The following medications impact the absorption, utilization and/or activation of vitamin D

[Mousehound]

The following medications impact the absorption, utilization and/or activation of vitamin D: * Anticonvulsant medications, including Dilantin, are used to control seizure activity in people with epilepsy and brain cancer, and those who have suffered head trauma through injury or stroke. These medications decrease the activity of vitamin D. * Bile acid sequestrants (Cholestyramine, Colestipol) are a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels. These drugs may reduce the intestinal absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. * Cimetidine (Tagamet and Tagamet HB) prevents the release of hydrochloric acid into the stomach and is used to treat the symptoms associated with stomach and duodenal ulcers and acid reflux. This drug may reduce vitamin D activation by the liver. * Hormone replacement therapy may increase blood levels of vitamin D. * The corticosteroids are a family of anti-inflammatory drugs, including hydrocortisone and prednisone, that are commonly used in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. These drugs reduce the activation of vitamin D. * Heparin, an anticoagulant prescription medication used to prevent blood clots after surgery, may interfere with vitamin D activation. Vitamin D impacts the following medications: * Vitamin D may interfere with the effectiveness of calcium channel-blockers, a class of drugs used to treat chest pain, irregular heart beat and high blood pressure. * Taking supplemental vitamin D and calcium along with thiazide diurectics can cause blood levels of calcium to increase above normal levels. Nutrient Interactions How do other nutrients interact with vitamin D? Vitamin D plays a role in maintaining normal blood levels of calcium. As a result, vitamin D impacts the absorption and storage of calcium. Vitamin D also stimulates the absorption of phosphorus. Vitamin D is believed to regulate the production of certain calcium-binding proteins that function in the bones and kidneys. Because these binding proteins are dependent on vitamin K, an interrelationship between vitamin D and vitamin K is likely. It has also been theorized that iron deficiency results in decreased vitamin D absorption.

Lots more to read here:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?t...rient&dbid=110

[Old Hawk]

Mouse's new post on Vitamin D in relation to fractures is very interesting.

http://thisbluemarble.com/showthread.php?t=11334

It mentions the difference between D2 and D3. Many folks mistakenly are using D2.

This article indicates that dosage equal to or below the old standard of 400 IU/day is ineffective. It also points out that the benefit of earlier inititiation of D3 supplementation as well as higher dosage need to be studied.

OH

[Old Hawk]

See Mouse's post

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?t...rient&dbid=110

OH

[Luke]

I'm taking Vitamin D supplements.