Man’s death from vitamin D overdose raises alarm over supplements

A man's death from vitamin D toxicity has raised an alarm

The death of a man from vitamin D toxicity has raised alarm bells among experts, with some calling for a complete overhaul of supplement packaging rules.

David Mitchener, 89, was a resident of Surry, UK who died of vitamin D toxicity in May 2023. A test showed his vitamin D levels as 380, the maximum level recordable by the laboratory, as per BBC. Mitchener had been taking vitamin D supplements for at least nine months before his death.

An inquest into his death concluded that he died of vitamin D toxicity, hypercalcaemia, cardiac failure and kidney failure.

Mitchener’s death prompted a Surrey coroner to issue a report on the lack of warnings on supplement packaging.

Jonathan Stevens’ “prevention of future deaths” report says that the supplements Mitchener consumed did not come with any warning as to the dangers of vitamin D overdose, nor about the side effects of excessive intake.

Current packaging also does not have guidance on correct dosage.

The report raised concerns that vitamin D can have “potentially very serious risks and side effects when taken in excess.” It added that the “current food labelling requirements do not require these risks and side effects to be written on the packaging”.

“In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action,” Stevens wrote, according to The Independent.

Vitamin D toxicity can lead to a buildup of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), which is the condition Mitchener was hospitalised with. This calcium buildup can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, frequent urination and other dangerous side effects.