Vitamin D is available in liquid or solid form in almost every drugstore. But can the dietary supplement be overdosed?
Vitamin D is partly produced by our body when exposed to sunlight and partly ingested through food. If the body’s own vitamin D production does not work or is disturbed and not enough is absorbed through food, a deficiency can occur. Vitamin D supplements can help to replenish the stores here. However, nowadays many people take such supplements without demonstrably having too low levels. Can this lead to an overdose of vitamin D?
Is Vitamin D Overdose Possible?
While it’s not possible to get too much vitamin D through diet and sun exposure, it can be through supplements and fortified foods lead to an overdose. Excessive amounts of vitamin D can cause a hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels). The increased calcium levels in the body can manifest themselves in the form of Nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps and vomiting to make noticable. Overdosing on vitamin D over a long period of time can weaken the bones, damage the kidneys or cause abnormal heart rhythms to lead. In the worst case, the effects can even lead to death.
How Much Vitamin D Is Okay?
Because of its harmful effects, vitamin D should never be overdosed. the German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends for children, adolescents and adults 20 micrograms (µg) or 800 international units (IU), if the vitamin is not absorbed through food and sun. For infants between 0 and 12 months, the reference value is included 10 µg or 400 IU.
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Overdose: When does it become dangerous?
the English health authority NHS writesthat children from 11 years as well as adults no more than 100 µg or 4,000 IU per day should take. Children between 1 and 10 years no more than 50 µg or 2,000 IU and infants up to 12 months a maximum of 50 µg or 1,000 IU. Anything beyond that can be harmful to the body. According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER) studies have shown that 1,500 µg or 60,000 IU daily over several months can lead to poisoning. Health experts therefore recommend that you discuss taking vitamin D with a doctor beforehand and have your blood values checked regularly, especially if you are taking high doses.