Description
Sunforce D (Cholecalciferol) 3 60000 iu.
Sunforce D is a vitamin D3 product whose verified active ingredient is cholecalciferol. Cholecalciferol is the naturally occurring form of vitamin D used to prevent or correct vitamin D deficiency and to support calcium and bone metabolism. The strength shown in the product name identifies a high-dose softgel formulation.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
Cholecalciferol is vitamin D3, a fat-soluble secosteroid. It is converted in the body to active vitamin D metabolites that help regulate calcium and phosphate balance. In regulated medicines, it is used as a vitamin D supplement and, in some combination products, as an adjunct in bone health management.
Established Medical Uses
Authorised uses for cholecalciferol vary by country and product. Established uses include the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency, and supplementation in situations where vitamin D intake or status is inadequate. Some product licences also include use as an adjunct to specific osteoporosis therapy or in patients at increased risk of deficiency. The exact indication depends on the local product licence.
How It Works
After absorption, cholecalciferol is converted first in the liver and then in the kidneys to active metabolites. These metabolites increase intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate and help maintain normal mineralisation of bone. Adequate vitamin D status is therefore important for calcium balance and skeletal health.
Important Safety Information
Cholecalciferol is not suitable for everyone. Important contraindications commonly listed for licensed products include hypercalcaemia, hypercalciuria, vitamin D toxicity, nephrolithiasis or nephrocalcinosis, severe renal impairment, and hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients. Caution is advised in patients with renal impairment, sarcoidosis, or other conditions associated with increased calcium levels.
Clinically significant interactions may occur with medicines that raise calcium levels or affect vitamin D metabolism, including certain thiazide diuretics, cardiac glycosides, and some anticonvulsants or other enzyme-inducing medicines. Calcium-containing products and other vitamin D preparations may increase the risk of hypercalcaemia. Monitoring is especially important when risk factors for calcium disturbance are present.
Possible Side Effects
Cholecalciferol is generally well tolerated at appropriate supplement or medicinal doses, but adverse effects can occur, especially with excessive exposure. Reported effects may include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, or abdominal discomfort. Excess vitamin D can cause hypercalcaemia, which may lead to thirst, frequent urination, weakness, confusion, kidney stones, or, in severe cases, renal impairment and soft-tissue calcification.
Scientific Evidence
Human studies and reviews support cholecalciferol as an effective way to raise serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in deficient adults. Reviews also describe it as the most widely used form of vitamin D supplementation in clinical practice. Evidence for benefits beyond correction of deficiency is more limited and should be interpreted cautiously. The strongest clinical rationale remains prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency and support of calcium-bone homeostasis.
Medical Information Notice
This summary is based on official and scientific sources available at the time of review. It is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace the official patient leaflet, prescribing information, or individual assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical Sources
- Medicines.org.uk (emc) Colecalciferol 1000 IU Oral capsule, Summary of Product Characteristics. View official product information
- FDA FOSAMAX PLUS D Highlights of Prescribing Information. View official prescribing information
- Manuel Sosa Henríquez et al. Cholecalciferol or Calcifediol in the Management of Vitamin D Deficiency. Nutrients, 2020. View scientific article
- Hazim J Alzahrani et al. Therapeutic and maintenance regimens of vitamin D3 supplementation in healthy adults: A systematic review. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2019. View scientific article
