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Information for Consumers
Page content: Vitamin D deficiency | How to get high dose Vitamin D supplements | Further informationVitamin D deficiency
Not everybody needs vitamin supplements but it has been found that vitamin D deficiency is common in Australia and more common in the people living in the southern states.
Vitamin D is essential for bone and muscle health in all age groups and for the prevention of falls and fractures in older people.
Vitamin D supplements can be low dose (given daily) or high dose (given monthly or less often).
Low dose Vitamin D supplements are available in pharmacies, health food stores and supermarkets.
If your medical practitioner has diagnosed moderate to severe deficiency you may require supplements. High dose Vitamin D supplements require a prescription from a medical practitioner that must be dispensed in a pharmacy.
More information about Vitamin D deficiency can be found at:
SunSmart has information and a range of resources on vitamin D and ultraviolet radiation at:
How to get high dose Vitamin D supplements
Presently there are no high dose Vitamin D products available on the Australian market and medical practitioners are required to obtain an authorisation from the Therapeutic Goods Administration if they want to treat you with an imported high dose product.
A number of medical practitioners have already obtained authorisation from the Therapeutic Goods Administration to treat their patients with high dose Vitamin D. You should talk to your medical practitioner if you have concerns about your Vitamin D levels.
High dose Vitamin D prescriptions must be filled at a pharmacy. High dose Vitamin D preparations are not subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. There is no recommended price for a high dose Vitamin D prescription but currently a cost of around $12 for twelve months treatment would be a reasonable price to pay.
Further information
Contact information for further enquiries.
