Important Warning: When Vitamin D Can Become Harmful
The headline “Stop taking vitamin D immediately if you have these 4 symptoms” needs some context. Vitamin D is essential, and most people can take recommended amounts safely. Problems generally occur when supplements are taken in excessive doses, causing abnormally high calcium levels. ODSPortal
Four symptoms that can occur with vitamin D toxicity are:
- Nausea or vomiting — excessive vitamin D can raise blood calcium.
- Extreme thirst and frequent urination — high calcium can cause dehydration and increased urine production.
- Muscle weakness or unusual fatigue — another possible consequence of excessive calcium.
- Confusion or changes in mental alertness — can occur with significant hypercalcemia. ODSPortal+1
Other possible signs include loss of appetite, constipation, kidney stones, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, vitamin D toxicity can cause kidney failure or abnormal heart rhythms. ODSPortal
Should you stop vitamin D?
Don’t automatically stop a prescribed vitamin D treatment because of one of these symptoms. These symptoms have many possible causes. If you take a high-dose supplement and develop several of them, contact a healthcare professional promptly so your calcium and vitamin D levels can be evaluated.
For adults, the usual upper intake level from all sources is 4,000 IU (100 mcg) per day, although doctors may deliberately prescribe higher doses for a limited period when treating a deficiency. ODSPortal
The key distinction is that vitamin D deficiency is harmful too; the goal isn’t to avoid vitamin D, but to use an appropriate dose for your individual needs.
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