Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am deficient in Vitamin D?

Take the Vitamin D health check. If you are at risk, you should consider taking OsteVit-D daily. The only way you can know for sure is if your doctor orders a test to measure the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D – the form generated by the liver.

Will I have any physical symptoms if I am Vitamin D deficient?

Vitamin D deficiency often has no symptoms but may cause muscle weakness and joint pain if the level is very low.

Why does latitude affect the amount of Vitamin D made from the sun?

UV rays are most intense at the equator but at higher latitudes the sun is lower in the sky and travels through more ozone to reach earth making UV radiation less intense.

Does Vitamin D need to be taken in oil to be absorbed?

Even though Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, there is no evidence that it needs to be taken in oil. Laboratory testing has shown that Vitamin D is equally bio-available in corn oil, milk and orange juice. There is also no evidence to show whether Vitamin D is better absorbed from capsules or tablets.

What should my blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D be?

Experts now believe that a blood level of 75nmol/L is ideal.

Does the Vitamin D in OsteVit- D interact with any medications?

Vitamin D does not interact with any other medications but some medications may cause Vitamin D deficiency as they increase the degradation of Vitamin D e.g. anticonvulsants, prednisone and AIDS medications.

Won’t I get enough Vitamin D from a multi-vitamin?

Most multi-vitamins contain around 400 IU of Vitamin D and the daily requirement for adults is 1000 IU of Vitamin D.

What is the difference between Vitamin D3 and Vitamin D2?

Vitamin D3 is the form that your body manufactures from the sun and the form found in oily fish. Vitamin D2 is the form found in some plants. OsteVit-D contains Vitamin D3.

What is the best way to take Vitamin D for those who have difficulty swallowing a tablet?

OsteVit-D is available in a liquid formulation for adults as well as children’s formulation with a pleasant butterscotch flavour.

Won’t breastmilk have enough Vitamin D for a newborn baby?

A baby’s Vitamin D levels reflect that of the mother. If a mother has low levels of Vitamin D her baby will also be deficient and so will her breastmilk. OsteVit-D Oral Drops for Infants and Children can be given from birth and have a pleasant butterscotch flavour.

Can OsteVit-D be taken during pregnancy?

Yes. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommend that “pregnant women at risk for vitamin D deficiency should be tested in early pregnancy or provided with vitamin D supplementation”.

Is there any difference between getting your calcium from food or from supplements?

There is no difference in the absorption of calcium from supplements or from food.

What product can I take if I find it difficult to swallow large calcium tablets?

OsteVit-D + Calcium One-a-Day tablets are chewable and they have a pleasant French vanilla flavour.

How many caplets of OsteVit-D + Calcium should I take?

The recommended dosage is 1 to 2 caplets per day. Check the table on the calcium content of selected foods to calculate your daily intake of calcium. If you are not getting much calcium in your diet you should take 2 tablets a day.

Which OsteVit-D should I take if I already get some calcium in my diet?

OsteVit-D + Calcium One-a-Day tablets are a unique formulation and are ideal for those who already obtain a daily intake of 600mg of calcium from their diet. Check the table on the calcium content of selected foods to calculate your daily dietary intake of calcium.

When should I take my OsteVit-D + Calcium?

The type of calcium in OsteVit-D + Calcium is calcium carbonate. Products containing calcium carbonate should be taken with food to ensure that they are properly absorbed.

What is the best time to take OsteVit-D + Calcium if my doctor has also prescribed other medications for osteoporosis (e.g. Fosamax, Actonel, Protos)?

You should not take your OsteVit-D + Calcium at the same time as these other medications as they will interfere with the absorption. It is recommended that you take OsteVit-D + Calcium several hours apart from other medications for osteoporosis.

Are there any side effects from taking OsteVit-D + Calcium?

Calcium supplements are usually well tolerated. Occasionally they may cause constipation, bloating and flatulence.

How do I know if I have osteoporosis?

Talk to your doctor. They will assess your risk factors and may arrange x-rays and a bone density test. Remember that osteoporosis has no symptoms until a fracture occurs.