What are the signs of excessive vitamin D intake. How does vitamin D toxicity affect calcium levels in the blood. Can too much vitamin D cause digestive issues. What are the potential kidney complications from vitamin D overdose. How does vitamin D toxicity impact mental health. What blood levels of vitamin D are considered toxic. Are there long-term effects of vitamin D toxicity.

The Importance of Vitamin D and the Risks of Excess

Vitamin D is crucial for various bodily functions, including muscle cell growth, immune system operations, and skeletal health maintenance. While vitamin D deficiency is more common, excessive intake can lead to serious health issues. Understanding the balance between sufficient intake and potential toxicity is essential for maintaining optimal health.

Recognizing Vitamin D Toxicity: Blood Levels and Definitions

Vitamin D toxicity occurs when blood levels become dangerously high. But what exactly constitutes “too much” vitamin D?

• Hypervitaminosis D: Blood vitamin D levels over 100 ng/mL
• Vitamin D intoxication: Serum levels exceeding 150 ng/mL
• Optimal levels: Generally between 30-60 ng/mL

It’s important to note that reaching toxic levels through normal supplementation is rare. Most cases of vitamin D toxicity result from inappropriate dosing or prescription errors. For instance, a case report detailed a 73-year-old man who developed toxicity after taking 10,000 IU daily for years, while another involved a woman hospitalized after consuming an average of 130,000 IU daily for 20 months.

Hypercalcemia: A Major Consequence of Vitamin D Excess

One of the primary concerns with vitamin D toxicity is its effect on calcium levels in the blood. Excessive vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia, a condition characterized by abnormally high blood calcium levels. What are the symptoms of hypercalcemia?

• Digestive distress (vomiting, nausea, constipation)
• Fatigue and dizziness
• Hallucinations and confusion
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive urination
• Kidney stones and potential kidney failure
• High blood pressure and heart abnormalities
• Dehydration

Normal blood calcium ranges from 8.5-10.8 mg/dL. Hypercalcemia typically develops after prolonged megadoses of vitamin D. Research indicates that adults taking more than 10,000 IU daily who exhibit symptoms should be evaluated for hypercalcemia. In severe cases, such as the woman who consumed 130,000 IU daily, blood calcium levels can reach dangerous heights (in her case, 12.9 mg/dL), requiring immediate medical attention.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Vitamin D Toxicity

Excessive vitamin D intake often manifests through gastrointestinal symptoms, primarily due to the resulting hypercalcemia. What digestive issues might someone with vitamin D toxicity experience?

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Poor appetite

It’s worth noting that symptoms can vary between individuals. For example, one case study reported a woman experiencing nausea and weight loss after taking a supplement containing 78 times more vitamin D than stated on the label. In another instance, an 18-month-old child given 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 for three months suffered from diarrhea and stomach pain.

Neurological and Mental Health Impacts of Vitamin D Overdose

Excessive vitamin D can also affect the nervous system and mental health. How does vitamin D toxicity impact cognitive function and mood?

• Confusion and disorientation
• Hallucinations
• Depression
• Psychosis (in rare cases)

These neurological symptoms are often associated with the hypercalcemia caused by vitamin D toxicity. The altered calcium levels can disrupt normal brain function, leading to these cognitive and mood disturbances. It’s crucial to recognize these symptoms early, as they can be indicative of severe vitamin D overdose requiring immediate medical intervention.

Kidney Complications from Excessive Vitamin D Intake

The kidneys play a vital role in vitamin D metabolism and are particularly vulnerable to the effects of vitamin D toxicity. What kidney-related issues can arise from too much vitamin D?

• Kidney stones
• Acute kidney injury
• Chronic kidney disease
• Calcification of soft tissues

Excessive vitamin D leads to increased calcium absorption, which can result in the formation of kidney stones. Moreover, the strain of processing high levels of calcium and vitamin D can cause kidney damage over time. In severe cases of vitamin D toxicity, patients may require dialysis or other intensive treatments to protect their kidney function.

Long-Term Effects and Recovery from Vitamin D Toxicity

While acute symptoms of vitamin D toxicity can be severe, what are the potential long-term consequences? Can one fully recover from vitamin D overdose?

In most cases, vitamin D toxicity is reversible if caught and treated early. However, prolonged exposure to high levels of vitamin D can lead to lasting health issues:

• Permanent kidney damage
• Cardiovascular complications
• Bone demineralization
• Cognitive impairment

Recovery typically involves discontinuing vitamin D supplements and any calcium supplements, limiting dietary calcium, and in some cases, medical treatments to lower blood calcium levels. Depending on the severity and duration of the toxicity, full recovery can take weeks to months. In cases of severe kidney damage, some effects may be permanent, emphasizing the importance of proper vitamin D supplementation and regular monitoring.

Prevention and Safe Supplementation of Vitamin D

Given the potential risks of vitamin D toxicity, how can one safely supplement with vitamin D? What precautions should be taken?

• Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen
• Follow recommended dosages (generally not exceeding 4,000 IU daily for adults)
• Regular blood tests to monitor vitamin D levels
• Be cautious with fortified foods and multiple supplements containing vitamin D
• Consider factors like sun exposure, diet, and individual health conditions

It’s important to remember that while vitamin D toxicity is serious, it’s also rare under normal circumstances. Most people can safely take vitamin D supplements within recommended limits. However, certain individuals, such as those with sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, or certain lymphomas, may be more sensitive to vitamin D and should exercise extra caution.

Special Considerations for High-Dose Vitamin D Therapy

In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe high doses of vitamin D, such as 50,000 IU, to correct severe deficiencies. These treatments are typically short-term and closely monitored. What should patients know about high-dose vitamin D therapy?

• It should only be done under medical supervision
• Regular blood tests are crucial to monitor vitamin D and calcium levels
• The duration of high-dose therapy is usually limited
• Patients should report any unusual symptoms immediately

High-dose vitamin D therapy can be effective for quickly correcting deficiencies, but it requires careful management to avoid the risks associated with vitamin D toxicity. Patients undergoing such treatment should maintain open communication with their healthcare provider and adhere strictly to the prescribed regimen.

Interactions Between Vitamin D and Other Nutrients or Medications

Vitamin D doesn’t work in isolation in the body. Its effects can be influenced by, and can influence, other nutrients and medications. What are some important interactions to be aware of?

• Calcium: Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption, potentially increasing the risk of hypercalcemia
• Magnesium: Necessary for vitamin D metabolism; deficiency can affect vitamin D function
• Vitamin K2: Works synergistically with vitamin D for proper calcium utilization
• Certain medications: Some drugs can affect vitamin D levels or increase sensitivity to vitamin D

Understanding these interactions is crucial for safe and effective vitamin D supplementation. For instance, people taking calcium supplements or calcium-based antacids should be particularly cautious with vitamin D intake. Similarly, those on certain medications, such as statins or corticosteroids, should consult their healthcare provider about potential interactions with vitamin D.

The Role of Vitamin D Testing in Preventing Toxicity

Regular vitamin D testing can play a significant role in preventing toxicity while ensuring adequate levels for optimal health. How often should vitamin D levels be checked, and what do the results mean?

• Frequency: Generally once or twice a year, or as recommended by a healthcare provider
• Deficiency: Less than 20 ng/mL
• Insufficiency: 21-29 ng/mL
• Sufficiency: 30-60 ng/mL
• Potential toxicity: Above 100 ng/mL

Regular testing allows for personalized dosing adjustments, helping to maintain optimal levels while avoiding the risks of deficiency or toxicity. It’s particularly important for individuals with factors that affect vitamin D metabolism, such as obesity, malabsorption disorders, or certain medications.

Vitamin D Toxicity in Special Populations

While vitamin D toxicity can affect anyone, certain groups may be at higher risk or may experience unique complications. How does vitamin D toxicity manifest in different populations?

Vitamin D Toxicity in Children

Children are particularly vulnerable to vitamin D toxicity due to their smaller body size and developing systems. What specific concerns exist for vitamin D overdose in children?

• Growth retardation
• Developmental delays
• Increased risk of hypercalcemia
• Potential for long-term skeletal abnormalities

Parents and caregivers should be especially cautious with vitamin D supplements for children, adhering strictly to pediatrician recommendations and age-appropriate dosages.

Vitamin D Toxicity in Pregnancy

Pregnant women require adequate vitamin D for fetal development, but excessive amounts can be harmful. What are the risks of vitamin D toxicity during pregnancy?

• Increased calcium levels in the fetus, potentially leading to fetal heart problems
• Risk of birth defects
• Complications in maternal calcium metabolism

Pregnant women should consult their obstetrician about appropriate vitamin D supplementation, as needs may vary based on individual factors and stage of pregnancy.

Vitamin D Toxicity in the Elderly

Older adults often have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, but they can also be more susceptible to toxicity. What factors contribute to this increased risk in the elderly?

• Decreased kidney function, affecting vitamin D metabolism
• Potential for polypharmacy, increasing the risk of drug interactions
• Higher likelihood of pre-existing conditions that affect calcium metabolism

Regular monitoring and careful supplementation under medical supervision are particularly important for older adults to balance the benefits of vitamin D with the risks of toxicity.

The Future of Vitamin D Research and Toxicity Prevention

As our understanding of vitamin D’s role in health continues to evolve, so too does research into preventing and treating vitamin D toxicity. What developments are on the horizon in this field?

• More personalized approaches to vitamin D supplementation based on genetic factors
• Advanced testing methods for more accurate and comprehensive vitamin D status assessment
• Development of new vitamin D analogs with potentially lower toxicity risks
• Improved understanding of vitamin D’s interactions with other nutrients and medications

These advancements promise to enhance our ability to optimize vitamin D levels while minimizing the risks of toxicity. However, until these developments are fully realized and implemented, adherence to current guidelines and close monitoring remain the best approaches to safe vitamin D supplementation.

In conclusion, while vitamin D is essential for health, the adage “too much of a good thing” applies strongly here. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and risks of vitamin D toxicity, along with proper supplementation practices and regular monitoring, is crucial for harnessing the benefits of this vital nutrient while avoiding its potential dangers. As research continues to unfold, we can look forward to even more refined and personalized approaches to vitamin D supplementation and toxicity prevention.

Signs, Symptoms, and Side Effects of Too Much Vitamin D

You may have too much vitamin D if you experience stomach discomfort, unusual mental symptoms, or kidney problems. Excessive vitamin D also shows up in a blood test.

Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining health. It’s necessary for the growth and development of your muscle cells, proper functioning of the innate and adaptive immune system, maintenance of the health of your skeletal system, and more (1, 2).

Because vitamin D deficiency is more common, many people use vitamin D supplements to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. But too much vitamin D can also lead to health problems.

Signs of too much vitamin D include:

Elevated blood levels

In order for vitamin D to reach toxic or dangerous levels in the body, it needs to exceed 100 nanograms (ng) per milliliter (mL).

Hypervitaminosis D is defined as blood vitamin D levels over 100 ng/mL, while vitamin D intoxication is defined as serum levels over 150 ng/mL (3, 4).

Recommendations on optimal vitamin D levels vary, but research suggests that levels between 30–60 ng/mL are likely optimal and may help protect against illness and disease (4, 5).

Even when taking high dose vitamin D supplements, it’s unlikely that a healthy person’s blood vitamin D levels would come close to reaching excessive or toxic levels.

Most cases of vitamin D toxicity are caused by inappropriate supplement dosing and prescription errors.

For example, in a 2020 case report, a 73-year-old man developed vitamin D toxicity after taking 10,000 IU of vitamin D per day for many years (6).

In another 2020 case report, a 56-year-old woman who took an average of 130,000 IU of vitamin D per day for 20 months in hopes of improving symptoms of multiple sclerosis was hospitalized for symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and muscle weakness.

Her vitamin D levels were discovered to be 265 ng/mL, which equals 130,000 IU and is over 30 times the generally recommended safe upper limit of 4,000 IU per day (7).

Keep in mind that people who are low or deficient in vitamin D may need to take much higher levels than the safe upper limit to reach and maintain optimal vitamin D levels.

However, make sure to consult a healthcare professional on what dosage you should take. This will help you avoid potentially inappropriate or dangerous dosing.

Summary

Vitamin D levels greater than 100 ng/mL may be harmful. Toxicity symptoms have been reported at extremely high blood levels in cases where people took megadoses (very high doses) of vitamin D supplements for extended periods of time.

Elevated blood calcium levels

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium from the food you eat. In fact, this is one of its most important roles.

However, if your vitamin D intake is excessive, your blood calcium may reach levels that can cause unpleasant and potentially dangerous symptoms.

The symptoms of vitamin D toxicity are primarily related to hypercalcemia, which means excessively high blood calcium levels (8).

Symptoms of hypercalcemia include:

• digestive distress, such as vomiting, nausea, constipation, and stomach pain
• fatigue, dizziness, hallucinations, and confusion
• loss of appetite
• excessive urination
• kidney stones, kidney injury, and even kidney failure
• high blood pressure and heart abnormalities
• dehydration

The normal range of blood calcium is 8.5–10.8 mg/dL (9, 10).

Hypercalcemia typically develops after people take megadoses of vitamin D for a prolonged period of time.

Research shows that adults taking more than 10,000 IU of vitamin D daily who exhibit symptoms should be evaluated for hypercalcemia (11).

In the 2020 case report mentioned earlier, the woman who took an average of 130,000 IU of vitamin D per day for 20 months was also hospitalized for symptoms related to hypercalcemia (12).

These included nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and kidney injury. Her blood calcium levels were 3. 23 mmol/L (12.9 mg/dL) (12).

Hypercalcemia can be life threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Summary

Taking too much vitamin D may result in excessive absorption of calcium, which can cause several potentially dangerous symptoms.

Gastrointestinal symptoms

The main side effects of excessive vitamin D levels are related to excessive calcium in the blood (13).

Some of the main symptoms of hypercalcemia include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• diarrhea
• poor appetite

However, not all people with hypercalcemia experience the exact same symptoms.

One woman experienced nausea and weight loss after taking a supplement that was later found to contain 78 times more vitamin D than stated on the label (14).

Importantly, these symptoms occurred in response to extremely high doses of vitamin D3, which led to calcium levels greater than 12 mg/dL.

For example, an 18-month-old child who was given 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 for 3 months experienced diarrhea, stomach pain, and other symptoms. These symptoms resolved after the child stopped taking the supplements (15).

Summary

Taking vitamin D can increase levels of calcium in the blood, and too much calcium can cause side effects. If you take large doses of vitamin D, you may experience stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation, or diarrhea as a result of elevated calcium levels.

Altered mental status

Hypercalcemia can lead to altered mental status in people with vitamin D toxicity.

People with vitamin D toxicity–induced hypercalcemia commonly have symptoms like confusion, depression, and psychosis. In extreme cases, coma has been reported (15).

In a 2021 case report, a 64-year-old man accidentally took 200,000 IU of vitamin D per day because he misunderstood medication instructions. He showed altered mental status and other serious symptoms related to hypercalcemia.

He remained agitated and confused for the first 10 days of his stay in the hospital, but his symptoms gradually improved as his calcium levels dropped. It took about 18 days for his calcium to return to the expected levels (16).

Summary

Vitamin D toxicity can cause symptoms like confusion, agitation, and unresponsiveness. This also appears to result from elevated calcium levels, which high doses of vitamin D can cause.

Kidney complications

In some cases, vitamin D toxicity can result in kidney injury and even kidney failure.

This is because having too much vitamin D in the body can lead to high levels of calcium, which can lead to water loss through too much urination and calcification of the kidneys (17).

Hypercalcemia can also cause the blood vessels of the kidneys to constrict, which leads to decreased kidney function (18).

Indeed, many studies have reported moderate-to-severe kidney injury in people who develop vitamin D toxicity (12, 19, 20).

Interestingly, a vitamin D deficiency can also harm the kidneys and lead to severe complications in those with kidney disease. That’s one reason why maintaining optimal blood levels of vitamin D is critical (21, 22).

Summary

Too much vitamin D may lead to kidney injury and can even lead to kidney failure in some cases.

Vitamin D supplements are considered very safe, and toxicity is uncommon. This is because a healthy person would need to take extremely large doses of vitamin D over time in order to reach toxic or dangerous levels in the body (15).

However, vitamin D toxicity is more common in people with certain medical conditions. These include (15):

• granulomatous disorders
• congenital disorders
• some lymphomas
• dysregulated vitamin D metabolism

Although uncommon, vitamin D toxicity can occur, especially in cases of:

• accidental overdose
• prescription errors
• misuse of high dose vitamin D supplements

Vitamin D toxicity goes by a few other names, including hypervitaminosis D and vitamin D intoxication.

Healthcare professionals may recommend people who are very low in vitamin D take very high weekly doses of 50,000 IU for 8 weeks, followed by a maintenance dose of 2,000 IU per day after their levels reach 30 ng/mL (15).

Your doctor will decide the most appropriate dose of vitamin D for you, depending on your vitamin D levels and your overall health.

Even though vitamin D toxicity isn’t common, you may be at risk if you misuse over-the-counter vitamin D supplements, prescription vitamin D supplements, or injections.

If you’re taking very high dose vitamin D supplements or are receiving vitamin D injections, your doctor will monitor your vitamin D levels to ensure they aren’t becoming potentially dangerous.

Avoid taking high dose vitamin D supplements unless your healthcare professional recommends them.

Summary

Vitamin D deficiency is quite common. For this reason, many people need to take vitamin D supplements. However, it’s important to avoid taking high dose vitamin D supplements, except with the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Toxicity is unlikely if you keep your daily intake levels below 10,000 IU per day and avoid excessively high intakes of vitamin D supplements (23).

Is 5000 IU of vitamin D too much?

Experts recommend that people with typical vitamin D levels do not exceed 4,000 IU of vitamin D per day (24).

Can too much vitamin D make you tired?

Fatigue can be a symptom of excess vitamin D, though it could also be a symptom of deficiency and other conditions (25).

Vitamin D is extremely important for your overall health. Even if you follow a healthy diet, you may require supplements to achieve optimal blood levels.

However, it’s also possible to have too much of a good thing. Make sure to avoid excessive doses of vitamin D. Generally, for people with adequate vitamin D levels, taking supplements of 4,000 IU or fewer per day is considered safe.

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Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that helps regulate calcium and phosphorus in the body. It also plays a role in maintaining proper bone structure.

There are different forms of vitamin D, including ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Vitamin D is found in fish, eggs, and fortified milk. It’s also made in the skin when exposed to sunlight. During periods of sunlight, vitamin D is stored in fat and then released when sunlight is not available.

Vitamin D supplements are commonly used to treat and prevent vitamin D deficiency. People who don’t get enough sun and people who are 65 years or older are at risk for deficiency. People also use vitamin D for weak and brittle bones, heart disease, asthma, hay fever, and many other conditions, but there’s no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses. There is also no strong evidence to support using vitamin D supplements for COVID-19. But it is important to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D. This can be done by taking 400-1000 IU of vitamin D daily or spending 15-30 minutes in the sun each day.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Effective for

• A rare, inherited bone disorder marked by low levels of phosphate in the blood (familial hypophosphatemia). Taking specific forms of vitamin D, called calcitriol or dihydrotachysterol, by mouth along with phosphate supplements is effective for treating bone disorders in people with low levels of phosphate in the blood.
• Underactive parathyroid (hypoparathyroidism). Taking specific forms of vitamin D, called dihydrotachysterol, calcitriol, or ergocalciferol, by mouth is effective for increasing calcium blood levels in people with low parathyroid hormone levels.
• Softening of the bones (osteomalacia). Taking vitamin D3 by mouth is effective for treating this condition.
• A bone disorder that occurs in people with kidney disease (renal osteodystrophy). Taking a specific form of vitamin D, called calcitriol, by mouth helps to manage low calcium levels and prevent bone loss in people with kidney failure.
• Rickets. Taking vitamin D by mouth is effective for preventing and treating rickets. A specific form of vitamin D, called calcitriol, should be used in people with kidney failure.
• Vitamin D deficiency. Taking vitamin D by mouth is effective for preventing and treating vitamin D deficiency.

Likely Effective for

• Bone loss in people taking drugs called corticosteroids. Taking vitamin D by mouth prevents bone loss in people taking drugs called corticosteroids. Also, taking vitamin D alone or with calcium seems to improve bone density in people with existing bone loss caused by using corticosteroids.
• Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). Taking vitamin D3 by mouth along with calcium seems to help prevent bone loss and bone breaks in people with osteoporosis.
• Psoriasis. Applying vitamin D in the form of calcitriol, calcipotriene, maxacalcitol, or paricalcitol to the skin can help treat plaque-type psoriasis. Applying vitamin D along with corticosteroids seems to work better than applying vitamin D or corticosteroids alone. But taking vitamin D by mouth doesn’t seem to help.

Possibly Effective for

• Hay fever. Taking vitamin D by mouth seems to reduce symptoms of hay fever in adults and children. But it isn’t clear if taking vitamin D during pregnancy can help to prevent hay fever in the child after birth.
• Cavities. Taking vitamin D2 or D3 by mouth reduces the risk of cavities by 36% to 49% in infants, children, and adolescents.
• Heart failure. Taking vitamin D by mouth can help reduce the risk of developing heart failure in some people. But it doesn’t seem to help patients who already have heart failure.
• Bone loss in people with overactive parathyroid (hyperparathyroidism-related bone loss). Taking vitamin D3 by mouth seems to reduce parathyroid hormone levels and bone loss in people with a condition called hyperparathyroidism.
• Infection of the airways. Taking vitamin D by mouth helps prevent respiratory infections in children. But taking vitamin D by mouth during pregnancy doesn’t seem to reduce the risk of these infections in the child after birth. It also doesn’t help prevent infections in adults.
• Preventing tooth loss (tooth retention). Taking calcium and vitamin D3 by mouth appears to prevent tooth loss in elderly people.

Possibly Ineffective for

• Heart disease. Taking a vitamin D supplement by mouth doesn’t seem to prevent heart disease, heart attack, stroke, or other serious heart-related events in most people.
• Critical illness (trauma). Giving vitamin D to people with low vitamin D levels who are in the hospital with a critical illness doesn’t make them more likely to live.
• Fractures. Taking vitamin D by mouth doesn’t seem to prevent fractures in older people who do NOT have osteoporosis.
• High blood pressure. Taking vitamin D by mouth doesn’t seem to lower blood pressure in most people with high blood pressure. But it might help people who have very low blood levels of vitamin D.
• A mental disorder marked by hallucinations and delusion (psychosis). Taking vitamin D by mouth doesn’t seem to improve symptoms of psychosis in adults.
• Prostate cancer. Taking vitamin D by mouth doesn’t seem to reduce cancer progression or death from prostate cancer.
• Tuberculosis. Most research shows that taking vitamin D by mouth doesn’t help to cure tuberculosis or make it less severe.

There is interest in using vitamin D for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Vitamin D is likely safe when taken in recommended amounts. Most people don’t experience side effects with vitamin D, unless too much is taken. Some side effects of taking too much vitamin D include weakness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and others. Taking vitamin D for long periods of time in doses higher than 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily is possibly unsafe and may cause very high levels of calcium in the blood.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Vitamin D is likely safe when taken in recommended amounts. Most people don’t experience side effects with vitamin D, unless too much is taken. Some side effects of taking too much vitamin D include weakness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and others. Taking vitamin D for long periods of time in doses higher than 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily is possibly unsafe and may cause very high levels of calcium in the blood. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Vitamin D is likely safe during pregnancy and breast-feeding when used in daily amounts below 4000 IU (100 mcg). Do not use higher doses unless instructed by your healthcare provider. Vitamin D is possibly unsafe when used in higher amounts during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Using higher doses might cause harm to the infant.

Children: Vitamin D is likely safe in children when taken by mouth in recommended amounts. But it is possibly unsafe to take vitamin D in higher doses, long-term. Infants from 0-6 months should not take more than 1000 IU (25 mcg) daily. Infants aged 6-12 months should not take more than 1500 IU (37. 5 mcg) daily. Children aged 1-3 years should not take more than 2500 IU (62.5 mcg) daily. Children aged 4-8 years should not take more than 3000 IU (75 mcg) daily. Children aged 9 years and older should not take more than 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily.

Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis): Taking vitamin D could make this condition worse, especially in people with kidney disease.

A type of fungal infection called histoplasmosis: Vitamin D might increase calcium levels in people with histoplasmosis. This could lead to kidney stones and other problems. Use vitamin D cautiously.

High levels of calcium in the blood: Taking vitamin D could make this condition worse.

Over-active parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism): Vitamin D might increase calcium levels in people with hyperparathyroidism. Use vitamin D cautiously.

Lymphoma: Vitamin D might increase calcium levels in people with lymphoma. This could lead to kidney stones and other problems. Use vitamin D cautiously.

Kidney disease: Vitamin D might increase calcium levels and increase the risk of “hardening of the arteries” in people with serious kidney disease. Calcium levels should be monitored carefully in people with kidney disease.

A disease that causes swelling (inflammation) in body organs, usually the lungs or lymph nodes (sarcoidosis): Vitamin D might increase calcium levels in people with sarcoidosis. This could lead to kidney stones and other problems. Use vitamin D cautiously.

Tuberculosis: Vitamin D might increase calcium levels in people with tuberculosis. This could lead to kidney stones and other problems. Use vitamin D cautiously.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

• Aluminum is found in most antacids. Vitamin D can increase how much aluminum the body absorbs. This interaction might be a problem for people with kidney disease. Take vitamin D two hours before, or four hours after antacids.

• Taking vitamin D along with calcipotriene might increase the effects and side effects of calcipotriene.

• Taking vitamin D along with digoxin might increase the effects and side effects of digoxin. If you are taking digoxin, talk to your doctor before taking vitamin D supplements.

• Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Calcium can affect the heart. Diltiazem can also affect the heart. Taking large amounts of vitamin D along with diltiazem might decrease the effects of diltiazem.

• Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Calcium can affect the heart. Verapamil can also affect the heart. Do not take large amounts of vitamin D if you are taking verapamil.

• Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Some “water pills” increase the amount of calcium in the body. Taking large amounts of vitamin D along with some “water pills” might cause too much calcium in the body. This could cause serious side effects, including kidney problems.

• Vitamin D might decrease how much atorvastatin the body absorbs. Taking vitamin D with atorvastatin might decrease the effects of atorvastatin.

Minor Interaction

Be watchful with this combination

• Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Vitamin D might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Dosing

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient. Fish, eggs, and fortified milk are good sources of vitamin D. The amount that should be consumed on a daily basis is called the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The RDA is 600 IU (15 mcg) daily for people 1-70 years of age and 800 IU (20 mcg) daily for those 71 years and older. While pregnant and breastfeeding, the RDA is 600 IU (15 mcg) daily. In children, the RDA depends on age. Vitamin D is also made in the skin after sun exposure. Spending 15-30 minutes in the sun each day should be enough to maintain normal vitamin D levels for most people.

Most people should not consume more than 4000 IU daily unless under the care of a healthcare provider. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Overdose of vitamin D (vitamin D). Symptoms of deficiency or overdose of vitamin D.

Without vitamin D, it is impossible to imagine the full functioning of the body and maintaining good health. Its beneficial properties are already manifested at the cellular level, and then they are transferred to the work of organs and their systems, ensuring the flow of all biochemical reactions.

Not all people receive the required amount of the nutrient, which has already become commonplace, but is fraught with side effects and deterioration in health. To make up for the lack, many resort to the use of supplements. But if such drugs are used incorrectly and do not follow the instructions, vitamin D can accumulate in the body and even reach the toxic limit. Vitamin D side effects are very unpleasant.

This is extremely dangerous and requires medical intervention to restore normal health to the body.

The following article discusses 6 dangerous side effects of overconsumption of the nutrient.

What is the danger of deficiency and excess of vitamin D

“Sunshine” vitamin takes part in calcium absorption reactions, increases the body’s immune function and strengthens the bone system, as well as muscle tissue and heart. The trace element enters our body with natural food or is produced in a certain amount on our own when we are under the sun – after the rays hit the skin, the vitamin is generated and enters our body.

In addition to being found in fatty fish, vitamin D3 is also found in other nutritious foods. Many people fail to consume the required amount of the nutrient, it is not always possible to walk or work in sunlight. All this provokes a lack of a microelement in the body and even leads to its acute form – deficiency.

According to statistics, approximately 1 billion people on the planet cannot get enough vitamin D.

The easiest way to fill the gap is to use nutritional supplements. Both forms of solar vitamin D3 and D2 can be obtained from special food preparations. D3 is a form of vitamin that is produced by the interaction of sunlight and human skin, and D2 is a form of a substance that is found in plant foods.

Scientists have found that vitamin D3 contributes much more to the saturation of the blood with the nutrient than its second form – D2. According to the results of studies, it was found that every 100 IU of D3 consumed by a person during the day increases the level of vitamin in the blood by about 1 ng / ml, 2. 5 nmol / l.

But when taking high doses of a substance for a long period, an accumulation effect occurs, which then acquires the character of toxicity and danger to the body. When its content in the blood rises to more than 150 ng / ml, or 375 nmol / l, intoxication occurs. The accumulation of the vitamin is concentrated in body fat, then there is a slow process of its release into the bloodstream. Thus, the toxic effects caused by an overdose of vitamin D can last for several months and even after you stop taking the supplement.

It is noteworthy that this effect is not common and is more common among people who take supplements for a long period, exceeding the doses indicated in the instructions, which does not allow you to control the level of the vitamin in the blood.

Inadvertently exceeding the daily allowance of a nutrient when supplements are used if the composition of the preparation contains much more of it than indicated on the label cannot be ruled out.

If you get the sunshine vitamin only naturally, that is, from exposure to the sun or through a balanced diet, there is no risk of excessive accumulation of the substance in the body.

6 side effects of vitamin D overdose and the features of each of them (vitamin D contraindications)

Increases the level of a substance in the blood new diseases and osteoporosis. However, there is no exact definition of the optimal range for vitamin doses.

30 ng/mL, or 75 nmol/L, of vitamin D is considered adequate. However, Council officials recommend maintaining levels of 40-80 ng/mL, or 100-200 nmol/L. Going beyond the norm of 100 ng / ml, or 250 nmol / l, is already harmful to health.

Now more and more people are starting to use vitamin supplements, and it is simply impossible to meet someone who has an excess of a nutrient in the blood.

A recent study was conducted on 20,000 people over a 10-year time period. It was found that in 37 subjects, the level was above 100 ng / ml, or 250 nmol / l. One participant was diagnosed with true toxicity at a dose of 364 ng/mL, or 899 nmol/L.

Another study calculated a woman’s blood volume of the vitamin at 476 ng/mL, or 1171 nmol/L, from supplementation at a dosage of 186900 IU per day for 60 days. This is 47 times the safe upper limit of 4000 IU per day.

A woman was hospitalized when she began to show symptoms of weakness, forgetfulness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, slurred speech.

Increases the level of calcium in the blood

With the help of vitamin D3, calcium from consumed foods is well and correctly absorbed. And this is one of the key functions of the nutrient in our body.

But with an excess of intake of a substance in the body, the level of calcium in the blood also rises, which in this case causes discomfort, disrupts the functioning of the body and is accompanied by potentially dangerous symptoms.

Suspicion of hypercalcemia (exceeding the normal level of a mineral in the blood) is manifested through:

Normal blood levels of calcium are 8.5-10.2 mg/dL, or 2.1-2.5 mmol/L.

An experiment with an elderly man suffering from dementia showed that he consumed 50,000 IU of vitamin D every day for six months, which led to him being often hospitalized with symptoms very similar to or associated with hypercalcemia.

Another case was referred to the health of two men who were taking mislabeled supplements that resulted in excess calcium levels of 13.2-15 mg/dl, or 3.3-3.7 mmol/l.

Only after a year of rehabilitation procedures and a proper diet, the volume of the mineral in the blood returned to normal.

Symptoms of nausea, vomiting, poor appetite

With an excess of trace elements, most of the symptoms that appear are always associated with an increase in calcium levels. In particular, this manifests itself through nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.

But not all people with hypercalcemia have the symptoms listed above.

A study in a group of 10 people with elevated calcium levels due to vitamin D overdose found that four people experienced nausea and vomiting and another three had loss of appetite.

Such reactions of the body to excessive intake of the nutrient have been recorded in various other experiments. After taking the supplement, the woman complained of nausea and weight loss. The preparation she used contained 78 times the required dose of solar vitamin. And it didn’t match the information on the label.

In cases like these, where the body responded to overvitamination, blood calcium levels were 12 mg/dL, or 3. 0 mmol/L.

Symptoms of abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea

Symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, constipation or diarrhea often occur in cases of digestive dysfunction or disorder. They may be associated with food intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But in the case of an excess of vitamin D are also found.

Such manifestations are characteristic of people who receive too large doses of trace elements to eliminate vitamin D deficiency. In this case, in each case, everything is individual.

One study suggested that a boy complained of abdominal pain and constipation after taking mislabeled vitamin supplements, and his taker was asymptomatic, both of whom overdosed.

Another experiment was carried out on an 18-month-old child – he was given 50,000 IU of vitamin B3 for 90 days. As a result, the body protested with diarrhea, abdominal pain and other unpleasant phenomena. When the supplementation ended, the symptoms immediately disappeared.

Reduced bone mass

Vitamin D is directly related to calcium absorption and bone metabolism, so the body needs to receive the right dose of the substance in order for all the bones in the body to be strong and healthy.

But if the dosage is exceeded, it negatively affects the organs and tissues.

While oversaturation of the sunshine vitamin is always associated with elevated levels of the mineral in the blood, researchers believe that such megadoses can cause a drastic reduction in vitamin K2 in the blood.

K2 is necessary to retain calcium in bone tissue and blood, and due to a supersaturation of vitamin D, the activity of the mentioned nutrient decreases.

To maintain normal bone mass and overall health, you need to control your vitamin D supplementation and remember to saturate your body with vitamin K2. The latter is best obtained from natural sources – dairy products and meat.

Manifestation of kidney failure

If there is an excess of vitamin D in the body, this negatively affects the functioning of the kidneys.

One case study induced a man to be hospitalized with symptoms of kidney failure, hypercalcemia, and other adverse events following a vitamin shot. Initially, the patient received such a recommendation from a doctor.

There are many studies that report moderate to severe impairment of kidney function in people who suffer from solar vitamin overload.

An experiment involving 62 people who received high doses of vitamin D by injection showed that every participant experienced kidney failure. And this did not depend on whether he had initially healthy kidneys or already had other diseases with the organ.

This pathology is treated with oral or intravenous hydration and special medicines.

To summarize

Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient for the overall health of our bodies. If you eat properly and balanced, this does not exclude the possibility that you may need to take supplements to normalize the level of the nutrient in the blood.

But too much vitamin is also bad. It is important to avoid excessive dosages. The maximum allowable daily intake is 4000 IU – this is quite safe if you control blood counts.

When buying nutritional vitamin supplements, it is important to choose products from trusted manufacturers, otherwise the risk of overdose due to mislabels increases.

If you experience any of the strange symptoms or negative sensations described in this article while taking vitamin D supplements, seek immediate medical attention.

value, consumption norms, consequences of vitamin D deficiency

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