Vitamin D toxicity, also called hypervitaminosis D, is a potentially serious but treatable medical condition that occurs when you get too much vitamin D.
Vitamin D toxicity usually results from taking an excessive amount of vitamin D supplements — not from your diet or too much sun exposure. That's because your body regulates the amount of vitamin D produced from sun exposure, and even fortified foods don't contain large amounts of vitamin D.
Although vitamin D toxicity is rare even among people who take supplements, you may be at greater risk if you have health problems, such as liver or kidney conditions, or if you take thiazide-type diuretics. As always, make sure your doctor is aware of any vitamins or supplements you take.
The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), causing symptoms such as:
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Poor appetite
* Constipation
* Weakness
* Confusion
* Heart rhythm abnormalities
* Kidney stones
Treatment of vitamin D toxicity may include stopping vitamin D supplements and restricting calcium intake, as well as taking medication. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
Supplements can be a reasonable way to meet recommended levels — as long as you pay attention to how much you take. The Institute of Medicine currently recommends that children and adults up to age 70 get 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily. The recommendation for adults over age 70 is 800 IU daily.
Finally, keep in mind that doctors may recommend higher does of vitamin D for a short time to treat an underlying medical problem such as vitamin D deficiency. However, such therapeutic doses are given under the care of a doctor.
source: mdinfo
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