Vitamin D is very important for the development of strong bones, immune system support and overall health, however too much of it can be detrimental.
Unlike the majority of vitamins, Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it is stored in the body as opposed to being easily excreted.
While excessive amounts of Vitamin D (usually via supplements and not sun light or food) will cause a condition called Vitamin D toxicity or hypervitaminosis D.
The primary problem created by excessive amounts of Vitamin D is an abnormal increase in calcium in the blood, referred to as hypercalcemia.
Early Signs of Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia can manifest itself at the onset of excessive use of Vitamin D as some common early symptoms of hypercalcemia include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of Appetite
- Extreme Thirst
- Frequent Urination
Some individuals have reported excessive fatigue, weakness and mental fogginess as well.
What Happens as Calcium Levels Rise
As the calcium levels in the blood continue to build-up and get progressively higher, the adverse effects on the body will continue to escalate.
Elevated calcium levels in the blood will adversely affect renal function.
Renal failure caused by elevated calcium levels in the blood can result in the formation of kidney stones, or chronic kidney disease.
Severe Complications
In extreme instances, excess calcium can precipitate out in the soft tissue of various parts of the body (such as the heart, lungs, blood vessels, etc.) which could ultimately lead to increased cardiovascular risks.
Some neurological side effects of excessive Vitamin D can include:
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Severe cardiac arrhythmias
Why Vitamin D Toxicity Is Dangerous
The reason why Vitamin D toxicity is so hazardous is due to the fact that it progresses slowly, and most individuals who develop Vitamin D toxicity are under the assumption that their supplements are beneficial and do not realize that they are in danger until it is too late.
Is It Common?
Fortunately, Vitamin D toxicity is extremely rare and is generally avoidable.
Vitamin D toxicity has rarely been documented to occur via natural means (i.e. sun exposure or dietary consumption), and is generally a direct result of excessive supplementation, usually via high dose capsule products, used by individuals for extended periods of time without consulting a physician.
Safe Intake and Treatment
All major health organizations provide recommendations for safe daily upper limits (typically in the range of approximately 4,000 I.U. per day for adults), and if excessive levels of Vitamin D are detected, most physicians would recommend discontinuing the supplement(s) and treating the patient to reduce the calcium levels.