severe toxicosis:

• Persistent vomiting;
• Severe weight loss;
• Low muscle mass(hypotrophy);
• Lethargy;
• Low mobility (hypodynamia);
• Periods of severe anxiety;
• Periodic seizures;
• High blood pressure;
• Muffled heart sounds;
• Systolic murmur;
• Enlargement of the heart;
• Attacks of arrhythmia;
• ECG abnormalities (widening of the QRS complex and shortening of the ST interval);
• Paleness of the skin and mucous membranes;
• Cold hands and feet;
• Dyspnea;
• Pulsation of blood vessels in the neck and stomach area;
• Increased levels of calcium, phosphates, citrates, cholesterol and total protein in the blood (hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperproteinemia);
• Decreased magnesium levels in the blood (hypomagnesemia);
• Decreased alkaline phosphatase activity in the blood (ALP);
• Complications in the form bacterial infections(for example, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, myocarditis, pancreatitis);
• Central nervous system depression up to coma.

Treatment of vitamin D overdose

If signs of an overdose of vitamin D appear, you should immediately begin measures to accelerate the elimination of the substance from the body. The process of eliminating excess vitamin D is considered the treatment of hypervitaminosis D, which consists of the following:
1. At mild degree poisoning, give the person Vaseline oil orally, which will reduce the absorption of the remaining vitamin D present in the intestines. For speedy recovery normal cell structure and reducing the penetration of calcium into tissues, a person is given vitamin E and A. For the purpose accelerated elimination Furosemide is used to remove excess calcium, and Asparkam or Panangin is used to compensate for losses of potassium and magnesium;
2. At medium degree To treat poisoning, a person is given petroleum jelly, vitamins E and A, Furosemide, Asparkam or Panangin. Verapamil (eliminates excess calcium deposition in tissues), Etidronate (reduces calcium absorption from the intestine), Phenobarbital (accelerates the conversion of vitamin D into inactive forms) are added to these drugs;
3. In case of severe overdose of vitamin D, all drugs used to treat moderate poisoning are administered intravenously. In addition to these drugs, glucocorticoids are administered if necessary, saline solution, Calcitrin and Trisamin.

In case of disturbances of the heart (arrhythmia, shortness of breath, palpitations, etc.) or central nervous system (lethargy, coma, convulsions, etc.) against the background of an overdose of vitamin D, it is necessary to administer preparations of phosphate salts, for example, In-phos, Hyper-phosph-K, etc. .

Overdose and deficiency of vitamin D (rickets) in children: causes, symptoms, treatment, answers to questions - video

Vitamin D - indications for use

Vitamin D is indicated for use for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes. Preventive intake of vitamin D is to prevent rickets in children and vitamin deficiency in adults. Therapeutic intake of vitamin D is made in the composition complex therapy various diseases accompanied by impaired bone structure and low levels of calcium in the blood. Preventive and therapeutic intake of vitamin D differs only in dosage, otherwise it is carried out according to the same rules. Thus, for prevention, calciferol preparations should be taken at 400–500 IU (10–12 mcg) per day, and for treatment at 5000–10,000 IU (120–250 mcg) per day.

Vitamin D is indicated for use in the following conditions and diseases:

• Hypovitaminosis D (rickets) in children and adults;
• Bone fracture;
• Slow bone healing;
• Osteoporosis;
• Low levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood;
• Osteomyelitis (inflammation of the bone marrow);
• Osteomalacia (softening of bones);
• Hypoparathyroidism or hyperparathyroidism (insufficient or excessive amounts of parathyroid hormones);
• Systemic lupus erythematosus;
• Chronic atrophic gastritis;
• Chronic enteritis of any etiology, including celiac enteropathy, Whipple's disease, Crohn's disease, radiation enteritis;
• Chronic pancreatitis;
• Tuberculosis;
• Hemorrhagic diathesis;
• Psoriasis;
• Muscle tetany;
• Menopausal syndrome in women.

Vitamin D for a newborn - should I give it?

Currently, the question of whether to give vitamin D to a newborn baby is causing widespread debate in society. Some believe that this is necessary, citing the long experience of mothers, grandmothers and “experienced” pediatricians who have been working for more than one year. And someone says that this is not necessary, since the child gets everything essential vitamins from milk. In fact, these are two radical, completely opposite positions, neither of which is correct. Let's consider in what cases a child needs to be given vitamin D to prevent rickets.

If the child spends at least 0.5 - 1 hour a day on the street and is exposed to direct sunlight, and is fully breastfed, and the mother eats well, then there is no need to give vitamin D. In this case, the child will receive part of the vitamin D from the mother’s milk, and the missing amount is synthesized in his skin under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. It should be remembered that under good nutrition The mother understands a diet in which she necessarily consumes vegetables and fruits every day, and meat, fish, eggs and dairy products at least one day a week. And by a child’s walk we mean his being on the street, in the sun, and not several hours spent in a closed stroller, walled up from the outside world.

If the child is on mixed feeding, regularly goes outside, and the mother eats well, then he also does not need to be given vitamin D, since modern baby food contains all the necessary vitamins and microelements in the right quantities.

If a child is completely bottle-fed using modern formulas, then he does not need to be given vitamin D under any circumstances, even if he practically does not walk. This is due to the fact that modern formulas contain all the vitamins and microelements necessary for the growth and development of a child in sufficient quantities.

If the child is breastfed or mixed-fed, rarely goes outside without being exposed to sunlight, and the mother is not eating adequately, then vitamin D should be given. You also need to give vitamin D if the child is bottle-fed not with modern formulas, but, for example, with cow, goat or donor milk, etc.

Thus, vitamin D should be given to newborns only in the following cases:
1. The nursing mother is not eating well.
2. Artificial feeding is carried out not with modern formulas, but with donor milk of various origins.
3. The child is outside for less than half an hour a day.

In principle, in modern conditions of a temperate climate, the need for additional vitamin D intake in newborn children under one year of age arises very rarely, since the nutrition of nursing mothers and the availability of modern, enriched with various nutrients mixtures for baby food completely eliminated the problem of calciferol deficiency. It should be remembered that the mandatory intake of vitamin D by newborns to prevent rickets was introduced more than 40 years ago, when nursing mothers did not always eat well and worked overtime in harsh conditions there were no factory floors, but there simply weren’t any baby formulas, and the “artificial” ones were fed donor milk, which had to be boiled, which means the vitamins in it were destroyed. Therefore, under the conditions that existed at that time, vitamin D was a necessity for almost all newborns. Today, conditions have changed, and all babies do not need the vitamin. Therefore, it should be taken only when needed.

Vitamin D for children

Vitamin D should be given to children if they are not in the sun for at least one hour a day, do not eat meat at least twice a week and do not eat animal products (butter, sour cream, milk, cheeses, etc.) daily. You can also give vitamin D if it is noticed that the child has an O- or X-shaped curvature of the legs and a saddle nose is formed. In all other cases, the child does not need to take vitamin D, except serious illnesses when prescribed by a doctor as part of complex therapy.

Vitamin D in summer

In the summer, if a person is in the sun and consumes animal products at least once a week, then there is no need to take vitamin D, regardless of age. At the same time, exposure to the sun means being outside in a small amount of clothing (open T-shirts, short shorts, skirts, dresses, swimsuits, etc.) under straight sun rays. Such stay on the street for half an hour in summer time is quite enough for the endogenous production of the required amount of vitamin D to occur in the skin. Therefore, if a person spends at least half an hour a day on the street in the summer, then he does not need to take vitamin D.

If a person does not go outside in the summer, for some reason he is constantly indoors, or does not undress, leaving most of the skin, then he needs to take vitamin D prophylactically.

Vitamin D in foods – where is it found?

Vitamin D is found in the following foods:

• Marine fish liver;
• Fatty fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel, tuna, perch, etc.;
• Beef, pork liver;
• Fatty meats, for example, pork, duck, etc.;
• Fish roe;
• Eggs;
• Milk cream;
• Sour cream;
• Vegetable oil;
• Seaweed;
• Forest chanterelle mushrooms;
• Yeast.

Vitamin D preparations

IN pharmacological drugs The following forms of vitamin D are used:

• Ergocalciferol – natural vitamin D 2;
• Cholecalciferol – natural vitamin D 3;
• Calcitriol is an active form of vitamin D 3 obtained from natural products;
• Calcipotriol (Psorcutan) – synthetic analogue calcitriol;
• Alfacalcidol (alpha D 3) is a synthetic analogue of vitamin D 2 (ergocalciferol);
• Natural fish oil– a source of various forms of vitamin D.

All of the listed forms are highly active and can be used without any restrictions.

Pharmacological preparations can be single-component, that is, containing only forms of vitamin D, or multicomponent, which include vitamin D and various minerals, most often calcium. Both types of drugs can be used to eliminate vitamin D deficiency. However, multicomponent drugs are the best option because they simultaneously eliminate the deficiency of vitamin D and some other elements.

All forms of vitamin D

Currently, the following drugs containing vitamin D are available on the pharmaceutical market:

• Aquadetrim vitamin D 3 (cholecalciferol);
• Alphabet “Our Baby” (vitamins A, D, E, C, PP, B 1, B 2, B 12);
• Alphabet " Kindergarten"(vitamins A, E, D, C, B 1);
• Alfadol (alfacalcidol);
• Alfadol-Ca (calcium carbonate, alfacalcidol);
• Alpha-D 3-Teva (alfacalcidol);
• Van Alpha (alfacalcidol);
• Vigantol (cholecalciferol);
• Videohol ( various shapes and vitamin D derivatives);
• Vita bears (vitamins A, E, D, C, B 1, B 2, B 6, B 12);
• Vitrum
• Vitrum Calcium + Vitamin D 3 (calcium carbonate, cholecalciferol);
• Vittri (vitamins E, D 3, A);
• Calcemin Advance (calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, cholecalciferol, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, copper oxide, manganese sulfate, borate);
• Calcium D 3 Nycomed and Calcium D 3 Nycomed forte (calcium carbonate, cholecalciferol);
• Complivit Calcium D 3 (calcium carbonate, cholecalciferol);
• Multi-Tabs (vitamins A, E, D, C, B 1, B 2, B 6, B 12);
• Natekal D 3 (calcium carbonate, cholecalciferol);
• Oksidevit (alfacalcidol);
• Osteotriol (calcitriol);
• Pikovit (vitamins A, PP, D, C, B 1, B 2, B 6, B 12);
• Polivit (vitamins A, E, D, C, B 1, B 2, B 6, B 12);
• Rocaltrol (calcitriol);
• Sana-Sol (vitamins A, E, D, C, B 1, B 2, B 6, B 12);
• Centrum (vitamins A, E, D, C, K, B 1, B 2, B 6, B 12);
• Ergocalciferol (ergocalciferol);
• Etfa (alfacalcidol).

Vitamin D oil solution

Oil solution Vitamin D can be taken orally or administered intramuscularly and intravenously if necessary. The following preparations are available in the form of oil solutions of vitamin D:

• Vigantol;
• Vitamin D 3 solution for oral administration in oil;
• Videohol;
• Oksidevit;
• Ergocalciferol;
• Etalfa.

Calcium with vitamin D

Calcium with vitamin D is a vitamin mineral complex, often used to prevent various diseases associated with bone destruction, such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, bone tuberculosis, etc. Currently, the following preparations are available that contain calcium and vitamin D at the same time:

• Alfadol-Sa;
• Vitrum Calcium + Vitamin D 3;
• Calcemin Advance;
• Calcium D 3 Nycomed and Calcium D 3 Nycomed forte;
• Complivit Calcium D 3;
• Natekal D 3.

Vitamin D ointment or cream

Vitamin D ointment or cream is used to treat psoriasis. The following ointments and creams containing vitamin D are currently available:

• Glenriase (calcipotriol);
• Daivobet (calcipotriol);
• Daivonex (calcipotriol);
• Xamiol (calcitriol);
• Curatoderm (tacalcitol);
• Psorcutan (calcipotriol);
• Silkis (calcitriol).

Vitamin D – which one is better?

When applied to any group of drugs, the term “best” is incorrect and inherently incorrect, since medical practice There is a concept of "optimal". This means that for each specific case, the best will be a strictly defined drug, which doctors call optimal. This fully applies to vitamin D preparations.

That is, complex vitamin-mineral complexes containing vitamins D are optimal for the prevention of osteoporosis, osteomalacia and other bone diseases. Oil solutions of vitamin D are well suited for the prevention and treatment of rickets in children and adults, since they can be administered not only orally, but also intravenously or intramuscularly. And external creams and ointments with vitamin D are the optimal drugs for the treatment of psoriasis.

Thus, if a person just wants to take a course of vitamin D for prevention, then complex vitamin-mineral complexes, for example, Vittri, Alfadol-Sa, etc., will be optimal for him. If it is necessary to prevent rickets in a child, then oil solutions of vitamin D are best suited for this purpose. To eliminate vitamin deficiency and treat various diseases, oil solutions of vitamin D are also the optimal form.

Vitamin D instructions for use - how to give medications

Vitamin D is recommended to be used simultaneously with vitamins A, E, C, B1, B2 and B6, as well as pantothenic acid and calcium and magnesium salts, since these compounds improve the absorption of each other.

Vitamin D tablets, drops and tablets should be taken during or immediately after meals. The oil solution can be poured onto a small piece of black bread and eaten.

To prevent rickets, vitamin D is taken in the following dosages, depending on age:

• Full-term newborns from 0 to 3 years old – take 500 – 1000 IU (12 – 25 mcg) per day;
• Premature newborns from 0 to 3 years old - take 1000 - 1500 IU (25 - 37 mcg) per day;
• Pregnant women - take 500 IU (12 mcg) per day during the entire period of pregnancy;
• Nursing mothers - take 500 - 1000 IU (12 - 25 mcg) per day;
• Women in menopause - take 500 - 1000 IU (12 - 25 mcg) per day;
• Men reproductive age to improve sperm quality, take vitamin D 500–1000 IU (12–25 mcg) per day.

Prophylactic use of vitamin D can be continued for several years, alternating 3-4 week courses with 1-2 month intervals between them.

To treat rickets and other diseases of the skeletal system, it is necessary to take vitamin D 2000–5000 IU (50–125 mcg) for 4–6 weeks. Then you need to take a week's break, after which you will repeat the course of taking vitamin D.

Vitamin D test

Currently, there is a laboratory analysis for the concentration of two forms of vitamin D in the blood - D 2 (ergocalciferol) and D 3 (cholecalciferol). This analysis allows you to accurately determine the presence of vitamin deficiency or hypervitaminosis, and in accordance with its results, make the necessary decision to cancel or, on the contrary, take vitamin D preparations. The concentration of these two forms is determined in venous blood, taken in the morning on an empty stomach. Normal concentration both D 2 and D 3 are 10 – 40 µg/l. Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Normal functioning of the human body is possible subject to the replenishment of vitamins, minerals and other useful substances. Their deficiency leads to disruption of organ function and metabolism. A special role is assigned to vitamins. The deficiency of these components has a very noticeable effect on health. In order to avoid this problem, you need to eat rationally and take preventive measures.

The value of vitamin D3

Takes part in many processes in the body. It affects the immune, bone, nervous system, on cell growth and the condition of the endocrine glands.

The component is primarily responsible for the absorption of the minerals magnesium and calcium, which are necessary for the formation of dental and bone tissue. Vitamin D3 takes an active part in the metabolism of phosphorus and calcium, as a result of which, due to the increased influx of minerals, teeth and bone tissue. It influences the processes of cell renewal and growth, protects the body from the development of cancer. A sufficient concentration of the component helps strengthen the immune system, normalizes blood glucose levels, and has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

The daily norm is about 500 IU, for adults - 600 IU. Women during pregnancy and breastfeeding are recommended to take up to 1500 IU. An additional dose is also needed for older people.

Vitamin D deficiency: causes

Vitamin D deficiency in the body, the development of which can be caused by factors such as lack of sunlight and insufficient indoor insolation, is a fairly common phenomenon. It is more common in people who live in northern latitudes, where lack of sunlight and long winters prevent the skin from producing the component. Poor diet, insufficient consumption of dairy products and fish can also lead to the development of deficiency.

The body is able to use vitamin D3 only in active form what the kidneys are responsible for. Accordingly, people with kidney failure or other problems with these organs are also at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency. Diseases such as cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease interfere with the absorption of the component from food.

The following factors contribute to the development of vitamin D deficiency: vegetarian diet, use of antacids, kidney and liver diseases, dark skin, lactation and pregnancy, age over 50 years.

Deficiency Symptoms

Depending on the degree of deficiency and sensitivity of a person, the symptoms of deficiency may differ. In the initial stages, it may not manifest itself at all, and then suddenly turn into rickets. Symptoms of deficiency include: weight loss, weakness, stooped posture, bone deformities, spinal deformities, slow growth in children, muscle cramps, tooth deformation, delay in tooth formation, joint pain.

Vitamin deficiency in the body can be cured if you pay attention to the problem in time. To do this, you need to monitor the state of your health and the health of your children, draw up correct menu, walk on fresh air and avoid bad habits.

Possible complications

If measures are not taken to neutralize vitamin D deficiency, it can lead to the development of very serious diseases that are difficult to treat, and in some cases can last a lifetime. The most common complications include rickets (especially in childhood), osteoporosis (brittle bones), osteomalacia, fractures and bone deformities. In early childhood, when a child's bone tissue is just forming, a lack of vitamin can affect the quality of bones in the future.

Against the background of deficiency, the following diseases can gradually develop: multiple sclerosis, hypertension, constant headache, depressive state, chronic pain and fatigue, cardiovascular diseases, oncological diseases, asthma, arthritis.

Prevention

You can prevent the development of deficiency by following simple rules. The first is sufficient exposure to the sun and fresh air. Sunlight has a positive effect on general condition human and stimulates the production of vitamin D by the skin. IN daily ration The diet should include products that contain this component. They can replace medications and provide the body with the necessary substances.

Complex supplements or vitamin preparations should only be taken after a thorough examination by a doctor. A specialist can prescribe them for diseases that may contribute to the development of deficiency.

Treatment of deficiency

A lack of vitamin in the blood can lead to serious complications, so it is necessary to take action at the first sign. Treatment should be comprehensive and consist of several steps. First, it is necessary to discover the cause that caused the deficiency and eliminate it. It is worth reconsidering your lifestyle and daily diet, and making some adjustments to it. In particular, you need to eat more often fatty fish, dairy products, drink fortified milk.

After an examination at the clinic, the doctor may prescribe medications containing vitamin D. The choice of medications is very wide; vitamin D3 (solution) is popular. The drug is also known as Aquadetrim. Before using any product, you should read the instructions. Great value has vitamin D3 for infants. The good thing about the drug "Aquadetrim" is that it is suitable for use from four weeks of life.

Vitamin D3

To maintain normal level component in the blood, you need to include in your daily diet foods containing it in sufficient quantities. If this fails, then medications that are designed to provide the body with vitamin D3 will come to the rescue.

The most common drugs include Viganol, Minisan, Aquadetrim. Special attention deserves the last one aqueous solution vitamin D3. The peculiarity of the drug is that it is approved for use by pregnant women and newborn babies. The product prevents the development of rickets, osteoporosis and other similar diseases, and is used in the treatment of vitamin deficiency. The drug can be bought at any pharmacy kiosk at an affordable price, it is available without a prescription, but before use, especially during pregnancy, it is advisable to consult a doctor and carefully read the instructions.

Pharmacology

The drug "Aquadetrim", or water vitamin D3, thanks to the active substance - colecalciferol, affects the normalization of phosphate and calcium metabolism, resulting in the correct formation bone skeleton and preservation of bone tissue structure. Active ingredient The drug takes part in the reabsorption of phosphates and affects the synthesis of adenosine triphosphoric acid.

The solution helps normalize the content of calcium ions, affects blood clotting and the conduction of nerve impulses, prevents the development of hypovitaminosis and calcium deficiency, which results in the development of diseases such as osteoporosis and rickets.

An aqueous solution of "Aquadetrim", compared to an oil solution, has greater bioavailability and is better adsorbed; it does not require the presence of bile for absorption into the blood, which is especially important for premature babies who still have an immature digestive system.

Indications

The use of vitamin D3 is recommended primarily for vitamin deficiency and hypovitaminosis. The drug is prescribed for the treatment and prevention of rickets-like diseases, hypocalcemia, tetany (caused by hypocalcemia). A sufficient amount of the component is necessary for infants and children who grow and develop, their bones are formed and require its presence for normal absorption of calcium.

During menopause and postmenopause due to hormonal changes Women may develop osteoporosis, for the treatment of which they also need to take vitamin D3. Instructions for use describe all cases in which Aquadetrim can be used. The drug is prescribed for loss of calcium in teeth and bones, for osteomalacia of various etiologies, for osteopathies caused by metabolic disorders. It also has a good effect on the restoration and fusion of bone tissue after fractures.

Contraindications

Before giving vitamin D3 to children or taking it yourself, it is advisable to consult a doctor, because he has a list of contraindications for use and side effects.

You should not take the drug if you are individually sensitive to colecalciferol, or if you are intolerant to benzyl alcohol. At elevated level calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) or urine (hypercalciuria), you should also avoid taking vitamin D3. The instructions prohibit the use of the drug in case of hypervitaminosis, renal failure, active form of tuberculosis, urolithiasis. During prolonged immobilization, large doses of the drug are contraindicated.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the drug is prescribed taking into account the condition of the mother and fetus (child). In this case, extreme caution is needed, because in case of an overdose, the baby may have developmental disorders. Vitamin D3 should also be prescribed with caution for newborns, and especially for premature babies.

Side effects

Patients who take vitamin D3 may experience some side effects. If the drug is used in recommended doses, then the possibility of their occurrence is close to zero. Appear side effects may occur if the dose is exceeded or in case of individual hypersensitivity to the components of the product.

The body's reaction to the action of the drug can be determined by the following symptoms: irritability, sudden mood swings, stupor, depression, mental disorders, headache. The gastrointestinal tract may be disturbed by dry mouth, thirst, vomiting, nausea, stool disorders, rapid weight loss, even anorexia. Cardiovascular system may react by increasing blood pressure, increased heart rate, cardiac dysfunction. In addition, side effects such as nephropathy, myalgia, general muscle weakness, polyuria, and soft tissue calcification may occur.

Special instructions

If the drug is used to treat a disease, then only a doctor can prescribe it, referring to the results of blood and urine tests. When using the drug for preventive purposes, it is necessary to remember the possibility of overdose, especially for pediatric patients. At long-term use Vitamin D3 in high doses may develop chronic hypervitaminosis.

When giving the drug to newborns, you should pay attention to their individual sensitivity to its components. If taken over a long period of time, this may lead to growth retardation. In old age, patients' daily requirement for the component increases, but vitamin D preparations may be contraindicated for them due to the presence of various diseases. In this case, you need to fill the body’s need by eating foods high in this substance.

Vitamin D3 in foods

You can compensate for the lack of vitamins using not only medications, but also food. Vitamin D3 is found in sufficient quantities in mackerel, mackerel, herring, tuna, fish liver, seafood, eggs, butter, cheese, cottage cheese, and fermented milk products.

In products plant origin There is little vitamin content, which vegetarians should pay attention to. Such products include potatoes, nettles, horsetail, parsley, and oatmeal. It is synthesized under the influence of sunlight, so it is worth spending more time in the fresh air and, if possible, sunbathing.

Brittle bones and dental problems are associated with impaired absorption of calcium and phosphorus or their lack in the body. Active metabolites of calciferol or vitamin D3, which is obtained from food, can help solve the problem - pediatricians especially insist on using the latter. How does it affect the condition of bone tissue and what drugs containing it make sense to take?

Why does the body need vitamin D3?

Official name this substance is cholecalciferol. Belongs to group fat-soluble vitamins and produced by the body exclusively under the influence of ultraviolet rays, so in winter adults and children often experience a lack of it. Synthesis occurs in the skin. Vitamin D3 has the following pharmacological properties:

• It takes part in phosphorus metabolism and increases the absorption of this mineral in the intestines.
• It is important for the absorption of calcium, as it increases the permeability of mitochondria in the cells that make up the intestinal epithelium.

Proper reabsorption and normal calcium metabolism, which are observed only with normal quantity This vitamin D3 in the body helps increase the strength of the bones of newborns and form their skeleton, improves the condition of teeth, and is necessary for the prevention of osteoporosis, rickets and a number of other diseases associated with disruption of the structure of bone tissue.

However, the symptoms of cholecalciferol deficiency can be noticed not only by the deterioration of the teeth/bones:

• performance decreases;
• general fatigue increases;
• observed initial stage multiple sclerosis.

What products contain

The natural deficiency of cholecalciferol, which occurs in winter and in residents of northern regions, is partially compensated by its receipt from food: the body can receive vitamin D3 from some foods and absorb it almost completely. Useful in this matter:

• fish oil;
• parsley;
• milk (controversial, since the absorption of calcium is inhibited by the phosphorus present here);
• egg yolks(raw);
• tuna, mackerel;
• halibut liver;
• butter;
• oatmeal.

Indications for use

Pregnant and breastfeeding women mostly experience calcium deficiency, so vitamin D (doctors combine D2 and D3 here) is recommended in the form of tablets or injections during this period. Given the sensitivity of newborns and transmission from breast milk all useful substances, if they are natural feeding, it is more important that the mother does not experience a deficiency. In older children, the use of a medicinal form of vitamin D3 is necessary for:

• prevention and treatment of rickets;
• treatment of osteoporosis;
• strengthening the bone skeleton in preschool and old age;
• treatment of hypoparathyroidism;
• treatment of osteomalacia;
• preventing shortages of this vitamin for liver diseases, vegetarianism, after gastrectomy.

Directions for use and dosage

If cholecalciferol is used unreasonably, the patient may develop a chronic overdose, so doctors insist on carefully reading the instructions and studying the concentration of the key vitamin in the composition. There are daily standards for cholecalciferol: up to 500 IU in adults, 200 IU in children. If some factors have led to vitamin D3 deficiency, doctors prescribe medications based on the following facts:

• calcium concentration reaches normal when taking 200 thousand IU for six months;
• for osteoporosis, the same 200 thousand IU are needed, but for 2 weeks;
• for rickets, up to 400 thousand IU are prescribed for six months.

Vitamin D3 capsules

Among the dosage forms of cholecalciferol available in pharmacies, the capsular one wins: it is produced by several pharmaceutical companies, such vitamin D3 is mainly produced for adults, since the dosages of the main substance are very high - from 600 IU. Among such drugs, Solgar deserves attention - a product from an American manufacturer, it is a dietary supplement and cannot be used during pregnancy or in children. Dosage – 1 capsule per day with food.

Drops

Aquadetrim vitamin D3 has a concentration of 15000 IU/ml, which is equal to 30 drops. This amount is needed during pregnancy, if the doctor has already diagnosed a lack of vitamins D, or for other reasons for a serious deficiency of cholecalciferol - you should not buy Aquadetrim water for prevention. Among the key disadvantages medicine it is difficult to select the dosage - this should be done with a doctor, because:

• 1 drop is equivalent to 500 IU of this vitamin, which covers the daily requirement of an adult;
• In a child, prophylactic use of the drug can lead to hypervitaminosis D3.

The official instructions for the treatment of cholecalciferol deficiency advise adhering to the following doses:

• Infants over 4 months – up to 3 drops per day.
• During pregnancy - 1 drop daily from the 1st trimester until childbirth, or 2 drops, but from the 28th week.
• After menopause, 2 drops per day.
• For rickets, you can drink up to 10 drops per day, the course is 1.5 months. Exact dosage depends on the severity of the disease and urine tests.

Vitamin D3 tablets

The most famous pharmaceutical drug of this type is the mineral complex Calcium-D3 Nycomed, which is well tolerated by people of all ages, since even prophylactic dose easy to pick up. 1 tablet is 200 IU of vitamin D3, which is half the norm for a child and 1/3 adult norm. There is also a “Forte” option, with a double dosage of the vitamin.

According to the instructions, the tablets are taken primarily for prevention according to the following rules:

• Children over 12 years old and adults 1 pc. morning and evening.
• Children over 5 years old – 1 tablet. At a younger age, the dosage is determined by the doctor.
• Tablets are allowed to be sucked or chewed.

Oil solution

Doctors call toxicity a disadvantage of this form of vitamin D3, so pediatricians prescribe it to children only when urgently needed, mainly recommending aqueous solutions or tablets. However, oil solutions also have advantages: vitamin D3 requires fat for dissolution and absorption, which water is not. Symptoms of overdose, if you drink Vitamin D3 oil solution, also appear less frequently. The most used by doctors is Vigantol, which has simple composition, but similar to Aquadetrim, it cannot be used without a doctor’s prescription.

Vitamin D3 for children

Mostly doctors prescribe cholecalciferol premature babies, since they do not have a natural supply of this element. However, it can put a lot of stress on the kidneys, so you need to entrust the choice of drug and dosage to your doctor. A separate point it is inadmissible to take such drugs in the summer (only from October to March), and the child himself must be on breastfeeding.

How to take vitamin D3 for infants

In children over two weeks of age, doctors advise carrying out the procedure to strengthen bone tissue only with obvious symptoms of vitamin D3 deficiency, if they do not receive it with mother's milk, or due to congenital pathologies have poor calcium absorption. Mostly experts advise oil drops that need to be diluted warm water. Instructions for use are as follows:

• A baby born at term is prevented from rickets from the 2nd week of life by giving 1 drop of an oily vitamin solution daily. Water - 2 times a week in the same dosage.
• If the child is premature, the dose is increased by 2 times.

Side effects

With normal sensitivity and full compliance with the instructions, no negative reactions are observed. Rarely happen:

• nausea;
• diarrhea;
• headache;
• kidney dysfunction.

Overdose

In children, long-term use of large doses of vitamin D3 can lead to impaired calcium metabolism, which is noticeable in a blood test, especially if thiazide drugs are used. In case of high sensitivity of the body, they may develop.

In the body infant causes disturbances in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. As a result, ossification of the skeleton occurs incorrectly, which eventually leads to the development of rickets.

Vitamin D deficiency is critical for infants under one year of age. Their bones grow the fastest, and disturbances in mineral metabolism lead to severe consequences. To prevent and treat rickets, children are given vitamin D preparations, available on the market in several pharmaceutical forms.

Most often used aquatic or oil solutions. They begin to be used from the 2nd month of life for full-term babies, and from the 2-3rd week - for premature babies.

Vitamin D for infants – which one is better?

Vitamin D3 oil solution for newborns

Advantages

• neutral taste;
• less likely to cause allergies;
• contains no alcohol;
• oil increases the bioavailability of vitamin D.

Flaws

• poorly absorbed in case of problems with the synthesis and secretion of bile;
• high risk of overdose if used incorrectly;
• short healing effect(up to 1.5 months).

Aqueous solution of vitamin D3 for newborns

Advantages

• well absorbed in liver diseases;
• concentration in the blood increases 6-7 times faster than when consuming oil solutions;
• the therapeutic effect lasts up to 3 months;
• less likely to cause overdose.

Flaws

• more often causes allergies;
• specific taste;
• contains alcohol.

An aqueous solution of vitamin D for infants is better and safer for use, but should be prescribed with caution to children with allergies and intolerance to alcohol. The oil solution is suitable for allergy sufferers, but its use requires precise dosage selection and the absence of liver disease.

What preparations contain vitamin D for newborns?

Water based

1. Aquadetrim – produced in Poland, available in 10 ml bottles. Sold without a prescription, average price – 145 UAH / 410 rubles.
2. Vitamin D3 aqueous solution – produced in Russia, available in 10 ml bottles. Sold without a prescription, average price – 45 UAH / 115 rubles.

Oil based

1. Vigantol– German drug, 10 ml bottles, without a prescription, price 91 UAH / 280 rubles.
2. Devisol– Finnish vitamin D for newborns, 10 ml bottles, without a prescription, price 140 UAH / 400 rubles.
3. Vitamin D3 Bon– produced in France, ampoules of 1 ml, without a prescription, price 27 UAH / 130 rubles.

How to give vitamin D to a baby

There are several criteria that influence how infants take vitamin D.
Type of feeding– almost all artificial mixtures contain vitamin D; when using them, dose adjustment or complete discontinuation of the drug is necessary. In children feeding natural milk, vitamin D deficiency is more common.

Health status– for children with liver disease with impaired synthesis or outflow of bile, it is better to give an aqueous solution of vitamin D. Allergy sufferers should prescribe it with caution. If absorption from the intestine is impaired, the dosage must be adjusted.

Length of daylight– the need for vitamin D increases in the autumn-winter period. In the Far North, dosages increase regardless of the season.

Vitamin D solution is given orally, after dissolving the required dose in a small amount of water. You cannot drop the drug directly into the child’s mouth - this makes it more difficult to measure the required amount, which often leads to an overdose.

Lack of vitamin D in infants - symptoms

Shortage

• restless sleep;
• irritability and tearfulness;
• convulsions;
• excessive softness of the edges of the large fontanelle;
• constipation;
• increased sweating;
• hair loss on the back of the head;
• increase in head size;
• flattening of the back of the head;
• softening of the bones of the crown;
• thickenings on the ribs in the form of rosary beads;
• curvature of leg bones;
• slow weight gain.

Vitamin D overdose in infants - symptoms

The main cause of hypervitaminosis D in infants is an incorrectly selected dosage. Exceeding the dose once rarely causes harm, more often it occurs with regular use large quantity vitamin D.
Overdose

• thirst;
• frequent urination;
• deterioration of hair growth;
• anxiety;
• frequent regurgitation;
• diarrhea;
• constipation;
• difficulty breathing;
• convulsions;
• increased blood pressure.

Allergy to vitamin D in infants

Allergies directly to vitamin D are rare in children. More often the body reacts to additional components included in the composition of the drug.

The main symptoms of allergies in infants

1. rash on cheeks;
2. itching and flaking of the skin;
3. local skin inflammation;
4. eczema;
5. swelling of the tongue and lips;
6. Quincke's edema;
7. sneezing and coughing;
8. asthma attacks.

Should you give vitamin D to infants?

Doctors are divided on the importance of taking vitamin D. Some pediatricians believe that vitamin therapy is necessary for most infants, while others argue that vitamin D should be given only to babies at risk. This includes children who are breastfed and living in regions with short daylight hours.

If the child does not have direct indications for taking vitamin D, then the final choice is made by the parents. Most pediatricians agreed that if a baby does not experience side effects, then the use of the drug is advisable. In this case, the expected benefits of using vitamin D outweigh the potential harm.

Most reviews about vitamin D for infants are positive. Allergic reactions are rare, other side effects are very rare. In children with symptoms of rickets, the condition improves up to full recovery. Some parents report concern when using an aqueous solution of vitamin D, apparently associated with the alcohol included in the drug.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNQe9WevLpA

After birth, the child’s body actively stores useful substances that enter the body with mother’s milk. Not only proteins, fats and carbohydrates are important for babies, but also microelements. The baby's body has a special need for vitamins. In most cases, the baby receives a sufficient amount of them with mother's milk, but the mother cannot provide the baby with vitamin D (D) in full. The role of this vitamin is extremely important for the development of the baby, so pediatricians from the first visits to the newborn focus on the need for its additional intake.

What is vitamin D?

Vitamin D is presented in several forms, which are combined into a single name - calciferols. There are two interchangeable varieties of it - D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Sunlight can only provide the body with vitamin D3, while food is a source of both forms.

Vitamin D may not be enough if the child is premature or born in the autumn-winter period. It is quite clear that such children spend less time in the sun, so their body is at risk. This theory for a long time was undeniable, but modern medicine has stepped far forward and doctors believe that this is not the problem. The amount of vitamin D that is formed in the skin is negligible, but a deficiency of the vitamin in food products that a nursing mother eats can significantly affect the amount of vitamin D entering the baby’s body. Therefore, at the initial stage of child development, doctors recommend safe therapeutic doses of calciferol to all infants. If certain pathologies appear, the dose of vitamin D can be adjusted.

What is this vitamin for?

Like all vitamins, calciferol performs several important functions. In particular:

• actively participates in bone formation, muscle fibers and neurons;
• helps strengthen immune system body;
• can accumulate calcium and phosphorus in skeletal system and teeth, thereby ensuring their strength;
• prevents the growth of malignant cells.

If the level of vitamin D in the body is insufficient, the child is at risk of rickets. With this disease, bone tissue is characterized by pathological softness and inability to withstand the loads of the body. The bone pores in children with rickets are much larger, while the bones healthy children have a microporous structure. The inability to form bone trabeculae (septa) is a direct consequence of vitamin D deficiency in the child’s body.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency:

• later the fontanel closes;
• arms and legs become bent;
• stoop appears in the spinal column;
• the shape of the skull changes;
• the jaw takes on an ugly shape;
• subsequently, signs of mental retardation appear.

Video Komarovsky about vitamin D for infants

Symptoms of vitamin D overdose or allergies?

Not only a lack of vitamin D is dangerous, but also its excess (hypervitaminosis). By the way, this state It is quite rare and does not appear as a result of a one-time overdose of the drug, but as a result of systematically exceeding it, recommended by a doctor in the treatment or prevention of rickets. Enough to give to the baby increased amount vitamin D for 2-3 weeks, so that this leads to a pronounced picture of its overdose, and after 6-8 months the intoxication will turn into chronic form. Hypervitaminosis is also observed with individual hypersensitivity to vitamin D, which often develops if a woman took it during pregnancy. Such children may react even to small and moderate amounts of the vitamin. True allergy to vitamin D is extremely rare, much more common external manifestations on the child’s skin (itching, rashes, peeling) are signs of an overdose of vitamin D, and not an allergy to it.

The main symptoms of overdose that you should pay attention to are:

• signs of general intoxication (lethargy, bad dream and appetite, pallor);
• the child's diapers have to be changed more often than usual due to increased urine output;
• the liquid that the child drinks becomes significantly larger, which can be regarded by the mother as hunger in children in the first months of life;
• if the mother cannot understand for a long time what the child needs and limits fluid intake to the same volume as before, this can lead to dehydration of the body, external sign which is dry skin, loss of elasticity;
• the appearance of abundant and frequent regurgitation, vomiting;
• decreased monthly weight gain;
• premature closure of the large fontanelle;
• constipation or intestinal upset.

If you suspect an overdose of vitamin D, the doctor will definitely recommend additional examination in the form of blood tests, since in this case there is an increase in calcium in the blood due to its poor binding in the bones. Unbound calcium, along with the blood flow, enters the vessels of the heart and kidneys. where its deposition begins, which disrupts the functioning of these organs.

Tests for vitamin D overdose include:

1. General blood test.
2. General urine analysis.
3. Determination of calcium and phosphorus content in blood serum.
4. Determination of calcium in urine (Sulkovich test).
5. Determination of vitamin D metabolic products in blood plasma.

Additional examination in the form of ultrasound or ECG, consultation with specialists may be required only in severe cases, in order to find out how far the process has gone.

Important! To avoid an overdose of vitamin D, taking it according to strict doctor’s instructions (it is advisable to consult several specialists) and in compliance with the recommended dosage will help.

If there is a slight deficiency of vitamin D, it is better to give preference to products containing it (sea fish, cheese, fermented milk products), how pharmaceutical products and, of course, more time to walk with the child in sunny weather.

Which vitamin D solution is better: oil or water?

Despite the fact that vitamin D is a frequently prescribed drug for children and almost all mothers give vitamin preparations infants, the pharmacy chain is not at all replete with vitamin D products that can be prescribed to infants. Among the variety of drugs that include various forms of calciferol, not many are indicated for children from birth.

Vitamin D preparations, depending on the base, are divided into two types:

• oil form;
• an aqueous form containing tiny fat globules containing the vitamin.

Advantages of the water form:

• absorbed 5 times faster, reaching higher concentrations;
• the effect of taking it lasts twice as long as from the oil form;
• high bioavailability;
• is well absorbed regardless of food intake;
• the effect of taking the drug occurs faster;
• convenient form for dosing.

How is this effect achieved? The thing is that any fat that gets into digestive tract exposed to salts bile acids, which break it into separate fat droplets, creating an emulsion. This ensures enzyme access to fat and its further breakdown. Thus, if vitamin D enters the body in oil form, then the drug must go through this stage before it is absorbed, and if in aqueous form (more correctly, micellar), then absorption begins much faster. The aqueous form of vitamin D is prescribed to babies born prematurely. Their gastrointestinal tract does not form enough special substances to break down the vitamin in a fatty environment (in mother’s milk), so such patients are only shown an aqueous solution of vitamin D.

Some of the advantages of the water form also have negative sides:

• the body’s ability to absorb vitamin D from these drugs is higher, which increases the risk of overdose if instructions are not followed or if treatment is inadequate;
• aqueous forms contain a lot excipients, which may cause individual intolerance.

Important! If there really are serious reasons for prescribing vitamin D, then for correction as much as possible short terms and subject to good tolerance, it is better to give preference to the aqueous form.

Which vitamin D drug is best for infants?

Let's consider the most popular drugs, which are often prescribed by doctors. Their main active substance is cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), the preparations of which are considered more effective and modern compared to ergocalciferol (vitamin D2).

Aquadetrim is a water-based vitamin D preparation

The drug is used for vitamin deficiency in the body, for the treatment and prevention of rickets and other bone pathologies (for example, metabolic pathologies). Contraindications for use are individual intolerance components of the drug, hypervitaminosis. The drug is prescribed to children from the fourth week of life. This may be a problem for children younger age, so doctors in this case replace Aquadetrim with Vigantol and Vitamin D3, which were prescribed earlier (from the tenth day of life). The drug is diluted in a teaspoon of water. The course of treatment averages 1-1.5 months. Biochemical blood parameters are monitored throughout the entire period. If necessary, the pediatrician prescribes a repeat course with a break of a week. To prevent an overdose of the drug, in no case should you increase the dose prescribed by your doctor. If a child develops convulsions, nausea, vomiting and other alarming symptoms, discontinue the drug and consult a doctor.

Oil-based preparations

Vigantol

The drug is also prescribed to children with vitamin D deficiency to regulate the metabolism of calcium and phosphates in the body. In addition, Vigantol is able to normalize the activity parathyroid glands. The drug is absorbed in the small intestine and accumulates in the bones, liver, skeletal muscles, cardiac tissue, and kidneys. Maximum accumulation occurs approximately five hours after administration. Metabolites are excreted primarily in bile. The drug is prescribed for the treatment of rickets, in order to prevent calciferol deficiency in the child’s body, as well as for malabsorption, pathologies small intestine, hypocalcemia, osteoporosis of various origins. Contraindications to the prescription are excess calcium, as well as individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

The drops are diluted in a teaspoon of milk or given with another liquid. The dosage regimen for rickets is as follows - the drug is prescribed in the first and second months of life, and then in the fifth and ninth months. In the second year, the drug is given as prophylactic courses in winter. The dose may be adjusted depending on improvements in biochemical parameters baby's blood test.

Vitamin D3

Available in various dosages, which is very convenient for use. In addition to cholecalciferol, the drug contains alpha-tocopherol. The effect of the drug is similar to Aquadetrim and Vigantol. Therapy lasts about two months, then babies are transferred to preventive dosages.

Dosage and price of vitamin D3 medications

Drug name, price	Dosage form	Vitamin D content	Age	Dosage for the prevention of rickets	Dosage for the treatment of rickets
Aquadetrim (Russia, Poland) 170-200 rub.	Water based drops.	15,000 IU/ml 1 drop – 500IU	Children from 1 month to 2-3 years.	1-2 drops/day.	4-6 drops. The exact dosage is determined by the doctor.
			Premature babies from 1 month.	2-3 drops/day.
Vigantol (Austria, Germany, Japan) 180-200 rub.	Oil solution.	20,000 IU/ml 1 drop – 667 IU	Children from 2 weeks.	1 drop/day	2-8 drops/day.
				2 drops/day
Vitamin D3 (Russia) 129 rub.	Oil solution.	20,000 IU/ml 1 drop – 667 IU	Children from 2 weeks.	1 drop/day	2-8 drops/day.
			Premature babies from 2 weeks.	2 drops/day

What are Finnish vitamins D3?

In addition to medications, there are dietary supplements (biologically active additives), containing vitamin D. Their difference from drugs is that they are taken for the purpose of prevention, not treatment. In addition, their effect lasts less than that of drugs. They contain absolutely no synthetic additives. To preserve the drugs for a long time, a natural antioxidant is added to them - alpha-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E).

There is an opinion that some Finnish-made vitamins are much better than medications, but this opinion is wrong. These drugs are registered in Russia as dietary supplements or are not included in the register of certificates at all. state registration(Devisol). Therefore, if a child is prescribed a vitamin D drug for therapeutic purposes, then if the drug is well tolerated, it is better not to replace it with a dietary supplement.

Dosage and price of vitamin D3 in dietary supplement form

Name of dietary supplement, price	Release form	Vitamin D content	Age	Dosage
D3 Vit Baby (Poland) - 250 rub.	Oil solution in capsules.	1 capsule – 200IU	Children from birth to 3 years.	Contents: 1 capsule once a day.
Devisol (Orion Pharma, Finland) - 400 rub.	Oil solution.	1 drop – 80 IU	Children from birth.	5 drops/day
Minisan (Verman, Finland) - 300-400 rubles.	Oil solution.	1 drop – 100 IU	Children from 1.5 to 3 years old.	2 drops/day
			Children from 3 years old.	4 drops/day