The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is the accumulation of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia), which can result in nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. The side effects of vitamin D usually take months or years after an overdose to become a problem, although some of the milder side effects, such as vomiting or excessive urination, may be some of the first symptoms to appear. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, which are excreted through the urine when taken in excess, fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) leave deposits in the body. If you flood your body with more than it needs, these vitamins can cause nausea and stomach pain, and can be harmful to the body.4.Because there aren't many foods with naturally occurring vitamin D, many products are fortified with vitamin D.
However, a daily, chronic overdose can result in vitamin D toxicity, a serious medical condition characterized by the side effects listed above. If you take more than 2000 IU of vitamin D a day, be sure to have blood tests every 3 to 6 months to make sure you're not accumulating too much vitamin D in your blood. If a healthcare professional prescribes vitamin D for you, make sure your doctor is aware of all medical conditions and any medications or supplements you're taking. Extremely high levels of vitamin D are harmful and can cause nausea, vomiting, confusion, excessive thirst, and kidney stones.
Vitamin D is normally produced by the skin when exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from the sun, but it can also be found in some vitamin supplements and some foods. Overdosing on vitamin D over months or years can result in a rare but serious condition called hypervitaminosis D. Taking supplements on an empty stomach can cause gastrointestinal (GI) complaints, such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, especially if they contain calcium, vitamin C, or iron, which are particularly prone to irritating the stomach lining. Taking vitamin D supplements in large amounts can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation, due to excess calcium in the blood.
A single overdose of vitamin D will not cause major problems, although there may be problems with the digestive system. Excessive consumption of vitamin D can increase the level of calcium in the blood and cause harmful effects such as fatigue, dizziness, excessive thirst, frequent urination, etc. If you experience any side effects due to vitamin D toxicity, McNeely recommends stopping taking the supplement and avoiding calcium-rich foods, such as dairy, which can contribute to hypercalcemia. Chronic vitamin D deficiency can cause bone weakness, bone fractures, and rickets (in children), and is the leading cause of widespread bone and muscle pain.
Many of the side effects of vitamin D supplements are long-term side effects due to excessive consumption of vitamin D. However, people who are prescribed high doses of vitamin D will have regular blood tests to measure vitamin D and calcium levels and avoid vitamin D toxicity. Many people can benefit from vitamin D supplements, but it's a good idea to talk to their doctor or health professional before taking high doses.
