Aciferol D3

What is Aciferol D3?

Aciferol D3 is a vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D is one of the essential substances the body needs to function. While we get most of what we need from the sun, in the winter months it sometimes just doesn’t give us what we need.^[1] Aciferol can help prevent vitamin D deficiency or restore low vitamin D levels when daylight hours are reduced and there’s little sunshine.

How does Aciferol D3 work?

Aciferol tablets contain the substance colecalciferol, a form of vitamin D that the body finds easy to process. It’s available in tablets, capsules and liquids (although currently we only supply it as tablets). It can be used to stop vitamin D levels from dropping if you do not get enough sunlight on the skin. It can also be prescribed as a preventative measure or a treatment, depending on the dosage.

Vitamin D is important for good body function as it helps you to process calcium, leading to strong bones and muscles. Research also shows that healthy vitamin D levels help to support your immune system, helping you to fight off illnesses as well as reducing pain and lethargy.^[2]

How many doses of Aciferol D3 are there?

Quite a few, and the dosage you take should relate to what you need to take Aciferol for. Higher IU (the measurement of vitamin potency) doses will need to be prescribed for more serious vitamin D deficiencies, whereas lower IU doses will be more beneficial if you are just trying to maintain good vitamin D levels.

If you’re suffering from vitamin D deficiency, then a loading dose of around 300,000 IU is recommended. This can be taken as 20,000 IU doses twice a week for seven weeks, 40,000 IU once a week for seven weeks, 800–1,000 IU spread across multiple daily doses for 10 weeks, or as directed by your prescriber. After these courses are finished you will then likely be told to take 800 IU to 2,000 IU daily to maintain your levels of vitamin D.

There are also doses that fall between the two categories, such as 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 IU doses, some of which are maintenance doses and other treatments. If in doubt, ask our clinician.

How to take Aciferol D3

Tablets and capsules are swallowed with water, preferably with a large meal, to help absorb the vitamin D. Liquids should also be taken with a meal and usually come with a syringe, where you can draw out the stated dose from the bottle. You then squeeze the liquid into your mouth.

If you’re prescribed Aciferol D3 to treat vitamin D deficiency, then you’ll typically need to take 1-5 doses daily or weekly for a number of weeks, before dropping down to 1-2 smaller daily maintenance doses. Whereas if you’re simply taking Aciferol D3 to maintain good vitamin D levels, then you will only need to take 1 or 2 daily doses. This will depend, though, on your current vitamin D levels and the strength of your prescribed dose, so make sure you follow the advice of our clinician.

How long does it take Aciferol D3 to work?

It depends on the person and the dose. If your levels are currently very low, it will take a while (some weeks to months) for your vitamin D levels to rise to the recommended amount. But after taking the higher dose treatment for a few weeks, and your levels of vitamin D are at a more optimal level, your immune and nervous systems should now be better able to perform their functions.^[1]

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Aciferol D3?

It is important that you do not take too much Aciferol, as excess vitamin D can be toxic, possibly resulting in kidney trouble, calcification of soft tissues and heart problems. If you notice any issues from taking Aciferol D3 then stop taking them and contact your doctor straight away.

If you miss a dose – don’t panic. It’s nothing to worry about, just make sure that you take the next dose at your usual time, and don’t double the dose to make up for it.