What are the potential side effects of taking too much vitamin D? Can excessive intake lead to vitamin D toxicity? Find out the recommended daily intake and maximum safe dosage.

Understanding Vitamin D Recommendations

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bones and muscles. Recently, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) reviewed and revised the recommendations for vitamin D intake. The recommended daily intake has been increased for most age groups, but not as much as some health professionals had called for.

The IOM panel recognized that it can be challenging for people to obtain all the vitamin D they need through food sources alone, as there are limited options. Exposure to sunlight, the traditional source of vitamin D, must also be limited to decrease the risk of skin cancer. As a result, vitamin D supplements have become increasingly important for certain groups, such as those with dark skin, living in northern latitudes, elderly individuals, and those unable to spend time outdoors.

Vitamin D Toxicity: Excessive Intake and its Consequences

While vitamin D is essential, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Excessive intake of vitamin D over a prolonged period can lead to a condition known as vitamin D toxicity. This can result in a range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, painful muscles, kidney damage, and high blood pressure.

In some cases, vitamin D toxicity has been caused by individuals taking supplements that contained much more than the labeled amount of the nutrient. In one instance, a child was given large amounts of an imported vitamin D supplement, leading to the development of toxic levels.

Recommended Daily Intake and Maximum Safe Dosage

The new recommendations from the IOM provide guidance on the appropriate intake of vitamin D. The table on the National Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine website outlines the recommended daily intake for different age groups, as well as the maximum daily amount that can be taken without the risk of toxicity.

It is important to note that anyone considering taking higher doses of vitamin D should do so only with the recommendation and supervision of a healthcare professional. Vitamin D supplements should also be stored safely out of children’s reach, as a large one-time dose could potentially cause harm if ingested.

Recognizing and Responding to Vitamin D Toxicity

What are the signs and symptoms of vitamin D toxicity? If someone has taken a large amount of vitamin D, what should they do?

The signs and symptoms of vitamin D toxicity can include nausea, vomiting, painful muscles, kidney damage, and high blood pressure. If you suspect someone has taken a large amount of vitamin D, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. You can use the webPOISONCONTROL® online tool for guidance or call Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222.

Balancing Vitamin D Intake for Optimal Health

How can individuals ensure they are getting the right amount of vitamin D without risking toxicity? What factors should be considered when determining the appropriate supplementation?

To maintain optimal vitamin D levels, it is important to balance dietary intake, sun exposure, and supplementation. Healthcare professionals can help individuals assess their individual needs and recommend the appropriate dosage. It is crucial to follow the recommended guidelines and not exceed the maximum safe daily intake without medical supervision.

The Role of Vitamin D in Overall Health

In addition to its importance for bone and muscle health, research has suggested that low levels of vitamin D may be associated with a range of chronic illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and depression. However, the findings on the health consequences of low vitamin D levels are not entirely consistent, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship.

Despite the ongoing scientific debate, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels through a balanced approach to diet, sun exposure, and supplementation, if necessary, can be an important step in supporting overall health and well-being.

Conclusion

Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient, but it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Excessive intake can lead to vitamin D toxicity, which can cause a range of unpleasant and potentially serious symptoms. By understanding the recommended daily intake and maximum safe dosage, individuals can work with healthcare professionals to ensure they are getting the right amount of vitamin D to support their health without risking toxicity.

Vitamin D: New Recommendations

The Full Story

on the National Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine website

Vitamin D, along with calcium, is essential for developing and maintaining strong bones and muscles. It is sometimes called “the sunshine vitamin” because our bodies manufacture vitamin D when we’re out in the sun. Other sources of vitamin D are fortified milk, fortified juice, fatty fish, and beef liver. Multiple vitamin preparations contain vitamin D, as do vitamin D supplements and calcium supplements with added vitamin D.

Recently, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) reviewed and revised recommendations for vitamin D. The recommended daily intake has been increased for most age groups, but not as much as some health professionals called for.

Over the past few years, some researchers have associated low levels of vitamin D with a number of chronic illnesses. Cancer, heart disease, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, diabetes, depression, and asthma are among them. Based on these studies, the popular press has joined some health professionals in promoting widespread testing for vitamin D deficiency and for substantial vitamin D supplementation.

It is possible to measure forms of vitamin D in the bloodstream, though not all methods are standardized. IOM noted that there are no accepted standards for assessing “low” vitamin D levels; what’s considered inadequate in some studies is adequate or even excessive in others. IOM also noted that research findings about the health consequences of low vitamin D are not consistent. In some cases, the findings are contradictory.

There is agreement that large excess intake of vitamin D over a long period of time can cause vitamin D poisoning, although this is uncommon. Effects can include nausea, vomiting, painful muscles, kidney damage, and high blood pressure. In one case, a child was given large amounts of an imported vitamin D supplement; in others, adults took supplements that contained much more than the labeled amount of Vitamin D.

The IOM panel recognized that it can be hard for people to obtain all of the vitamin D they need through foods, as there are limited food sources. Also, exposure to sunlight, the traditional source of vitamin D, must be limited to decrease the risk of skin cancer. There are groups of people who are unable to achieve much sun exposure anyway: people with dark skin; those who live at northern latitudes; elderly people who have higher requirements; and people who are unable to spend time outdoors, for example, patients in nursing homes. For many, vitamin D supplements are necessary for bone health and muscle strength.

A summary of the new recommendations for vitamin D and calcium supplementation can be found on the National Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine website. The table provides the recommended intake for different age groups. Also provided is the maximum that can be taken daily without a risk of toxicity.

Anyone considering taking higher doses of vitamin D should do so only with the recommendation and supervision of a health professional. As with all medicines, vitamin D supplements should be stored safely out of children’s reach. A large one-time dose should not cause harm, but a child who regularly swallows large amounts could be at risk of poisoning.

For questions about vitamin D poisoning, or if you suspect that someone has taken a large amount, use the webPOISONCONTROL^{® online tool for guidance or call Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222.}

Rose Ann Gould Soloway, RN, BSN, MSEd, DABAT emerita
Clinical Toxicologist

Poisoned?

Call


1-800-222-1222


or

HELP ME online

Prevention Tips

As with all medicines, vitamin D supplements should be stored safely out of children’s reach. A large one-time dose should not cause harm, but a child who regularly swallows large amounts could be at risk of poisoning.

This Really Happened

A 33-year-old woman overdosed on her vitamin D supplement. She was prescribed 50,000 IU once per week for a total of 12 weeks. She was also prescribed a daily dose of 400 IU for a total of one year. Instead of taking the 50,000 IU on a weekly basis, she took it once every day for 12 days. In addition to this, she was taking the 400 IU per day. She called Poison Control when she realized the mistake.

At the time of the call, the patient was experiencing symptoms typical of vitamin D toxicity. The patient complained of a headache, vomiting, nausea, and weakness. Poison Control was concerned about the patient’s symptoms as well as the dose taken – the dose could potentially lead to elevated calcium levels.

This was not a life-threatening emergency, but Poison Control told the caller that she needed a medical evaluation. The patient contacted her primary doctor and was to see him to have her calcium level checked.

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For More Information

Vitamin D Fact Sheet (NIH)

References

Barrueta F, Wang-Flores HH, Howland MA, Hoffman RS, Nelson LS. Acute vitamin D intoxication in a child. Pediatrics 2005; 115:e453-e456.

Chowdhury R, Kunutsor S, Vitezova A, Oliver-Williams C, Chowdhury S, Kiefte-de-Jong JC, Khan H, Baena CP, Prabhakaran D, Hoshen MB, Feldman BS, Pan A, Johnson L, Crowe F, Hu FB, Franco OH. Vitamin D and risk of cause specific death: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational cohort and randomised intervention studies. BMJ 2014;348:g1903 doi: 10.1136/bmj.g1903 (Published 1 April 2014).

Holick MF. Vitamin D deficiency. N Engl J Med 2007;357:266-81.

National Research Council. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 2011.

Theodoratou E, Tzoulaki I, Zgaga L, Ioannidis JPA. Vitamin D and multiple health outcomes: umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies and randomized trials. BMJ 2014;348:g2035 doi: 10.1136/bmj.g2035 (Published 1 April 2014).

Poisoned?

Call


1-800-222-1222


or

HELP ME online

Prevention Tips

As with all medicines, vitamin D supplements should be stored safely out of children’s reach. A large one-time dose should not cause harm, but a child who regularly swallows large amounts could be at risk of poisoning.

This Really Happened

A 33-year-old woman overdosed on her vitamin D supplement. She was prescribed 50,000 IU once per week for a total of 12 weeks. She was also prescribed a daily dose of 400 IU for a total of one year. Instead of taking the 50,000 IU on a weekly basis, she took it once every day for 12 days. In addition to this, she was taking the 400 IU per day. She called Poison Control when she realized the mistake.

At the time of the call, the patient was experiencing symptoms typical of vitamin D toxicity. The patient complained of a headache, vomiting, nausea, and weakness. Poison Control was concerned about the patient’s symptoms as well as the dose taken – the dose could potentially lead to elevated calcium levels.

This was not a life-threatening emergency, but Poison Control told the caller that she needed a medical evaluation. The patient contacted her primary doctor and was to see him to have her calcium level checked.

9 vitamin D deficiency symptoms (and 10 high vitamin D foods)

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for health. It keeps your bones strong, can improve your mental health and helps you sleep.

According to the National Institutes of Health, almost 1 in 4 U.S. adults are considered low in vitamin D. Symptoms depend on how severe the deficiency is and the person. 

Vitamin D deficiency has become more common over the past several years. The University Health Center occasionally screens for this condition in patients struggling with fatigue, depressive symptoms and bone issues.

Health center provider Sarah Wallingford, PA, shares what vitamin D deficiency looks like – and three ways to overcome it. 

Symptoms when vitamin D is low

Most people with vitamin D deficiency are asymptomatic. However, if you’re exhausted, your bones hurt, you have muscle weakness or mood changes, that’s an indication that something may be abnormal with your body.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include:

1. Fatigue
2. Not sleeping well
3. Bone pain or achiness
4. Depression or feelings of sadness
5. Hair loss
6. Muscle weakness
7. Loss of appetite
8. Getting sick more easily
9. Pale skin

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to see a medical professional. They may do a blood test to check your vitamin D levels to see if they are within normal range.  

Get vitamin D from food

5 foods naturally high in vitamin D:

• Fatty fish like salmon, trout, tuna and mackerel
• Canned fish like herring and sardines
• Egg yolks
• Beef liver
• Fish liver

5 vitamin D fortified foods:

• Breakfast cereals 
• Milk 
• Almond milk
• Soy milk
• Orange juice 

Since there aren’t a lot of naturally occurring vitamin D foods, many products are enriched with vitamin D. Always check the nutrition label to  ensure there’s vitamin D added.

Get vitamin D from sunlight

When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun, your body creates vitamin D.

Make time daily to get out in the sun. If you don’t have classes, work or commitments scheduled that require you to go outside for the day, set aside a few minutes to take a quick walk, even if it’s just around your residence hall or the block. Remember to wear sunscreen, even on cloudy, gloomy days.

If you don’t get regular sunlight, you may need to increase your dietary intake or take a vitamin D supplement.

Take a vitamin D supplement

Most people should be taking a vitamin D supplement, Wallingford says.

Vitamin D has two main forms: D2 and D3. You can absorb both types in your body. Still, studies have shown that vitamin D3 raises your levels more effectively than vitamin D2. For this reason, Wallingford recommends over-the-counter supplements that contain vitamin D3 or taking a cod liver oil supplement. Vitamin D3 supplements can be purchased at the University Health Center pharmacy.

The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin D for young adults is 600 international units. A doctor may prescribe  a prescription-strength dose of vitamin D if your levels are severely low.

Are vitamin D supplements safe?

Yes. A vitamin D supplement doesn’t cause many adverse effects at recommended doses. What you don’t use, your body usually urinates out, so it’s difficult to overdose on vitamin D unless you are taking massive doses.

Extremely high vitamin D levels are harmful and can cause nausea, vomiting, confusion, excessive thirst and kidney stones. Vitamin D supplements can interact with certain medications, so check with your doctor before starting one.

Who is more at risk for vitamin D deficiency?

People with darker skin are much better protected from UV rays but also need to spend more time in the sun than people with lighter skin to produce the same amount of vitamin D. Non-Hispanic Black people generally have higher rates of vitamin D deficiency. The darker your skin, the less vitamin D you make from sunlight exposure. People who are obese, those with osteoporosis, and people with malabsorption disorders like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease are also at risk for vitamin D deficiency.

If you are concerned you have low vitamin D levels and would like to talk to a doctor about it, schedule an appointment at the University Health Center by calling 402.472.5000.

Every second person has a deficiency of this vitamin, and its excess destroys the kidneys

• Health

More than half of Russians experience vitamin D deficiency. But as doctors say, this is not a reason to uncontrollably drink supplements with the “sunshine” vitamin. An overdose can seriously affect the kidneys and liver.

July 13, 2022

Source:

iStockphoto

According to experts, taking any vitamin should be taken as seriously as taking medication. They, too, can have side effects and consequences from an overdose. And vitamin D is no exception.

– Vitamin D overdose cannot be caused by prolonged exposure to the sun or by eating large amounts of foods rich in it. It develops against the background of taking supplements containing vitamin D in large quantities and is associated with its accumulation in the body,” explained Olga Malinovskaya, ^{head of the medical department of the federal network of medical laboratories KDL.}

According to the expert, an overdose of this vitamin in adults can lead to:

• accumulation of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia),

• loss of appetite,

• nausea and vomiting, 007

• kidney problems.

That is why experts urge not to lean on supplements – the required dose should be determined individually and it is better if the doctor does this after studying the test results.

In children, the consequences can be even more serious, from calcium deposits in the internal organs to toxic hepatitis and insufficient kidney function. Experts recalled that when taking vitamin D supplements, it is necessary to periodically monitor the level of 25-OH vitamin D in total and the level of total calcium in the blood.

What is vitamin D responsible for

• for the absorption of phosphorus and calcium,

• regulates bone strength,

• ensures the normal functioning of the immune system and metabolism,

  9 0004

• reduces the risk of diabetes and cancer.

In Russia, to prevent vitamin D deficiency, people aged 18 to 50 years old, doctors recommend getting at least 600-800 IU of vitamin per day, over 50 – about 800-1000 IU.

Read HERE about vitamin D deficiency.

See also

Hospital bed instead of good

Taking a popular vitamin D supplement brought a British man to the hospital. After a visit to a private nutritionist, the man began taking a variety of over-the-counter supplements every day, including 50,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D three times a day—hundreds of times the recommended daily allowance.

The reaction of the body was not long in coming – soon the man began to suffer from nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea and repeated bouts of vomiting, as well as leg cramps and ringing in the ears. After the onset of symptoms, he stopped taking the supplement, but his condition did not improve. Two months later, when the Briton was already admitted to the hospital, he lost more than 12 kilograms and began to suffer from kidney problems. Tests showed that he had hypervitaminosis D.

This case is reported by CNN, citing BMJ Case Reports. As the newspaper writes, unlike water-soluble vitamins, which the body can easily remove, vitamin D and its “relatives” – vitamins A, E and K are stored in the liver and fat cells until they are needed. Because of this, consuming much more than the recommended daily dose can lead to toxicity.

See also

Where to get vitamin D

The body produces enough vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. In fact, spending 10 to 15 minutes at the beach in a swimsuit in the summer provides between 10,000 and 20,000 IU of vitamin D3 in fair-skinned adults, according to CNN experts. It should be borne in mind that being under the scorching sun for a long time is not recommended due to the risk of skin cancer, and sunscreens can reduce the body’s ability to process this vitamin.

You can also get vitamin D from food. In addition to enriched foods, it is contained in

Text author: Anastasia Romanova

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meaning, consumption rates, consequences of vitamin D deficiency

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