That headline is partly based on a real medical issue, but it is misleading. Vitamin D is important and usually safe at recommended doses; toxicity is uncommon and generally results from taking excessive amounts of supplements over time. The main problem is too much calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia). (SPS NHS)
4 symptoms that can signal too much vitamin D
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Excess vitamin D can raise calcium levels, causing nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort and loss of appetite. (SPS NHS)
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination
- High calcium can cause increased thirst and urination and may contribute to dehydration. (ODS)
- Weakness, fatigue or unusual muscle symptoms
- Vitamin D toxicity can cause muscle weakness, tiredness and sometimes bone or muscle pain. (ODS)
- Confusion or abnormal heartbeat
- More severe hypercalcemia can cause confusion and cardiac rhythm disturbances. These symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation. (SPS NHS)
Other warning signs
High calcium associated with excessive vitamin D can also cause constipation, headaches, abdominal pain, kidney stones and, in severe cases, kidney damage or abnormal heart rhythms. (SPS NHS)
Should you immediately stop vitamin D?
Not simply because you have one of these symptoms. These symptoms have many possible causes. If you’re taking a high-dose vitamin D supplement and develop several of these symptoms, contact a healthcare professional and ask whether you need blood tests, particularly calcium and vitamin D levels.
If vitamin D toxicity or high calcium is confirmed, clinicians may instruct you to stop vitamin D supplements and treat the high calcium. (SPS NHS)
For most adults, the general upper limit for vitamin D intake from foods and supplements is 4,000 IU (100 micrograms) per day, although doctors sometimes deliberately prescribe higher doses for vitamin D deficiency for a limited period with appropriate monitoring. (ODS)
Don’t stop a doctor-prescribed vitamin D treatment without discussing it with them, because stopping necessary treatment can allow vitamin D deficiency to return. (nhs.uk)
If you tell me your vitamin D dose (IU), how often you take it, and for how long, I can explain whether that dose is considered low, normal, high, or a medical treatment dose.
