Managing Calcitriol Levels Through Diet: A Comprehensive Guide

Calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, is made in the kidneys and maintains normal levels of blood calcium and phosphorus. Too much or too little calcitriol can lead to serious side effects such as bone pain and changes in vision. Elevated calcitriol levels also cause increased intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus. If you have too much calcitriol in your system, you will have an excessive amount of vitamin D so adjust your diet accordingly.

Instructions

• 1

  Check food labels to ensure the food you consume is not fortified with vitamin D. Almost all the milk supply in the U.S. is fortified with vitamin D, so find a brand that is not. Products made from milk such as ice cream and cheese are generally not fortified. Breakfast cereal may contain added vitamin D, as may orange juice, yogurt and margarine.

• 2

  Avoid eating fish, meat, liver, and liver products such as pate, which are high in vitamin D. Salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines and beef contain the highest levels.

• 3

  Do not eat egg yolk because it contains vitamin D. Make an omelet using only egg whites instead.