Vitamin D supplementation is highly recommended during the colder months, especially October through March. However, year-round supplements are not frowned upon unless they lead to toxicity.
A man taking vitamin D supplements will begin to suffer from nausea, among other symptoms. A middle-aged man presented with chest pains, leg cramps, ringing in the ears, dry mouth, increased thirst and weight loss.
“First seeking help from his doctor, the man was soon referred to the hospital, where doctors discovered that he was taking 20 over-the-counter supplements daily. Blood tests showed that he had seven times more vitamin D than the body needs, which in medicine known as hypervitaminosis D. He also had very high calcium levels and slightly elevated magnesium levels,” family doctor Tatiana Zakharova tells MedicForum.
Vitamin D: 3 Specific Warning Signs for Supplement Overdose
People should only take 10 micrograms of vitamin D per day — and no more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU). Children under 10 years old need even less – they should get no more than 50 micrograms of vitamin D (2000 IU) per day. Infants under 12 months of age should not take more than 25 micrograms (1,000 IU) per day.
“Taking too many vitamin D supplements over a long period of time can cause too much calcium to build up in the body” , Zakharova said.
Vitamin D: Overdose Side Effects Explained – Toxicity Warning
Hypercalcemia can weaken bones and damage the kidneys and heart. People with medical conditions, such as the man in this case, may not be able to safely take as much vitamin D as other people.
During the summer months, people should be able to get all the vitamin D they need without supplementation.
People who usually wear clothes that cover most of the skin will also benefit from the safe intake of vitamin D.
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