Vitamin D Activation: Time Matters in Acute Infection

Did you know that while regular vitamin D supplements are great for daily maintenance, they might not act quickly enough during acute infections? The key lies in using the activated form of vitamin D, called Calcifediol (Calcidiol).

Here's why it matters:

• Regular vitamin D requires liver processing, which can take weeks to reach optimal levels
• Calcifediol bypasses the liver process, activating in just a few hours
• Particularly crucial for ICU patients who are often vitamin D deficient
• Recent developments - Early High-Dose Vitamin D3 for Critically Ill, Vitamin D–Deficient Patients (N Engl J Med 2019;381:2529-40. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1911124) - show increasing recognition of its importance. As of mid-2023, the EU has approved its use, and it's now available in the British National Formulary. While some countries like Spain and Italy offer over-the-counter access, others require prescriptions.
  

Fun fact:

Farmers have long recognized this need - indoor cattle routinely receive Calcifediol supplements since they can't produce vitamin D naturally without sun exposure. Perhaps there's a lesson here for human health care!

This is my Acute Infection Protocol: When I experience an acute infection, I follow this evidence-based protocol using Calcifediol (D3)

• Day 1: 532 micrograms (equivalent to 20,000 IU)
• Day 3: 266 micrograms (equivalent to 10,000 IU)
• Day 7: 266 micrograms (equivalent to 10,000 IU)
• Day 14: 266 micrograms (equivalent to 10,000 IU)

For prevention, I maintain healthy vitamin D levels through regular supplementation 106 micrograms (4,000 IU daily).

Note: This content provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult healthcare professionals for personal medical decisions.