Side Effects of Vitamin D: 5 Health Complications Caused Due to Vitamin D Toxicity

Due to the increasing awareness of vitamin D deficiency and related health problems, vitamin D has become a popular supplement and its use has increased markedly.

Vitamin D Side Effects: Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem. Mostly people talk about how being low in vitamin D is a very common health condition and what the signs and symptoms are. However, sometimes people also experience vitamin D toxicity. It’s basically too much vitamin D in the body and its side effects. Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining health. It is necessary for the growth and development of your muscle cells, the proper functioning of the innate and adaptive immune system, the maintenance of the health of your skeletal system, and more.

The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is the buildup of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. Vitamin D toxicity can progress to bone pain and kidney problems, such as calcium stone formation.

VITAMIN D SIDE EFFECTS: 5 HEALTH COMPLICATIONS

According to a Healthline report, for vitamin D to reach toxic or dangerous levels in the body, it must exceed 100 nanograms (ng) per milliliter (mL).

1. Elevated blood level: High levels of intake of vitamin D supplements can cause an increase in the level of vitamin D in the blood that affects the functioning of internal organs.
2. Elevated calcium levels: Vitamin D is important for the body as it also helps absorb calcium from the diet we take. This can lead to the development of hypercalcemia which affects the rate of calcium absorption and causes further distress in the body.
3. Gastrointestinal symptoms: Due to the dangerously high levels of vitamin D, there will also be an increase in calcium levels. This can further affect gut health. It can cause digestive upset, nausea, constipation, stomach pain, etc.
4. altered mental health: Depression, mood swings, psychosis or a feeling of confusion are another set of symptoms caused by hypercalcemia. It also further affects mental health. In extreme cases, coma has been reported.
5. Kidney complications: This is because having too much vitamin D in the body can lead to high calcium levels, which can lead to water loss due to excessive urination and calcification of the kidneys. Hypercalcemia can also cause the blood vessels in the kidneys to constrict, leading to decreased kidney function.

Due to the increasing awareness of vitamin D deficiency and related health problems, vitamin D has become a popular supplement and its use has increased markedly. An increase in the intake of vitamin D supplements by the general population and an increasing number of prescriptions of therapeutic doses (including very high doses) without medical supervision could lead to an increased risk of exogenous hypervitaminosis D, with symptoms of hypercalcemia. also known as vitamin D toxicity.

Treatment includes stopping vitamin D intake and restricting calcium in the diet. Your doctor may also prescribe intravenous fluids and medications, such as corticosteroids or bisphosphonates.

To be on the safe side, it’s best to always consult a doctor or dietitian before starting any supplementation or increasing the amount you take of vitamin D supplements.