Vitamin D is one of the most essential nutrients for the body. It is fat,-soluble, like vitamins A, E, and K. Its primary functions include bone health, protection from infection and disease, immune function, lowering the risk of certain cancers, and improving cardiovascular health.
Vitamin A D can be found in certain foods, in sunlight, and in vitamin D supplements. In general, food and sunlight provide sufficient vitamin D intake. Not everyone needs to take vitamin D supplements to meet their vitamin D requirements. In fact, overconsumption of vitamin D supplements can result in vitamin D toxicity.
What is vitamin D poisoning?
Vitamin D poisoning is also called hypervitaminosis D. This condition is caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Taking vitamin D supplements at very high doses, above the recommended limit
- Taking vitamin D supplements without consulting a doctor can lead to the accumulation of vitamin D in the body
- Lack of monitoring of vitamin D levels in the body
The recommended daily vitamin D intake varies according to your specific condition and needs. However, taking high doses of vitamin D supplements (more than 10,000 IU per day) is thought to cause toxicity in most people.
Signs of vitamin D poisoning
Excess vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia. This is a condition in which the blood calcium levels are higher than normal. Too much calcium in the blood can cause bone weakness and kidney stones and interfere with heart and brain function.
Here are some of the signs that you have hypervitaminosis D or vitamin D toxicity:
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Dehydration
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Confusion
- Weakness and fatigue
- Muscle weakness and difficulty walking
- Pain in the bones
Test for vitamin D poisoning
The majority of vitamin D toxicity symptoms are similar to those of common illnesses, necessitating a medical evaluation to make an accurate diagnosis. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, see your doctor and have blood tests to determine your vitamin D and calcium levels in your blood.
If there is evidence of excess vitamin D, the doctor may advise discontinuing vitamin D supplementation, administering an IV to treat dehydration, administering corticosteroid and bisphosphonate medications in the event of severe poisoning, or adjusting the dosage of vitamin D supplements taken.
To avoid vitamin D poisoning, consult your doctor before taking vitamin D supplements and follow the instructions for use and dosage. It is also important to keep vitamin D supplements away from children to prevent accidental vitamin D consumption.
Want to know more about the dose of vitamin D according to your needs? You can make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr Nadia Opmalina
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. (2022). What is vitamin D toxicity? Should I be worried about taking supplements?. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/vitamin-d-toxicity/faq-20058108
Franziska Spritzler and Jillian Kubala, MS, RD (2024). What Are the Symptoms of Too Much Vitamin D?. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d-side-effects
Cleveland Clinic (2023). Vitamin D Toxicity (Hypervitaminosis D). Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24750-vitamin-d-toxicity-hypervitaminosis-d
Harvard TH Chan (2023). Vitamin D. Available from: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/
Medline Plus (2021). Hypervitaminosis D. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001594.htm
Mayo Clinic (2023). Hypercalcemia. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypercalcemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355523
