Is taking vitamin D once a week the same as taking it once a day?

Question

I need to take 17,000 IU of vitamin D per week, including one 10,000 IU tablet. I was wondering if it would be equivalent to taking 3 tablets of 1000 IU per day, which would be much more economical for me. Thank you! Hello, this is a prescription for a deficiency. At first I was taking 1000 IU per day, but after a blood test it was not enough. I also take Synthroid 0.025 mg. It is convenient to take a 10,000 IU tablet, I agree, but $10.29 for 4 tablets I find too expensive when I can buy a bottle of 240 tablets for about $8. I was wondering if the absorption would be the same by taking 1000 IU tablets. My pharmacist did not have the answer Thank you for taking the time to respond, I really appreciate it!

Jean-Félix Côté · Accepted Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Did you have a specific reason for this vitamin D dose? Are you taking this because of a deficiency or is it another health condition? When it comes to vitamin D, what is important is the total dose, not the timing. Vitamin D is a commonly prescribed supplement for people over 50 and contributes to better bone health. Generally recommended doses per day are 800-2000 IU per day for a person over 50. However, doses up to 4000IU per day have been studied and found to be safe. In your case, the doctor has prescribed a larger dose of 10,000IU per week in order to reduce the number of medications you need to take and make your life easier. If you prefer to take several 1000 IU capsules per day, there is no problem at all, you must take 17 capsules over 7 days to equal this dose. One day you could take 3 capsules of vitamin D 1000UI and the next day 2 capsules and so on in alternation for a total of 17 capsules per week. There are also some foods that contain a little vitamin D such as fish, cheese and mushrooms that can help fill your deficiency. Finally, exposure to the sun is also a measure that provides a lot of vitamin D. Hoping to have answered your question. Sincerely, Jean-Félix Côté, pharmacist