Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

Softgel Capsule Category: Vitamin
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) is a dietary supplement by Life Extension with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for bone health and osteoporosis, correcting vitamin d deficiency, immune system support.Based on those ingredients, 715 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin D3. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) by Life Extension

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: vitamin D3, a form of vitamin D your body produces when sunlight hits your skin and which you also get from fatty fish and fortified foods. The dose here — 5,000 IU (125 mcg) — is above the recommended daily amount for most adults but within prescribed therapeutic ranges for certain bone and mineral disorders.

The softgel also includes inactive ingredients (olive oil, gelatin, medium-chain triglycerides, glycerin, water, and rosemary extract) that help deliver and preserve the vitamin.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Vitamin D supplementation and bone health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteomalacia, Fractures, Corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis, Hyperparathyroidism-related bone loss, Kidney transplant-related bone loss, Renal osteodystrophy — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Vitamin D is rated "Effective" for Osteomalacia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Vitamin D is rated "Effective" for Renal osteodystrophy.
  • Also on file: Vitamin D is rated "Likely Effective" for Corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis.

Vitamin D3 is established as effective for treating rickets, osteomalacia (soft bones from vitamin D deficiency), renal bone disease, hypoparathyroidism (low parathyroid hormone), and familial hypophosphatemia (a rare inherited phosphate disorder). For other uses — such as general bone health, immune function, or mood — the evidence we hold does not establish effectiveness.

If you're considering this product for a condition other than those listed, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about what the science actually shows.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin D

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin D is generally well tolerated at recommended doses. However, the 5,000 IU in this product exceeds the safe upper limit (4,000 IU daily) set for preventing toxicity in adults; very high doses over time can cause vitamin D toxicity, marked by elevated blood calcium, bone loss, and in children, slowed growth.

Rare serious side effects from excessive doses include kidney damage and anemia. For pregnancy, the safety data shows it is likely safe at recommended amounts, though one rating flags possibly unsafe — use only under your doctor's guidance.

Breastfeeding is rated likely safe at recommended doses; check with your doctor before taking higher amounts.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin D

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Vitamin D.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 716 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check your medications against these types before taking this product: thiazide diuretics and other blood pressure or fluid pills, verapamil or diltiazem (calcium channel blockers for heart rhythm and blood pressure), digoxin or other heart rhythm drugs, atorvastatin or other statin cholesterol medications, calcipotriene (psoriasis treatment), and any medications broken down by your liver's CYP3A4 enzyme system. Altogether, these interactions span 705 individual medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is intended for medical treatment of specific bone and mineral disorders under a doctor's supervision, not general supplementation. If you take thiazide diuretics, heart medications (especially verapamil, diltiazem, or digoxin), cholesterol drugs, or calcipotriene, you must check with your pharmacist before starting.

Anyone pregnant, breastfeeding, or with kidney disease should discuss this dose with their doctor first.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU), straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870171362
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2020
DSLD ID 232274
Product type Vitamin
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) by Life Extension, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
UPC/BARCODE
737870171362
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin D3125 mcg625%

Other ingredients: extra virgin Olive Oil, Gelatin, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Glycerin, purified Water, Rosemary extract

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use. Directions: Take one (1) softgel daily with food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

1 daily

Precautions

Caution: Individuals consuming more than 2,000 IU/day of vitamin D (from diet and supplements) should periodically obtain a serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D measurement. Do not exceed 10,000 IU per day unless recommended by your doctor. Vitamin D supplementation is not recommended for individuals with high blood calcium levels.

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children.

Do not exceed recommended dose. Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.

When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.

Formulation

Gluten free

Non GMO LE Certified

Essential for maintaining healthy bone growth and density

Seals/Symbols

Non GMO LE Certified

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

See for yourself

Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) by Life Extension label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) by Life Extension

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Vitamin D3

Interacts with
715 drugs
125 mcg per serving Form: Cholecalciferol

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium and is important for healthy bones, muscles, and immune function. Many people,...

Vitamin D3 monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Extra virgin Olive Oil, Gelatin, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Glycerin, Purified Water, Rosemary extract. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU)?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
715Drugs
80 Moderate 635 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Vitamin D38 drug types · 715 drugs

Aluminum

Vitamin D might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity, but this has only been reported in people with renal failure.
The protein that transports calcium across the intestinal wall can also bind and transport aluminum. This protein is stimulated by vitamin D, which may therefore increase aluminum absorption. This mechanism may contribute to increased aluminum levels and toxicity in people with renal failure, when they take vitamin D and aluminum-containing phosphate binders chronically.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Vitamin D might reduce absorption of atorvastatin.
A small, low-quality clinical study shows that taking vitamin D reduces levels of atorvastatin and its active metabolites by up to 55%. However, while atorvastatin levels decreased, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels did not substantially change. Atorvastatin is metabolized in the gut by CYP3A4 enzymes, and researchers theorized that vitamin D might induce CYP3A4, causing reduced levels of atorvastatin. However, this proposed mechanism was not specifically studied.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with vitamin D increases the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with vitamin D supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, hypercalcemia induced by high-dose vitamin D can increase the risk of arrhythmia from digoxin.
High doses of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. Avoid vitamin D doses above the tolerable upper intake level (4000 IU daily for adults) and monitor serum calcium levels in people taking vitamin D and digoxin concurrently.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, hypercalcemia induced by high-dose vitamin D can reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem for arrhythmia.
High doses of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically this could also occur with diltiazem. Avoid vitamin D doses above the tolerable upper intake level (4000 IU daily for adults) and monitor serum calcium levels in people taking vitamin D and diltiazem concurrently.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Thiazide Diuretics

Theoretically, taking thiazide diuretics and high-dose vitamin D can increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
Thiazide diuretics decrease urinary calcium excretion, which could lead to hypercalcemia if vitamin D supplements are taken concurrently. This has been reported in people being treated with vitamin D for hypoparathyroidism, and also in elderly people with normal parathyroid function who were taking a thiazide, vitamin D, and calcium-containing antacids daily.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Hypercalcemia induced by high-dose vitamin D can reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil for arrhythmia.
Hypercalcemia due to high doses of vitamin D can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Avoid vitamin D doses above the tolerable upper intake level (4000 IU daily for adults) and monitor serum calcium levels in people taking vitamin D and verapamil concurrently.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Vitamin D might induce CYP3A4 enzymes and reduce the bioavailability of CYP3A4 substrates.
There is some concern that vitamin D might induce CYP3A4. In vitro research suggests that vitamin D induces CYP3A4 transcription. Additionally, observational research has found that increased UV light exposure and serum vitamin D levels are associated with decreased serum levels of CYP3A4 substrates such as tacrolimus and sirolimus, while no association between UV light exposure or vitamin D levels and levels of mycophenolic acid, a non-CYP3A4 substrate, was found. A small, low-quality clinical study shows that taking vitamin D reduces levels of the CYP3A4 substrate atorvastatin and its active metabolites by up to 55%; however, the clinical effects of atorvastatin were not reduced. While researchers theorized that vitamin D might induce CYP3A4, this proposed mechanism was not specifically studied.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU), from the product label.

Life Extension

See all Life Extension products
Name
Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
City
Ft. Lauderdale
State
FL
ZipCode
33309
Phone Number
1-866-280-2852
Web Address
LifeExtension.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) has a known interaction with 715 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is 5,000 IU of vitamin D safe for daily use?
This dose exceeds the safe upper limit of 4,000 IU per day set for adults to prevent toxicity over time. It's meant for treating specific medical conditions under a doctor's supervision, not for ongoing self-directed use. Talk with your doctor before taking this as a daily supplement.
Can I take this vitamin D if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
At recommended doses, vitamin D is likely safe in both pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, this product's dose is higher than the standard recommendation, and one safety rating flags it as possibly unsafe in pregnancy. Use only under your doctor's guidance.
What are the signs of vitamin D toxicity from taking too much?
Symptoms include high blood calcium (causing nausea, weakness, and bone pain), excessive thirst and urination, and — in children — slowed growth. Rare serious effects are kidney damage and anemia. If you experience these symptoms while taking this product, stop and contact your doctor.
Will vitamin D interact with my cholesterol or blood pressure medications?
Yes — potentially with both. Vitamin D may reduce how well atorvastatin (a cholesterol drug) works and can theoretically raise your blood calcium dangerously if you're on thiazide diuretics or certain heart rhythm medications like verapamil or digoxin. Check your specific medications with your pharmacist before starting.
Is this product just a supplement, or is it medicine?
This dose is used as medicine to treat specific bone and mineral diseases — rickets, osteomalacia, kidney bone disease, low parathyroid hormone, and familial hypophosphatemia. It's not a general wellness supplement and should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor.
Can I take this with aluminum-containing antacids?
Vitamin D may increase how much aluminum your body absorbs, though this risk is mainly a concern if you have kidney problems. Discuss aluminum-containing products with your pharmacist before combining them with this product.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU)’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU)'s label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 26 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Vitamin D 26 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Tatro DS, ed. Drug Interactions Facts. Facts and Comparisons Inc., St. Louis, MO. 1999.
  3. Koutkia P, Chen TC, Holick MF. Vitamin D intoxication associated with an over-the-counter supplement. N Engl J Med 2001;345:66-7. PubMed
  4. Bar-Or D, Yoel G. Calcium and calciferol antagonize effect of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Br Med J 1981;282:1585-6.
  5. Demontis R, Leflon A, Fournier A, et al. 1 alpha(OH) vitamin D3 increases plasma aluminum in hemodialyzed patients taking AI(OH)3. Clin Nephrol 1986;26:146-9.
  6. Crowe M, Wollner L, Griffiths RA. Hypercalcemia following vitamin D and thiazide therapy in the elderly. Practitioner 1984;228:312-3.
  7. Parfitt AM. Thiazide-induced hypercalcemia in vitamin D-treated hypoparathyroidism. Ann Intern Med 1972;77:557-63. PubMed
  8. Thiazide diuretics and the risk of osteoporosis. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter 2003;19(11):191105.
  9. Moon J. The role of vitamin D in toxic metal absorption. J Am Coll Nutr 1994;13:559-64.
  10. Demontis R, Reissi D, Noel C, et al. Indirect clinical evidence that 1alphaOH vitamin D<SUB>3</SUB> increases the intestinal absorption of aluminum. Clin Nephrol 1989;31:123-7.
  11. Adler AJ, Berlyne GM. Duodenal aluminum absorption in the rat: effect of vitamin D. Am J Physiol 1985;249:G209-13. PubMed
  12. Schwartz JB. Effects of vitamin D supplementation in atorvastatin-treated patients: A new drug interaction with an unexpected consequence. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2009;85:198-203. PubMed
  13. Dietary reference intakes for calcium and vitamin D. Institute of Medicine, November 30, 2010. Available at: http://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2010/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-Calcium-and-Vitamin-D/Vitamin%20D%20and%20Calcium%202010%20Repo
  14. Cox KA, Dunn MA. Aluminum toxicity alters the regulation of calbindin-D28k protein and mRNA expression in chick intestine. J Nutr 2001;131:2007-13. PubMed
  15. Escribano, J., Balaguer, A., Pagone, F., Feliu, A., and Roque, I. Figuls. Pharmacological interventions for preventing complications in idiopathic hypercalciuria. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2009;(1):CD004754. PubMed
  16. Carlton, S., Clopton, D., and Cappuzzo, K. A. Vitamin D deficiency: appropriate replenishment therapies and the effects of vitamin D toxicity. Consult Pharm 2010;25(3):171-177. PubMed
  17. Wang, H., Xia, N., Yang, Y., and Peng, D. Q. Influence of vitamin D supplementation on plasma lipid profiles: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Lipids Health Dis. 2012;11:42. PubMed
  18. Turner AN, Carr Reese P, Fields KS, Anderson J, Ervin M, Davis JA, Fichorova RN, Roberts MW, Klebanoff MA, Jackson RD. A blinded, randomized controlled trial of high-dose vitamin D supplementation to reduce recurrence of bacterial vaginosis. Am J Obstet G PubMed
  19. Weiner M, Epstein FH. Signs and symptoms of electrolyte disorders. Yale J Biol Med. 1970;43(2):76-109.
  20. Lappe J, Watson P, Travers-Gustafson D, Recker R, Garland C, Gorham E, Baggerly K, McDonnell SL. Effect of Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation on Cancer Incidence in Older Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2017 Mar 28;317(12):1234-1243. PubMed
  21. Roth DE, Leung M, Mesfin E, Qamar H, Watterworth J, Papp E. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy: state of the evidence from a systematic review of randomised trials. BMJ. 2017;359:j5237. PubMed
  22. Murai IH, Fernandes AL, Sales LP, et al. Effect of a single high dose of vitamin D3 on hospital length of stay in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2021.
  23. Wang Z, Schuetz EG, Xu Y, Thummel KE. Interplay between vitamin D and the drug metabolizing enzyme CYP3A4. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2013;136:54-8. PubMed
  24. Doyle D, Browne U, Brickley A, Murphy D. Vitamin D-induced hypercalcaemia and acute kidney injury in sarcoidosis. BMJ Case Rep 2023;16(1):e250580. PubMed
  25. Williamson A, Martineau AR, Sheikh A, Jolliffe D, Griffiths CJ. Vitamin D for the management of asthma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023;2(2):CD011511. PubMed
  26. Kinesya E, Santoso D, Gde Arya N, et al. Vitamin D as adjuvant therapy for diabetic foot ulcers: Systematic review and meta-analysis approach. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2023;54:137-143. PubMed

See these in context on the Vitamin D monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring