Variability and Underpotency of Cholecalciferol Content of Commercial Vitamin D Preparations

Abstract

Unique amongst vitamins in Canada, vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is considered an over-the-counter (OTC) vitamin in doses of 1000 international units (IU) and less, whereas in higher doses it is considered an ethical pharmaceutical. Patients and physicians may rely upon the OTC preparations to manage metabolic bone disease and to optimize response to osteoporosis pharmaceuticals. Assurance of cholecalciferol content in commercial cholecalciferol preparations is of great importance to patient outcomes.