Dangers of Vitamin D overdose: Kidney stones, nausea, vomiting, other health risks

Dangers of Vitamin D overdose: One of the most severe consequences of vitamin D overdose is the risk of developing kidney stones. High calcium levels, resulting from excess vitamin D, can form painful kidney stones (Image: Canva)

If you take vitamin D supplements and wake up feeling more tired than usual, only to find that your appetite has vanished, your muscles feel weak, and you struggle to move around, don't ignore these signs if they persist. They could be early indications of too much vitamin D in your body.

Getting enough nutrients is vital for maintaining a healthy body. Vitamin D is one such nutrient. It helps absorb calcium for strong bones, supports muscle movement, aids in nerve function, and strengthens the immune system to fight off infections. But while vitamin D is essential for these functions, an overdose can lead to a range of troubling symptoms that can put your health at risk.

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According to a dietary fact sheet published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), excessive vitamin D can be harmful. Very high levels of vitamin D in the blood (above 375 nmol/L or 150 ng/mL) can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, confusion, pain, loss of appetite, dehydration, excessive urination, thirst, and kidney stones. In extreme cases, it can lead to kidney failure, irregular heartbeat, or even death. These dangerous levels are usually caused by consuming too many vitamin D supplements. It's important to note that sunlight exposure cannot lead to vitamin D overdose, as the skin limits the amount produced.

Your body naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. This is why it’s often associated with sunny days and outdoor activities. However, there are other sources of vitamin D, including foods like fortified milk, eggs, fatty fish, and cereals. For some people, supplements are also necessary to ensure they’re getting enough, especially if they live in regions with limited sun exposure. While sunlight exposure rarely causes an overdose, other sources like supplements can lead to excess vitamin D in your body.

When taken in high doses, vitamin D can trigger a range of adverse effects that go beyond the benefits. Overconsumption, especially through supplements, disrupts the delicate balance of calcium and phosphorus in your body, leading to a series of uncomfortable symptoms, suggests NIH.

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Check out the potential dangers of Vitamin D overdose:

Nausea: Excessive vitamin D can lead to nausea, causing discomfort and affecting your ability to eat or drink normally. This may worsen other symptoms like fatigue, making it difficult to function throughout the day.

Vomiting: High levels of vitamin D can trigger vomiting, leading to dehydration. This disrupts the body’s balance and can make it even more challenging to maintain proper hydration, potentially leading to further complications.

Muscle weakness: Vitamin D toxicity can result in muscle weakness, impairing your physical movement and ability to carry out everyday tasks. This can reduce overall strength and stamina, leaving you feeling drained.

Confusion: Another side effect of vitamin D overdose is confusion or disorientation. This can severely impact your mental clarity, making it difficult to focus or concentrate. Cognitive function may be affected, impairing your ability to think clearly.

Pain: Pain in various areas of the body, including joint pain and headaches, can occur due to the accumulation of calcium in soft tissues. This can lead to discomfort and affect your daily activities.

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Loss of appetite: High vitamin D levels may reduce your appetite, leading to decreased food intake. As a result, you may experience weakness, fatigue, and a lack of energy, which can worsen the overall impact on your health.

Dehydration: One of the most common symptoms of vitamin D toxicity is dehydration. The body’s fluid balance is disturbed, causing it to lose more water than normal. This can make you feel thirsty and fatigued.

Excessive urination: Excess vitamin D can cause excessive urination as the body works to eliminate excess calcium. This can lead to dehydration, fluid loss, and imbalances in your electrolyte levels, making it harder to stay hydrated.

Thirst: Along with excessive urination, vitamin D toxicity often causes increased thirst. This signals the body’s need for more fluids to compensate for the fluid loss and maintain hydration.

Kidney stones: Probably one of the most severe consequences of vitamin D overdose is the risk of developing kidney stones. High calcium levels, resulting from excess vitamin D, can form painful kidney stones, which may require medical treatment.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.