Page 75

Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Eight

DO VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTS FROM THE CHEMIST WORK AND WHICH IS THE BEST FORM E.G SPRAYS, DROPS, TABLETS ETC? Most vitamin D supplements are the D3 form, and usually come in a dose of 1000IU. Some multivitamins and calcium supplements contain low levels of vitamin D. The dose required depends if you are treating a deficiency, and the extent of the deficiency, or if you are trying to prevent deficiency due to being in a high-risk category. Your doctor can advise if supplements are required, and the dose needed. ARE THERE COMPANION FOODS OR VITAMINS WE NEED TO BE TAKING WITH VITAMIN D TO HELP ABSORPTION? No, however vitamin D helps to optimise the absorption of calcium from foods in the intestine. WHAT ARE THE BEST FOODS TO EAT IF YOU ARE VITAMIN D DEFICIENT? Very few foods contain significant amounts of vitamin D. In Australia, the main food sources of vitamin D are fortified margarines, fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring, and eggs. WHAT’S THE SITUATION WITH VITAMIN-ENRICHED FOODS SUCH AS MUSHROOMS? Currently in Australia, vitamin D fortification is mandated for edible oil spreads (table margarine) and voluntary for milk products including yoghurts and cheese, and soy milk products. Vitamin D mushrooms are mushrooms that have been exposed to UV rays during the growing process. WHAT IS RECOMMENDED IN REGARDS TO SUN EXPOSURE AND GETTING VITAMIN D? See question 12! ARE THERE ANY SPECIFICS OR RISKS AROUND TAKING VITAMIN D OR BEING VITAMIN D DEFICIENT WHEN PREGNANT? Vitamin D supplements are safe to take when pregnant, and pregnancy multivitamins generally contain a low dose of vitamin D. For people with an identified deficiency, a higher dose may be recommend by your doctor. Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy is associated with a range of conditions including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus and preterm birth. CAN YOU HAVE TOO MUCH VITAMIN D? Vitamin D toxicity can occur from taking very large doses of vitamin D supplements - this can lead to excessive levels of calcium in the blood. CAN VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY BE CURED OR IS THIS SOMETHING THAT WE WILL HAVE TO MONITOR FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES? Vitamin D deficiency is something that will need to be monitored for the rest of your life, with the risk of developing a deficiency becoming greater as you age. VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTS CALCIUM ABSORBTION FATTY FISH SUCH AS SALMON VITAMIN D ENRICHED FOODS VITAMIN D TOXICITY 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 73


Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Eight
To see the actual publication please follow the link above