Men should receive between 600 and 800 IU of vitamin D each day, depending upon age, to keep their bodies functioning normally. If you don't get enough vitamin D, your doctor may recommend treatment with a vitamin D supplement. There are two major types of vitamin D supplements: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3--also called cholecalciferol. Talk with your doctor about the side effects and proper use of vitamin D3 before you begin using this supplement.
Benefits
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium from the food you ingest and helps keep your bones and teeth strong. Supplementing your diet with vitamin D3 may also help prevent vitamin D deficiency, a condition that may cause symptoms of muscle weakness and bone pain. Treatment with vitamin D3 supplements may also aid in the prevention of a degenerative bone disease called osteoporosis.
Side Effects
Typically, men do not experience side effects while taking vitamin D3 supplements. If you take more than 4,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily, you may be at risk of developing unpleasant adverse effects, the Office of Dietary Supplements warns. Mild vitamin D side effects include nausea, vomiting, appetite loss and unintended weight loss. Prolonged treatment with high doses of vitamin D3 may significantly elevate the amount of vitamin D in your body and can lead to overdose of this nutrient. Vitamin D3 overdose causes hypercalcemia, a condition in which the levels of calcium in your bloodstream are abnormally high. Early symptoms associated with vitamin D3 overdose include constipation, muscle and bone pain, weakness, stomach discomfort, weight loss and a metallic taste in your mouth. Additional side effects may include increased urination, irritability, confusion, shortness of breath, heart rate irregularities or chest pain. Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms as these side effects may also be signs of a serious medical problem, such as a heart attack.
Medication Interactions
Be sure to discuss any medications you are currently taking with your health care provider before beginning treatment with cholecalciferol. Certain medications such as steroids, diuretics, antiseizure and blood pressure lowering drugs may interact with vitamin D3 supplements. Do not use these medications in conjunction with cholecalciferol supplements unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
Contraindications
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, be sure to talk with your physician before taking vitamin D3 supplements. Your doctor may need to adjust the amount of vitamin D3 you take each day if you have an electrolyte imbalance or kidney or heart disease. Do not take vitamin D3 if you are allergic to vitamin D or have unusually high levels of vitamin D or calcium in your bloodstream. Additionally, you should not take vitamin D3 supplements if you have a medical condition that makes it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients from the food you ingest.
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