Vitamin D is an essential nutrient most substantially acquired from sunlight. The body requires five to 15 micrograms of vitamin D per day, though the optimal intake is between 25 and 50 micrograms per day. Overdosing on vitamin D is very rare because it is available in a fairly small number of sources, but it can occur when taken in unusually high amounts. Because its primary function relates to the maintenance of calcium in the blood stream, vitamin D overdose symptoms include issues associated with an excess of calcium in the blood.
The primary source of vitamin D is simply sunlight. However, it is impossible to overdose on sunlight alone. Foods rich in vitamin D are few and far between. Fish and fortified milk are just about the only substantial sources of dietary vitamin D. A case of a vitamin D overdose or toxicity is almost certainly too many vitamin D supplements like cod liver oil capsules.
The symptoms of vitamin D overdose can vary from the mild to the severe. The Mayo Clinic reports that the symptoms of vitamin D overdose are generally related to excess calcium in the blood stream, known as hypercalcemia. A series of digestive symptoms of vitamin D overdose may develop including nausea and vomiting, constipation, and a lack of appetite.
As a result of hypercalcemia, another possible symptom of vitamin D overdose is kidney stones. Per the National Institutes of Health, other kidney related symptoms of vitamin D overdose include unusually frequent urination and thirst. In extreme cases, vitamin D overdose symptoms can include long term kidney damage.
When taken in optimal doses, vitamin D is an invaluable nutrient in the body. It is responsible for the body’s ability to absorb calcium and maintaining the levels of calcium and phosphorous in the blood stream, per the National Institutes of Health. It is also important in the regulation of blood pressure. The Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University reports that in addition to its responsibilities in the calcium and phosphorous regulation, vitamin D is a great immune booster. Getting enough vitamin D can help to ward off osteoporosis, hypertension, and autoimmune diseases. It can even reduce the risk of certain types of cancers including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.
Overdosing on vitamin D, also known as hypervitaminosis D or vitamin D toxicity, is a condition caused by taking too many fish oil or vitamin supplements. While vitamin D is an essential nutrient and valuable tool for the immune system, it can cause a series of complications when taken to the extreme. Anyone with questions regarding symptoms of vitamin D overdose or how much they should be taking should consult their doctor.
References:
Hypercalcemia. National Institutes of Health.
Vitamin D. Linus Pauling Institute: Micronutrient Information Center. Oregon State University.
Vitamin D. National Institutes of Health.
Zeratsky, K. Vitamin D toxicity: What if you get too much? Mayo Clinic.
