HealthTree Blog

Taking too much of any vitamin can be dangerous. Too much Vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia, which is too much calcium in the blood.

Spending too much time in the sun will not cause Vitamin D toxicity. The body is able to store any excess of the vitamin and use it later. Also, foods that are a good source of Vitamin D do not have an overabundance of the vitamin and will not lead to a toxicity if they are eaten frequently. The only food source that may cause problems is large amounts of cod liver oil and only when taken with a great amount of Vitamin D.

The recommended amount of Vitamin D for adults is no more than 2,000 IU daily. People with kidney or liver problems and those who have tuberculosis are at a high risk for Vitamin D toxicity. Also, if a person takes diuretics they have a higher risk.

Some of the signs of Vitamin D toxicity are weakness, loss of appetite, vomiting and nervousness. In some cases when kidney damage occurs due to vitamin D toxicity it may become irreversible.

The only way to determine vitamin D toxicity is through a blood test. Blood levels greater than 200 nanogram per milliliter indicate toxicity.

To treat vitamin D toxicity, a person must stop taking any vitamin D. If test show that calcium levels are too high, calcium intake is also restricted. Severe toxicity may require the person to be hospitalized where they may receive medications and IV fluids to help lower the levels.

Vitamin D is necessary and getting too much is usually not a problem. With a proper diet and a little unprotected exposure to the sun, a person can get the right amount of vitamin D each day. If a person has any concerns they should speak with their physician.