Vitamin D is used for treating a number of deficiency diseases, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism, and a number of other bodily disorders. Maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D in the body also prevents the occurrence of many conditions that are associated with its inadequacy in the body. However, excess of vitamin D can have adverse effects and side effects on the body, some of which can be pretty serious. Side effects can be symptomized by vomiting, nausea, fatigue, muscle aches, frequent urination, etc.
The daily intake of vitamin D ranges from 1000 IU to 4000 IU depending upon the age of the person who is consuming it. Any dosage above this can be considered as an overdose and should be avoided if it is not taken under medical supervision. Vitamin D overdose takes place by excessive consumption of vitamin D supplements and not by consumption of dietary vitamin D or vitamin D fortified foods.
Side Effects Of Vitamin D Overdose
Hypercalcemia
One of the most common and serious conditions of vitamin D overdose is hypercalcemia, which is excess calcium in the blood. Vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption, and an excess amount of it causes increased levels of calcium in the blood.
Source: http://endocrinesurgery.ucla.edu/patient_education_adm_hypercalcemia.html
Hypercalcemia disrupts the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, endocrine system, musculoskeletal system. It also has adverse effect on bone health. Hypercalcemia is characterized by nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, frequent urination, excess thirst, muscle aches and general fatigue.
Hypercalciurea
Development of hypercalciurea is another common side effect of vitamin D overdose. Hypercalciurea is presence of excess calcium in the urine. Hypercalciurea has adverse effects on the kidneys and the renal system. It results in complications such as impairment of general renal functioning, renal insufficiency and nephrocalcinosis.
Hypervitaminosis D
Hypervitaminosis D is a serious adverse side effect of vitamin D toxicity. It gives rise to a number of conditions such as hypercalcemia and hypercalciurea , and metastatic calcification of the soft tissue, which damage the functioning of a number of bodily organs and their functioning leading to serious consequences to the health and well-being of an individual.
Dehydration, nausea, general muscle fatigue, irritability, and constipation are some of the symptoms of hypervitaminosis D.
Abnormal Creatinine Levels
Vitamin D overdose results in elevated creatinine levels in the body. Creatinine is a chemical compound responsible for muscle and kidney health. High levels of creatinine have adverse effect on the muscle and kidney health.
High levels of creatinine is characterized by low urine output, dark colored urine, swollen face and feet, back pain, general fatigue, headache, confusion or disorientation, loss of appetite and fever. Abnormally high levels of creatinine are a cause of kidney failure.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Some persons suffering from vitamin D overdose have stomach and digesti ve system complications. Excessive vitamin D prevents the efficient absorption of nutrients in the gut, resulting in malabsorption of nutrients.
Particularly vitamin D3 supplements such as cholecalciferol, which regulate the calcium absorption in the gut, adversely affect it when administered in excess in the body.
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