Pharmacist Warning to Anyone Taking Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an important nutrient, but more is not necessarily better. The main concern is taking high-dose supplements unnecessarily or combining several products that contain vitamin D.
What can happen with too much?
Excess vitamin D can cause too much calcium in the blood. Severe toxicity can lead to nausea, vomiting, weakness, excessive thirst or urination, kidney stones, and, in extreme cases, kidney failure or abnormal heart rhythms.
For most adults, the NIH lists 4,000 IU (100 mcg) per day as the tolerable upper intake level from all sources. However, a doctor may deliberately prescribe higher doses for a limited time to treat a documented deficiency.
Be especially careful if you:
- Take high-dose vitamin D every day.
- Also take calcium supplements.
- Have kidney problems or a history of kidney stones.
- Take certain medicines, including thiazide diuretics.
- Take several multivitamins or supplements that may contain vitamin D.
