Thera-D® Vitamin D Supplements

Q. How is Thera-D different from other vitamin D supplements?

Thera-D is independently tested and certified by NSF International. This certification ensures that each tablet contains the dose that is listed on the label and does not contain contaminants. NSF certification is your best guarantee that you are getting a pure and accurate dose of vitamin D.

Also, Thera-D is available in flexible dosing so you can tailor how much you take to meet your individual needs.

Q. How is Thera-D different from prescription vitamin D?

Thera-D contains vitamin D₃, the same type of vitamin D produced in our skin after exposure to sunlight. Prescription vitamin D contains vitamin D₂, the plant form of vitamin D. When produced commercially, it is made from yeast.

Our bodies metabolize vitamin D₃ more efficiently than vitamin D₂, and vitamin D₃ supplementation is less likely to result in toxicity. Recent studies have shown that daily vitamin D₃ is 2 to 3 times more efficient than high-dose weekly or monthly vitamin D₂. For these and other reasons, vitamin D₃ is considered to be the superior supplemental form of vitamin D.

Q. What is the difference between the Thera-D programs?

Rapid Repletion - for quick repletion to a normal vitamin D level, and then maintenance of that level. Begins with one shipment of Thera-D 4000, followed by ongoing shipments of Thera-D 2000.

Thera-D 2000 - for normal or slightly low vitamin D levels. This program provides a maintenance dose of 50 mcg (2,000 IU) per day.

Thera-D 4000 - for low (insufficient) vitamin D levels, or when a doctor has recommended an ongoing higher dose of vitamin D. This program provides an ongoing daily dose of 100 mcg (4,000 IU).

Thera-D 6000 - for very low (deficient) vitamin D levels, or when a doctor has recommended an ongoing higher dose of vitamin D. This program provides an ongoing daily dose of 150 mcg (6,000 IU).

Q. What are the benefits of vitamin D?

The health benefits of vitamin D are numerous. Maintaining a normal vitamin D level is important for overall health.*

Vitamin D is an essential factor for the regulation of calcium balance. It helps us absorb calcium, thus promoting the development and maintenance of strong bones.* Vitamin D is important for neuromuscular and immune function and may have cardiovascular benefits.* Maintaining a healthy vitamin D level is also important for male and female fertility.*

Q. Are there any side effects from Thera-D?

No. There are no expected side effects from Thera-D.

Q. Can Thera-D be taken with other nutritional supplements?

Yes. You can continue to take most other vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements that do not contain vitamin D along with Thera-D. Do not take Thera-D supplements with other vitamins and mineral supplements that contain a high dose of vitamin D, unless your healthcare provider has recommended a higher level of vitamin D to meet your needs.

Q. Does Thera-D interact with any prescription medications?

Yes. As with any dietary supplement, it is recommended you discuss with your pharmacist and or healthcare team to clarify whether Thera-D can be taken along with your medications.

Do not take vitamin D supplements if using:

• Calcipotriene (Dovonex) – This medication is a vitamin D cream that is prescribed for various reasons. To prevent getting too much vitamin D, do not take vitamin D supplements along with calcipotriene.

Separate vitamin D supplement by at least 2 hours if taking:

• Atorvastatin (Lipitor) – This medication helps control cholesterol levels in the body. Taking it with vitamin D may decrease the amount of atorvastatin absorbed by the body. Separate by a minimum of 2 hours.

Please discuss with your pharmacist and or healthcare team to determine if you should take vitamin D supplements if you take any of these medications:

Digoxin (Lanoxin) – This medication helps the heart beat more strongly. Taking vitamin D at higher doses 100 mcg (4,000 IU) or 150 mcg (6,000 IU) at the same time as this medication may increase the effects of digoxin.

Diltiazem & Cardizem – These medications help with blood pressure and treat angina. Taking large amount of vitamin D supplements (150 mcg (6,000 IU)) with diltiazem may decrease the effectiveness of the medication.

Medications that are changed by the liver Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP34) substrates – CYP34 are important enzymes in your body, mainly found in the liver to break down medications in the body. Vitamin D may increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking vitamin D along with some medications may decrease the effectiveness of some medications. Before taking high dose vitamin D, talk to your healthcare provider to determine if you are taking medications that are changed by the liver, for example, lovastatin, clarithromycin, estrogens, and others.

Thiazide diuretics (aka: water pills) – These medications are used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure as well as the accumulation of fluid and swelling (edema) in the body. These medications also increase the amount of calcium in the body. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Taking vitamin D along with these medications may cause too much calcium in the body.

Verapamil (Calan) – This medication helps with blood pressure and can affect the heart. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and calcium can also affect the heart. Do not take high doses of vitamin D (150 mcg (6,000 IU)) if you are taking verapamil.

Medications that are changed by the liver Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP34) substrates – CYP34 are important enzymes in your body, mainly found in the liver to break down medications in the body. Vitamin D may increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking vitamin D along with some medications may decrease the effectiveness of some medications. Before taking high dose vitamin D, talk to your healthcare provider to determine if you are taking medications that are changed by the liver, for example, lovastatin, clarithromycin, estrogens, and others.

If you still have questions about Thera-D, please visit the general FAQ page.

Feel free to reach out to the Nutrition Department by phone at (888) 899-3899 ext. 2 or by email here.