If you experience stomach discomfort, mental health issues, or kidney troubles, you could be suffering from too much vitamin D. Vitamin D excess can show up on blood tests.
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining health. It's essential for the development and growth of muscle cells, the proper functioning of the adaptive and innate immune systems, the overall health of the skeletal structure, and many other functions.
Since vitamin D insufficiency has become more prevalent, most people take vitamin D supplements to help maintain good levels of vitamin D. However, taking too high levels of vitamin D could result in health issues.
Are there any commonly reported negative side effects from taking excess vitamin D3?
The signs of vitamin D's toxicity include:
Blood levels are elevated
Vitamin D must be above 100 nanograms (ng) per milliliter (mL) to attain dangerous or toxic levels within the body.
Vitamin D excess is blood vitamin D levels greater than 100 ng/mL. Vitamin D toxication or hypervitaminosis is a serum level above 150 ng/mL.
The recommendations for the best vitamin D levels differ; however, research suggests that 30 and 60 ng/mL levels are likely ideal and could help protect against disease.
Even if you're using high-dose vitamin D supplementation, the level of blood vitamin D is unlikely to be close to exceeding toxic levels.
Most instances of vitamin D toxicities result from inadequate dosage of supplements and prescription mistakes.
In an article in 2020 on a case report in which a man aged 73 was diagnosed with vitamin D toxicity following having taken 10,000 IU of vitamin D each day for a long time.
In a different case report from 2020, the woman was 56 years old. She consumed at least 130,000 IU of vitamin D each day for 20 months with the hope of easing the symptoms of MS and was admitted to the hospital for symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, nausea, and muscle weakening.
The vitamin D levels in her blood were found at 265 ng/mL, equivalent to 130,000 IU and 30 times the normally suggested safe maximum of 4,040 IU per day.
Remember that people who are insufficient or weak in vitamin D might have to consume much more than the upper limit to achieve and maintain optimal vitamin D levels.
But, be sure to seek advice from a medical professional regarding what dosage to use. This will allow you to avoid the risk of taking a dose that is not safe or appropriate.
SUMMARY
Vitamin D levels that exceed 100 ng/mL can be dangerous. In instances where individuals took megadoses (very large amounts) of vitamin D supplements over long durations, symptoms of toxicity have been observed when blood levels are extremely high.
The blood calcium levels are elevated.
Vitamin D aids your body take in calcium from foods you consume. It is among its primary functions.
If Vitamin D consumption is too high, your blood calcium could be at levels that could cause discomfort and even harmful symptoms.
The signs of vitamin D-related toxicity are caused by hypercalcemia, which is a term used to describe an excessively high blood calcium level.
The symptoms of hypercalcemia are:
- digestive discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach discomfort
- Hallucinations, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion
- Appetit loss
- frequent urination
- kidney stones, kidney injuries, and even kidney failure
- abnormal heart rhythms
- dehydration
The normal range for blood calcium ranges between 8.5-10.8 mg/dL.
Hypercalcemia usually develops when individuals consume massive doses of vitamin D over long periods.
Research suggests that those taking more than 10,000 IU of vitamin D daily with symptoms must be tested for hypercalcemia.
In the case report for 2020 mentioned earlier, the patient who consumed an average of 130,000 IU of vitamin D each day for 20 months was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of hypercalcemia.
The symptoms included nausea and nausea, muscle weakness, and kidney injuries. Her blood calcium levels were 3.23 Mmol/L (12.9 mg/dL).
Hypercalcemia is a life-threatening condition and requires medical attention immediately.
SUMMARY
Consuming excess vitamin D can cause excess absorption of calcium, which could lead to many hazardous signs.
Gastrointestinal symptoms
The most significant adverse effect of high vitamin D levels is due to calcium levels that are too high in the blood.
Some of the most common signs of hypercalcemia are:
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhea
- poor appetite
However, not all patients who suffer from hypercalcemia have similar symptoms.
One woman was ill with an increase in weight and nausea following the consumption of the supplement, which was later discovered to contain both 78 and 79 times the amount of Vitamin D the amount stated on the bottle.
These symptoms resulted from extremely large doses of vitamin D3, which caused calcium levels to exceed 12 mg/dL.
For instance, an 18-month-old child who received the requisite 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 over three months was suffering from stomach pain, diarrhea, and other signs. The symptoms disappeared when the child removed the supplement.
SUMMARY
Vitamin D intake can raise levels of calcium present in the blood. Too much calcium may cause adverse negative effects. Consuming large amounts of Vitamin D, you could suffer stomach discomfort, constipation, nausea, or diarrhea because of increased calcium levels.
Changes in mental state
Hypercalcemia can cause a change in mental health in those suffering from Vitamin D toxicity.
Vitamin D-toxic hypercalcemia typically experiences symptoms such as depression, confusion, or psychosis. In extreme cases, comas have been observed.
In a 2021 case study, the man was 64 years old and accidentally consumed 200,000 IU of vitamin D daily because he was not following the instructions. He was diagnosed with an altered mental state as well as other severe symptoms due to hypercalcemia.
He was agitated and confused during the initial 10 days in the hospital. However, his symptoms began to improve when his calcium levels fell. It took around 18 days for the calcium levels to return to normal.
SUMMARY
Vitamin D toxicities can lead to symptoms such as agitation, confusion, and unresponsiveness. These may also result from elevated calcium levels that high doses of vitamin D can trigger.
Kidney problems
In some instances, vitamin D toxicity may cause kidney damage and even kidney failure.
This is because excessive vitamin D within the body could result in excessive calcium levels, leading to water loss due to excessive excretion and calcification of the kidneys.
Hypercalcemia also causes the blood vessels in the kidneys to narrow and cause a decrease in kidney function.
Indeed, numerous studies have documented moderate to severe kidney damage in those who are affected by vitamin D.
Incredibly, vitamin D deficiency can also affect kidneys and cause severe complications in people suffering from kidney disease. This is one reason why maintaining the optimal vitamin D level is vital.
SUMMARY
A high intake of vitamin D can cause kidney damage and may even cause kidney failure in some instances because of elevated calcium levels.
What is the cause of the vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D supplements are incredibly safe, and toxicities are rare. This is because a healthy individual would have to consume massive amounts of vitamin D over a long period of time to reach dangerous or toxic levels in the body.
However, the toxicity of vitamin D is more prevalent in those suffering from medical conditions. This includes:
- granulomatous disorders
- congenital disorders
- Some lymphomas
- The metabolism of vitamin D is regulated but not optimally.
While it is not common although it is not common, vitamin D is toxic, particularly in the following cases:
- accidental overdose
- prescription errors
- The misuse of high dosages of vitamin D supplements
Vitamin D toxicities are known under various names, such as vitamin D intoxication.
Vitamin D supplement security
Medical professionals may suggest that those extremely deficient in vitamin D take 10,000 IU of vitamin D every week for eight weeks, then 220 IU daily after the levels reach 30 ng/mL.
Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage of vitamin D based on your blood level and general health.
Although vitamin D toxicity isn't commonplace, you could be at risk if you take over-the-counter vitamin D supplements or are prescribed vitamin D supplementation or injectables.
If you're taking large doses of vitamin D or Vitamin D shots, your physician will closely monitor your vitamin D levels to ensure they don't become dangerous.
Do not take supplements with high dosages of vitamin D supplements unless your physician suggests them.
SUMMARY
Vitamin D deficiency is quite common, so many individuals require Vitamin D supplementation. It is important to avoid taking large doses of vitamin D unless under the supervision of a medical specialist.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three benefits of Vitamin D for your body?
Vitamin D is a vitamin that has three primary purposes in your body. It aids your body in absorbing calcium, thereby preventing osteoporosis. Additionally, it assists in making sure the nerves and muscles function correctly and is essential for your immune system to combat viral and bacterial illnesses.
Does your body respond if you take the recommended dose of vitamin D each day?
If you take vitamin D regularly and experience a variety of advantages, including your bones being healthier, your muscles and nerves might function correctly, and your immunity could receive help in fighting off viral or bacterial diseases.
What are the most significant consequences of vitamin D?
Vitamin D can strengthen bones, improve nerve and muscle function, and reduce illness caused by viruses or bacteria.
The Bottom Line
Vitamin D is crucial for overall well-being. Even if you eat the proper diet, you may require supplements to maintain an ideal blood level.
It is also possible to consume excessive amounts of good things. Be sure to avoid vitamin D overdoses. Supplementation of 4000 IU or less per day is considered safe for people with adequate vitamin D levels.