Recommended Intake of Vitamin D and Calcium

The recommended intake of Vit D and Calcium varies according to the baseline deficiency level of patients.

Most patients should take:

• 1200-1500 mg/d of calcium
• 800-1000 IU/d of Vit D
• patients with Vit D deficiency at baseline should be given an initial dose of 50,000 IU once or twice weekly and continue for 8-12 doses. When normal levels are reached, they should be given 1000 IU/d or 50,000 IU once or twice/month.

Goals:

• Serum 25(OH)D level of 30 ng/mL or higher

Maximal Dosing:

• Patients can take up to 2000 IU/d of Vit D safely
• toxicity is rare unless long-term doses exceed 10,000 IU/d

Patients should also be encouraged to:

• quit tobacco
• quit alcohol use
• continue exercising