Vitamins are essential to the body but only when they are provided in a certain amount
While most of us take vitamin supplements without even consulting doctors, we rarely know about the exact dosage of the vitamins. Many people self-prescribe themselves supplements by following research studies and reports, without understanding the entire fact.
Vitamins are essential to the body but only when they are provided in a certain amount. When the required dosage of certain vitamins exceeds in the body, it either gets removed from the body or else results in toxicity.
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Vitamin D is essential for the body
Vitamin D is a unique vitamin as it is synthesized by the skin on exposure to sunlight. It keeps the bones healthy by increasing the calcium absorption capacity of the body. A body deficient in vitamin D has reduced capacity of absorbing calcium and hence leads to bone degradation over time.
Low levels of vitamin D in the body affects the bone first. Lack of vitamin D in kids leads to rickets and in adults it leads to a condition called osteomalacia.
It is therefore very essential to supply vitamin D to the body for absorption of calcium.
Middle-aged man hospitalised due to vitamin D toxicity
Recently, a middle aged man was hospitalized following an overdose of vitamin D or hypervitaminosis D. As per a news report, the patient showed symptoms for three months. He had taken doses of more than 20 over-the-counter supplements every day including vitamins, minerals, nutrients and several probiotic supplements.
The medical tests of the patient confirmed that his body had 7 times more vitamin D than required. His body also had high levels of calcium.
He had recurrent episodes of vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and leg cramps. He also complained of other symptoms like tinnitus, weight loss, frequent thirst and diarrhea, which as per the report did not stop even after he stopped taking the supplements.
What were his symptoms?
He had recurrent episodes of vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and leg cramps. He also complained of other symptoms like tinnitus, weight loss, frequent thirst and diarrhea, which as per the report did not stop even after he stopped taking the supplements.
When does vitamin D pose a threat?
When the level of vitamin D one consumes exceeds the normal dietary recommendation which is between 20 and 40 ng/mL for adults, the essential vitamin turns toxic.
Overdose of vitamin D is both useless and harmful for the body. With less awareness around the exact dose of the vitamin and with so many people actually taking it on their own, the incidence of vitamin D overdose is inevitable.
Why is vitamin D overdose a problem?
Overdose of vitamin D is a problem because this elevates the level of calcium in the body since vitamin D is useful in absorption of calcium and phosphorus- the two elements which are critical for bone health.
It also affects the normal kidney function. Due to high levels of calcium in the body which is a result of the high amount of vitamin D, calcification occurs in the kidney leading to water loss through frequent urination. In severe cases, this also leads to kidney failure.
Signs and symptoms of vitamin D toxicity
Hypervitaminosis D is when the body has more than 100 ng/mL of vitamin D. At this level vitamin D causes more harm to the body than good. The common signs of vitamin D overdose are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Poor appetite
- Irregular bowel movement
- Confusion
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Coma, in extreme cases
- Problem in kidney function